Problems with 223 reloads?

[freds951]

Didn't see too much on the topic but has anyone had numerous failures (ie. FTFs, stovepipes, etc.) when using reloads? Just went to Burro Canyon to go through a box (250 box really) of reloads from a local shop (not small shop either) and encountered some anxiety-inducing stovepipes , FTFs, and even crimped cases. Luckily enough, I had another 100 rounds of Federal AE Walmart variety ammo and fed and shot without any issues.

I am new to ARs but not firearms in general. Are tolerances that bad for some reloads that it would induce classic Type 1 and Type 2 malfunctions in almost 90% of the magazine and that box of ammo?

Thanks for any tips!

[D.carden]

Got any specs on the reload..?????

Sounds like they need more (ummph) powder.....!!!!!
Light loads can do that.... Lube the BCG sufficiently also.!!!!!! A dry gun doesn't help either....

[freds951]

Seemed like a garden-variety store reload, 55gr FMJ came 250 in a white cardboard box. BCG was heavily lubed and ran like a charm with Federal loads. I was more anxious about the misfeeds and jams on charging the rounds (had like 8-10 of those, to the point some bullets were pushed INTO the cartridge).

Again thanks for any tips and just wanted to see if its operator error or if some tolerances were just "not to spec".

[D.carden]

Hmmmm.... Could be the cases weren't sized properly.

[Bobby Hated]

is your rifle carbine midlength or rifle length gas?

most store reloads are made for carbines and in some cases dont properly cycle rifle length systems.

[freds951]

carbine length gas.....and thanks D.carden and Bobby....just really odd that the Federal stuff worked just fine without any hiccups.

[fabguy]

tagged for later (info)

[bohoki]

yea pull a bullet and weigh a charge that is the way to be stingy they chant really cheap out on the bullet or primer as they were probably the cheapest 55 gn and small rifle primers are always the cheapest

i did some experimenting with ramshot tac and tried 23 gn 20 gn 18 gn and 16 grain
and they all felt approximately the same recoil wise you would probably have to be down to 13 grain to not function the action

[Pete1979]

Ive had light loads not cycle properly when using 748. same die setting and a grain more powder fixed em right up.

[jonzer77]

Seemed like a garden-variety store reload, 55gr FMJ came 250 in a white cardboard box. BCG was heavily lubed and ran like a charm with Federal loads. I was more anxious about the misfeeds and jams on charging the rounds (had like 8-10 of those, to the point some bullets were pushed INTO the cartridge).

Again thanks for any tips and just wanted to see if its operator error or if some tolerances were just "not to spec".

If the bullet is seating back in the case that is a big no no. I would pull them apart and use the bullets and cases for your own reloads but I wouldn't shoot anymore. If the bullet seats back then that will up the pressure and can cause major damage to you and your gun. Lesson learned, never shoot anyone else's reloads in your own gun.

[grant22]

If you'd like, I can take the remainder of unused cartridges, pull them apart and see what weight the load is, and reload them with an appropriate weight.

I wonder if this reloader was possibly tryng to save a buck by scimping on the powder.

[freds951]

thanks for all the help guys, gonna go take it up with the reloader this week and see what was the deal.

special thanks to the guys with the offers, nice to see a good bunch of calgunners looking out for each other!

[grant22]

Please be sure to let us all know how it goes and what the results are.

[ireload]

Hmmmm.... Could be the cases weren't sized properly.

I second this assesment. I've had this problem when I initially reloaded for my AR but also check the crimp on the ammo if there's that's been applied. Too much can bulge enough just below the shoulder tha can cause failure to chamber.

[Californio]

I started this tread

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=547037

For new users of AR's and new reloaders this device helped my buddy.

Click on the 7 hole checker, they have them for .223 and 5.56 chambers.