Spikes Tactical SR-15 (new) FTE; bad brass or something worse?

[subrosa]

Hi All,

Just wanted to post here and see if anyone else had some input on a somewhat sad event today with my brand new ST-15 (complete upper/lower sold as a complete rifle), right off the bat I had a fairly serious FTE that damaged several live rounds and caused a spent shell to become stuck in the bore.

I have attached a photo of the failed shell, it is brand new Remington UMC green box .223 REM.

The range guys got nervous after this FTE and told me that I should pack up and head back to the place I bought it (Gun Vault), which I did, they are currently taking a look at it and should get back to me next week.

Any thoughts? Should I just not use UMC ammo? if not any recommendations? As this is a new rifle, should I use a certain type of ammo for break in? I am a newb to the AR platform, so any advice is much appreciated.

Cheers,

-Paul

[IsaacGlass]

Did you clean and lube the BCG before shooting? Im sure the guys at Gun Vault will take care of the issue.

[subrosa]

Did you clean and lube the BCG before shooting? Im sure the guys at Gun Vault will take care of the issue.

I did put a bit of oil on the entire group, it was new so as clean as one can expect. I did a brief inspection to make sure no debris was in the chamber, bore or barrel. it was a little dry after who knows how long in the shop + my 17 days until it finally hit the range.

I have started reading that these things like to be really wet, which might have added to the problem. I have a couple of bottles of CLP, more liberal application is the order of the day. I think it comes down to the years of "excess oil will gum things up" mentality.

The lack of oil could have caused something to bind up as the BCG moved backwards to chamber a second round, however I am still puzzled at why this would have ripped the brass and not just slipped off of it. I did test the function with a snap cap, but not a live round.

Either way Gun Vault said they would lube it, test it and then let me know how things are looking on Monday.

[Vbp6us]

I did put a bit of oil on the entire group, it was new so as clean as one can expect. I did a brief inspection to make sure no debris was in the chamber, bore or barrel. it was a little dry after who knows how long in the shop + my 17 days until it finally hit the range.

I have started reading that these things like to be really wet, which might have added to the problem. I have a couple of bottles of CLP, more liberal application is the order of the day. I think it comes down to the years of "excess oil will gum things up" mentality.

The lack of oil could have caused something to bind up as the BCG moved backwards to chamber a second round, however I am still puzzled at why this would have ripped the brass and not just slipped off of it. I did test the function with a snap cap, but not a live round.

Either way Gun Vault said they would lube it, test it and then let me know how things are looking on Monday.

Well, how does it look? Did you get it back today?

[LasVegasTaxMan]

Wow, I had this same expirience with a current new build. I took the first shot and it made a different noise, I knew something was wrong. Hoping someone will answer your concerns.

[subrosa]

I called yesterday and they (gun vault) had it on the range, no word yet on potential issues. I will call back tomorrow for an update.

I have always tried to follow the adage that if it doesn't sound right, stop and investigate (after things have cooled off, fm said 15 secs for the ar platform)..

[subrosa]

Got the rifle back today, everything checked out on their end. The best they could say is brass failure and to try it out again this weekend.

I went though the box of brass which contained the failure and found at least one other damaged cartridge.

Should I trust the rest of the cartridges from that box of UMC? They seemed to visually check out. The damaged cartridge was really bad, the case was warped, almost looked like someone forced it into the bore of a gun and bent the crud out of it.

The other two boxes of UMC are from a completely different store, and don't seem to have any visually damaged cartridges.

[swerv512]

lets us know how round 2 goes. i'd be interested to hear how much a difference a wet bolt can have...

[evolixsurf]

I would report that lot # to UMC. Seems like a bad batch

[1988]

Hi All,

Just wanted to post here and see if anyone else had some input on a somewhat sad event today with my brand new ST-15 (complete upper/lower sold as a complete rifle), right off the bat I had a fairly serious FTE that damaged several live rounds and caused a spent shell to become stuck in the bore.

I have attached a photo of the failed shell, it is brand new Remington UMC green box .223 REM.

You can simple try different ammo to see if the FTE goes away.

[pyro3k2]

I had the same issue running PMC, I switch brands and the issue went away.

[dieselpower]

If the chamber was checked and its ok...then its the ammo.

Report the batch # to UMC. Do not use it.

[neal0124]

Isn't Remington brass usually softer than others? That seems to be the case with the 6.8 casings.

[subrosa]

Just to update everyone. I took it back to the range today, soaking wet (more or less) and put about 200 rounds down range.

I am happy to report only one FTF(eed) and it was just one of the standard didn't pop a round off the top of the mag right so a jam occurred. It is possible this was my 10/30 pmag acting up, the c-mag 10 rounders worked perfectly. I am fairly sure the pmag has a anti-tilt follower, might just be a super strong spring due to the 10/30 and being brand new.

I will shoot an email to UMC later, I had a buddy check the rest of that 50 pack and it all seemed good so we put it down range with no issues.

I also put a MOE pistol grip and handguard on the rifle as it is now part of the happy family. Thanks All!