M1A reload ejection issues

[drkphibr]

Having consistent issues (~20% of the time) with reloads on an M1A.

180gr FMJ, CCI or Winchester LRP with 41.5gr of IMR 3031 and brass is meticulously resized (full length), trimmed, deburred/chamfered and then verified in a Wilson 308 case gauge. If there is even the slightest fitting, I shoot it out of an AR 308 w/o issue. Can't say the same on the M1A with reloads that are perfect in the case gauge (both before and after the reload).

Have to use a rubber mallet to get the charging handle back to eject the "stuck" cases. Anyone have any ides?

308 full length dies are Lee and a Forrester small base. Same issue with both on the MIA. ONLY happens on the M1A.

[Toggleme]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaJc_Dl-grw

Although I do not reload for the M1a - i remember seeing this video a few months ago. I hope it helps.

[bcrich]

The heaviest bullet I shoot thru my M1A's is 175g have you tried 150 or 168g bullets? I have always used IMR 4895 and the only extraction issues I've had was when I didn't push the shoulders back far enough, I tried what I do in my bolt guns....which is to minimally push shoulders back .001-.002 to save brass but that didn't work, went back to pushing them .005 and my extraction problems went away. Good luck!

[Jonathan Doe]

I use RCBS Precision Mic for sized cases. I check the chamber size of my rifle, and try to resize the cases the same. Have never had a problem. I have never used the Wilson case gauge. It does not give me actual number reading as far as the chamber and cases are concerned.

[Pete1979]

3031 is too fast, especially with a 180gr bullet. I have used 39.5gr with a 168 but between that and some M118lr, my op rod was banging into the front of the receiver. I got lucky and noticed it before it got hammered too badly. Switch to IMR 4895 or 4064 and try again. Make sure the op rod and gas piston aren't bent.