7.62x39 barrel problem

[pappydan]

I had a 7.62 x39 SOTA barrel that after a year i finally got around to using on a build, and, I encountered a problem I have never had. During function testing I had to use the forward assist to chamber the rounds. When I was doing this one of the rounds became stuck in the chamber. I was unable to pull the charging handle hard enough to clear the round. I used a wood block and tapped on the charging arm and the bolt finally came back and cleared the round. But, the case only came out and the bullet was still in the chamber throat. Does this sound like a throat sizing problem to you guys. I don't have headspace gauges for this caliber and a properly sized case chambers fine. Ive built quite a few 223 and 300 aac rifles with nothing like this ever happening. If the problem is in the throat is it possible to polish out the problem? I didn't see any abnormalities with the scope. Don't wanna spend a crapload of money on this since it's gonna be a lead slinger and not a precision piece just a cheap AR build from spare parts.

[baih777]

I would mark a round with a marker and chamber it again to identify where the problem is first. It will be cheaper to send it back to the mfg if they say they can fix it.

[ar15barrels]

A bullet getting stuck in the throat while chambering most likely means that the throat is too short, or that the bullet is too large.
Being as it's a sota arms barrel (known issue), we can guess it's more likely the barrel.
An uncoated stainless barrel can have the throat extended to solve the problem.

[frahuang]

Try clean and lube the barrel if you haven't already. Also try different brand of bullet. I had the same thing happened once before due to the bullet which was a cheap reload...

[divingin]

You say you properly sized cases to test; sort of implies you're using reloads?

The stuck bullet means that it hit something in the chamber or just forward of it. Scrub the chamber with a brush and solvent to get any crud out. The stuck bolt was from the neck tension holding the brass in place.

Double check the COAL (cartridge over all length) on your loads (may not be necessary if you're loading to mag length.)

If you want to do it right, use something like the Hornady/Stoney Point OAL gauge and see how long the cartridge can be loaded with that bullet before jamming the bullet into the rifling. Set your COAL to a bit under that.

If none of that works, I'd think about casting the chamber and breaking out measurement tools on the plug in order to see exactly what's wrong.

[oc16]

I see your problem you tried to make your ar 15 into a ak 47 buy a ak and ditch the ar problem solved.

[pappydan]

I was using 3 different factory ammos...I used some dye on the bullet and after a few in and outs I was able to see how much of the throat needed reaming . Wrapped some 400 grit around a cleaning rod until it measured .308, and reamed it a little at a time until the round would come out when i bumped it upside down on the bench. Polished the chamber and throat with 600 lapping compound. feels good smells good looks good. Chambers and ejects ok. Gonna call it a day.

[pappydan]

I see your problem you tried to make your ar 15 into a ak 47 buy a ak and ditch the ar problem solved.

Got an ak.....Gonna trade this for a bag of rocks or sumpin

[oc16]

Got an ak.....Gonna trade this for a bag of rocks or sumpin

I am dying XD

[russ69]

....An uncoated stainless barrel can have the throat extended to solve the problem.

...Wrapped some 400 grit around a cleaning rod until it measured .308, and reamed it a little at a time until the round would come out when i bumped it upside down on the bench...

AR15Barrels usually has it right and he did this time also. OP, I would not have done this with a good barrel because I'm pretty sure it isn't one now. Abrading the throat is something you don't want to do for fear of abrading the leade rifling that is so important to accuracy.