Quick .308 buffer question

[jaymz]

I'm headed to the range this weekend and thinking about sighting in my Saltworks build for hunting season. The problem is that my buffer assembly won't be here until next week. What can I expect to happen, or not to happen, if I use my .223 buffer and spring to shoot a few rounds? Or is it just a bad idea?

[LCU1670]

Think it will slam, dont think its strong enough for the extra power. Can't you borrow one from someone to be safe?

[Victor Cachat]

Nice to have a spare.
Get a cheap one.

[PMACA_MFG]

I wouldn't, a AR10 buffer is about 3/4" shorter than an AR15. Would be suprised if you could strip a round off the mag.

[jaymz]

It function checks fine with the .223 buffer & spring, so length isn't an issue. My main concern is that the reciprocating parts won't slow down enough before they slam the back of the buffer tube. I'll probably just leave it at home if I can't a definitive "it'll be fine".

[FMJBT]

If you run the longer Armalite AR-10 buffer tube, you can run a stock AR-15 carbine buffer in a 308. With that setup, I think you can run a rifle length AR-15 spring as well, but not 100% sure on that part.

[Munny$hot]

If your using a PSA tube a standard H2 buffer will work. If your using a standard AR tube you need the shorter DPMS buffer.

[PMACA_MFG]

Which buffer assembly did you order? Which do you plan on useing? I would be concerned that what you have assembled is too long or too short. Since it functions I'd say it's not too short, but check to make sure the buffer bottoms out against the buffer tube. Not the gas key bottoming out against the lower.

Is this a full size .308 or an AR15/.308 ?

If its a full size 1.187" dia BCG, the wider portion of the BCG would hit the lower, instead of the key.

[baih777]

Wait for the correct parts. What would you think if the buffer slammed back hard enough to pull the buffer tube out of the receiver or just enough to damage the threads. Wait.

[crazychinaman]

dont do it.You can run a regular AR buffer tube,if you use a mr.Slash buffer and .308 spring.The standard buffer tube is 3/4 inch longer in .308 than 556.

[jaymz]

I guess I don't need to worry. Midway said my parts would arrive around 10/05. JP Silent Capture assembly showed up today!

[ar15barrels]

I'm headed to the range this weekend and thinking about sighting in my Saltworks build for hunting season. The problem is that my buffer assembly won't be here until next week. What can I expect to happen, or not to happen, if I use my .223 buffer and spring to shoot a few rounds? Or is it just a bad idea?

What length buffer tube are you using?

[jaymz]

Rifle length.

[ar15barrels]

Rifle length.

Put your 223 rifle buffer in the gun.
Put a magazine in the gun.
Pull back on the charging handle and see if the bolt catch will hold the bolt back with the bolt catch in FRONT of the bolt lugs.
If it does, check if you can get an extra 1/4" of rearward travel BEHIND the bolt catch.
That's the bolt carrier travel that you need for the bolt to pick a cartridge up from the magazine.

I will be surprised if you have enough bolt carrier travel with a normal AR-15 rifle buffer in a standard rifle length buffer tube as a 308 carrier normally needs an extra 5/8" of travel.

Whatever you do, don't put a CARBINE buffer in a rifle tube and fire it.
The gas key will strike the charging handle at speed and rip out the area of the receiver that the charging handle latches into.

[jaymz]

With the AR15 rifle buffer & spring, the bolt catch will hold the bolt open, but won't go back significantly enough to strip off a round. I guess that would be ok for shooting a few rounds to zero a scope, but thankfully my .308 buffer assembly got here early and I don't need to worry about it.