223 Reloads or AR15 problem? (PICS ADDED)

[MaHoTex]

Went to the range yesterday and brought 2 of my ARs. (One is an 18" the other is 20")

One uses mid-length gas system, other is a rifle length...

I was shooting reloads, 26Gr Varget behind a 55gr BT. I did not try any factory ammo, as I really want to get this operating correctly with my reloads.

The Mid-Length gas operated rifle was closing the bolt on the middle of my brass while trying to chamber a new round. I did not have any problems with my rifle length rifle.

Where do I start with this problem? Should I try and replace the weights in the rifle, spring, different powder?

It appears that even when it does chamber a round, there is a very slight dent/mark on brass (about 3/4" to 1") from the bottom of the case.

[spareparts]

Does it look like this (except in an AR of course)?

[MaHoTex]

It is hard for me to see what is going on in the picture, but it looks like the bullet is sideways in that picture. I am not seeing that in my AR.

The spent round is ejected, the new round is at an angle. The bullet is pointed in the correct direction (into the barrel. The primer end is aligned correctly (L to R of centerline.) It gets trapped so that the bolt does not appear to be catching the end of the bullet or something. I wish I had a picture to post. The primer side is pressed down against the magazine, the bullet end is aligned in the barrel and the bolt is closed on the middle of the brass of the bullet.

[PyroFox79]

Did you try different magazines?

[MaHoTex]

I used 4 ProMAGS, but I did not try my other CMGs (I think that is what they are called.)

I simulated it in my shop and got some images. I just need to figure out how I can post them...

[AeroEngi]

Could be short stroking? Maybe using a hotter load might work. Does the rifle operate normally when using factory loads?

[Low-Pressure]

It could be the magazine and it can be your re-loads. You need to try different loads with that magazine and that load with a different magazine.
Try to load some loads that has less powder and some that has a little more.

[MaHoTex]

26 gr of Varget is all I can get in the case and it works on my other rifle. I did not try factory rounds this trip, was all reloads. I do not think this happened on my last trip out... Seems odd to me. Wishing I had a high speed camera now...

[818gtiguy]

Try different mags. Get some PMAGS.

[ireload]

I agree with others regarding trying a different magazine.

[sevensix2x51]

did you fire the last round in the magazine, and if so, did it hold the bolt open? how about the bullet, is it cannelured? did you crimp it in, and/or did the bullet set back when it jammed from perhaps the feed ramps? i would try some new mags as well, and fire a single round to see if your bolt is going back far enough to hold open. if you have some, bring some m193 along and see if it runs them. good luck!

[BajaJames83]

def looks like a mag problem! or there might be something wrong with the gas system. from the sound of it your load should be fine. did you assemble the rifle yourself?
hopefully you try a different mag and it solves the problem.

[artichokie]

Is every round not chambering?

I had a similar issue, but it only happened on the 2nd or 3rd to last round in my magazine. I concluded it was a magazine problem. The round was tilted and didnt catch when the bolt moved back to battery. this resulted in the bolt closing on a halfway loaded round.

[killshot44]

It's not likely to be your ammo. That's a known load.

Try switching the Lower from the 20" to the 18". If it works then I'd look at the Lower/Bolt Catch/Magazine interaction.
If it doesn't work, it "could" be a gas issue with the Middy.

Are these new (to you) Uppers/Rifles?
Worked before?

[5.56Geo]

What is the C.O.A.L. on your reloads?