AR Not Extracting with 25.0 AA2230

[Grump]

55-gr FMJBTs, BTW.

This load is .5 gr off of published max and chronos at 90+ degrees between [edit out-->2170] 3170 [sorry!] and 3220, and shows the same primer signature as USGI M193 ball, so I don't think it's too hot.

BUT, the cases are staying in the chamber 1-2 per magazine and are NOT really sticky with the cleaning rod removal bit. Cases are showing the extractor snapping off the rim, leaving enough of a "slope" on the engagement surface that dropping the bolt and retracting again works to clear the chamber less than half the time...So tried single-loading and sometimes the empty case would lie on top of the magazine, extracted but not ejected.

Am I looking at a squirrelly rifle that won't work with AA2230 in this load, or should I be looking at the load itself?

Similar loads with AA2230C worked just fine.

 

[Adventurer_96]

Just a quick question, are you saying that the spread on this load is 1050 fps or did you mean 2170fps? I'm guessing the latter...

 

[flynlr]

whoa! using the same 2230 but 24.5 and 55gr FMJBT and lake city brass that I sized and checked with a case gauge. 0 problems what so ever.

I would double check you sizing of the brass and the extractor and spring.
on your rifle.

 

[GunTech]

What brass are you using? My standard load is 25.5gn 2230 in WW brass with 52gn SMK. If military brass, you may need to back off a bit. Is you extractor clean and sharp? Chamber clean?

I think I'd try a new extractor first, if there are no signs of high pressure.

 

[nitesite]

I handload .223 a lot, and have used AA2230 with good success. I also have a chronograph. What you are describing puzzles me.

I've never had velocities as low as your 2170-fps from my AR. Nor have I ever measured 3220-fps as a high for 25.0 grains of AA2230 from my 20" barrel.

I have a suspicion that you have an extractor problem.

But your extreme spread of velocities is very strange to say the least.

 

[Big_R]

That's the very load I use with military brass in my AR and bolt guns with no problems whatsoever. I think there is a mechanical issue with your rifle. That velocity spread seems strange as I get consistent velocities ~3000 fps in my AR and 3150 in my bolt guns.

Ryan

 

[Grump]

Lake City and USGI WCC brass, mostly. See edit on the velocity. Sorry about that. Am still sorting out brass with inexplicably loose case necks--resized, the bullet just drops in on top of the powder charge. Checked some for cracks by seating .30 caliber bullets after rejecting the cases, and they never split. Anyway, I think the lower velocities occasionally showing up (@ 90 fps lower than most) are those.

Anyway, how much pressure should it take on the rear of an AR extractor to make it start moving?

 

[Grump]

Update

Based on how the replacement extractor spring is behaving, the Colt unit was WAY WEAK!

Ready to test fire. Hurry up, Saturday!!!