Reloads short-cycle/jam in AR15?

[sbwaters]

Hi, all . . .

I have started reloading for my new AR15. Have shot perhaps 100 different rounds, commercial and various weight and style reloaded bullets using Hodgdon H335.

I have had two different instances when a light load (21.6 gr) Hornady 68 gr HPBT .223 (2.250 OAL) fires, the bolt rams the next cartridge into the side of the chamber, pushing the bullet back into the brass, jamming the gun and spilling powder over the chamber.

I could think of two reasons why that might happen:

1) The load isn’t powerful enough for the gas to fully cycle the bolt.
2) Since I put a Caldwell brass catcher on the side, it might not have been properly positioned and the first fired brass caught on the brass catcher before it was fully ejected, getting in the way of the second round.

Thoughts, suggestions, or advice?

 

[bandw1dth]

Literally ran into this last night. But I was using an upper that had its gas block calibrated for load + lighter buffer than the H2 I run in my SBR. It kept short stroking like a mother. Didn't have bullet set back though as I using the Lee FCD to apply a slight crimp to rounds for my auto loaders. After you get done loading a round up bounce the nose off a table a few time and then measure OAL. If it's shorter you need more neck tension or a slight crimp to prevent bullet set back when it comes into contact with the feed ramps.

If your using the Caldwell brass catcher with the Velcro, get rid of it and get the rail mounted one. The Velcro has caused me nothing but problems.

Once you've got that squared away..

What weight buffer are you using? Try a lighter buffer, or if your running an adjustable gas block open it up a few more clicks.

I just picked up some 69gr Sierra Match Kings and H335 is my powder of choice so I'm very curious as to what your outcome is gonna be.

Keep us updated, and remember no pictures, it didn't happen! Good luck Sir!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Cheesemaker]

Change one thing at a time.

Take the brass catcher off. Try again.

If the condition persists, try bumping your load up - or, as bandw1dth suggested, a different buffer or if your block is adjustable - adjust it.

Carbine length gas system?

 

[Mike44]

I had the same troubles with velcro attached brass catcher

I can't speak to your load as I use a different powder, but I had the same experience as bandw1dth with a velcro attached brass catcher. I could not set the rifle down on either side without causing jams, I even got jams without setting the rifle down as brass would bounce back intro the ejection port. I switched to the Caldwell rail attached brass catcher and it works like a charm. I have a left handed Stag AR and the Caldwell unit fits perfectly, so I know it is good for either left or right handed ARs

 

[sbwaters]

Thnx.

Not sure the rail mount will fit with my scope mount. Might try the tripod mounted version so I could use it with my handguns.

Carbine length gas system?

Mid-length. 18" barrel.

 

[RussellC]

Hi, all . . .

I have started reloading for my new AR15. Have shot perhaps 100 different rounds, commercial and various weight and style reloaded bullets using Hodgdon H335.

I have had two different instances when a light load (21.6 gr) Hornady 68 gr HPBT .223 (2.250 OAL) fires, the bolt rams the next cartridge into the side of the chamber, pushing the bullet back into the brass, jamming the gun and spilling powder over the chamber.

I could think of two reasons why that might happen:

1) The load isn’t powerful enough for the gas to fully cycle the bolt.
2) Since I put a Caldwell brass catcher on the side, it might not have been properly positioned and the first fired brass caught on the brass catcher before it was fully ejected, getting in the way of the second round.

Thoughts, suggestions, or advice?

Recently I have been loading H335 for .223/5.56. Using a 55 grain FMJ, 2.20 OAL, 24.5 grains powder, they function perfectly. I also use the Caldwell brass catcher, not the inexpensive one with a loop, but the one with the frame that attaches to a piece that goes on the rail.

Gun is a M forgery, with 16 inch barrel, carbine length gas tube. This gun functions all the commercial ammo I have fed it, and all the reloads I have tried...besides H335, also used 322, BL C2, 748, and maybe a few others. Never jammed yet. Most surprising as the gun I speak of was the first AR I ever built!

Lee dies, LeeClassic Turret Press press, Lee Auto Drum powder measure, Dillon scale for checking things.

Russellc

 

[RussellC]

I can't speak to your load as I use a different powder, but I had the same experience as bandw1dth with a velcro attached brass catcher. I could not set the rifle down on either side without causing jams, I even got jams without setting the rifle down as brass would bounce back intro the ejection port. I switched to the Caldwell rail attached brass catcher and it works like a charm. I have a left handed Stag AR and the Caldwell unit fits perfectly, so I know it is good for either left or right handed ARs

Yep, same one I used, works perfectly mostly....once in a while it will work its way a little loose and a brass will slip out. No biggie, its right at your feet. Mine functions jam free. Nice catcher for the money. Wish the netting was a little more heatproof. I have never had a brass melt through, but I have had a few slightly attached to the net because of slight melting.

Russellc

 

[sugarmaker]

Oil/grease on the recoil spring can cause issues similar to those described.

 

[sbwaters]

Didn't have bullet set back though as I using the Lee FCD to apply a slight crimp to rounds for my auto loaders. After you get done loading a round up bounce the nose off a table a few time and then measure OAL. If it's shorter you need more neck tension or a slight crimp to prevent bullet set back when it comes into contact with the feed ramps.

Checked the bullets. I have not crimped them, but I can’t press the bullet back.

I have a different brass catcher coming tomorrow so I’ll try that next time I'm out.

If it is still a problem, I'll check the buffer spring.

Thank you all for the advice.

 

[readyeddy]

I would stop running light loads unless you wanted a pure range gun. If want to practice for self defense or hunting, then start shooting more powerful loads and the cycling problem should go away.

 

[carbine85]

Your load is light. I sometimes use 69 gr bullets with H335 safely at 22.5 grains of powder.
Lubricate your rifle, check the OAL of the cartridge.

 

[sbwaters]

On the range last night I shot the sweetest 1/2 inch group at 100 years with no problems. Used the Caldwell brass catcher that is a self-standing basket. The velcro one is going into the trash can.

Shot about 25 rounds of Hornady 68gr HPBT using 21.6 gr H335 at 2.250 OAL. Clean shooting. Moderate recoil. I am happy.

Thank you all for your help.

P.S. I blame the 200 yard group on my eyes and stance. I’ll get better.