Cases getting stuck in my AR-15!!

[newguy101]

I recently started having a problem with my 223 reloads. I was at the range and 4 out of 50 rounds got stuck in the ar chamber. After the first one it looked like the bolt was not even closing. Once one of these is stuck in the chamber the only way I can get them out is by hitting the stock on the ground while pulling the charging handle.

I've made about 400 without incident. Then this problem started happening. I just made 5 and all 5 got stuck. (I'm checking them by cycling them through my ar without the firing pin.

I'm using a single stage to deprime and a lee 1000 to charge and seat the bullet.
I'm using hornady 55g FMJ with TAC (24.5g).
My COL is 2.20-2.197.
All of my brass is shorter than 1.760.

Thanks.

[stevec223]

Adjust your sizing die down 1/8 of a turn and check fit again .. Save the 5 cases to measure difference with newly sized brass to check difference... Chees...

[koehn,jim]

Have you measured the diameter of the brass, is the chamber clean.

[kentactic]

If your beating a standard AR style collapsible stock on the ground its going to break very soon. They break 95% of the time from a couple drops from a few feet.

[elhefe50ss]

do you use a factory crimp ? if so if too much crimp can push the shoulders out o the neck causing this

[Branden967]

I had a similar problem with excess lube on the case's. I had Hornday one shot on there and after a couple of rounds that stuff gummed everything up. I now always tumble for 15-30 minutes after I make the rounds.

(Not trying to start a tumbling loaded bullet is bad thread.....its just what I do.)

[Goesfaster]

I would suggest 2 things from similar experience. First check the sizing die..adjust as needed, second invest in a case gauge. This will let you check the cases for fit and function before trying to cycle them in the gun and buggering up your rifle.
All your reloading specs sound good to go so verify sizing dies first.

[bitethebullet]

Like said above...bump the shoulder a bit and it shouldn't happen anymore. Ran into the same problem on occasion with my LR308. I found that the locking ring on the die wasn't completely tight and would back out just enough to effect a few rounds every session.

[LMTluvr]

I would suggest 2 things from similar experience. First check the sizing die..adjust as needed, second invest in a case gauge. This will let you check the cases for fit and function before trying to cycle them in the gun and buggering up your rifle.
All your reloading specs sound good to go so verify sizing dies first.

This.
If you're reloading for a semi auto the case gauge will make life easy.
Whether a sizing issue, over crimping, etc... Finding out right then and there vrs. At the range and subsquently determining you loaded a number of faulty rounds.. You get the picture.

[waxer]

As a couple people already suggested, get a case gauge. That will tell you what is going on w/o involving your rifle.

I use a Dillon and have had 0 issues reloading .223 for all 3 of my AR's.

http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p/9/pid/25547/catid/3

[Dutch Henry]

^^^+1 on the Dillon case gauge.

[newguy101]

First off, I want to say thank everyone who replied. Any and all information is appreciated.

I have already ordered a case gauge.(good tip)

Steve, I adjusted the die down. However, the the die was already touching the shell holder so im not sure it made a difference. I didn't notice one when i measured them.

Koehn, I cleaned the chamber of 2 of my ar's and they still had issues. I did a few measurements.





elhefe, I am not using a factory crimp.

Goes faster and bitethebullet, I'm not sure i know how to adjust the shoulder or what I'm checking for on my sizing die.

[Altahick]

even though the sizing die is already touching the top of the ram, adjusting the die by 1/8 of a turn will affect the shoulder. try adjusting by an 1/8 turn until chambers nice.

[bsumoba]

even though the sizing die is already touching the top of the ram, adjusting the die by 1/8 of a turn will affect the shoulder. try adjusting by an 1/8 turn until chambers nice.

^ this.

I actually touch my shellholder and turn the die another 1/4 turn. It may not seem logical but does it bump the shoulder back more. I have a wilson case gauge and make sure they all pass the case gauge test.

I just make this a habit in general to have case gauges, especially for semi-autos like my .308 or .223.

[stevec223]

To turn the die down more when its already touching the shellholder,,, you have to lower the shellholder away from the die,,, then adjust the die down... I mark the die with a sharpie pen ,,,so rotating it is marked like a clock...This is called cam-over... When its done you can feel at the bottom of your handle stroke-- in the last inch or two--- a "dah dunk " to get the handle to the bottom of its full stroke... This will push the shoulder of the case back and size further down the case... If your only getting a few cases out of a hundred that wont chamber,,, work the die down by 1/8 of a turn at time... Your close so do one case at a time and check it in your chamber ...if it dosent easily go in, do another 1/8th turn down on the die... With a chamber guage you dont have to use your rifles chamber... Much more convient !!...Your close and i hope you get spot on !!! Merry Christmas and cheers !!!