Reloads not fully chambering

[jkgts1]

Like it says. I'm reloading 223 for my AR. I have been reloading these for 4 yrs never had this problem, and have not changed anything. So, some rounds wont fully chamber, seems like the cases were not sized properly, like maybe the die backed out over time. But I have a Dillon case gauge and it fits in there just fine. Is it something obvious if it is i'm going to feel silly. Suggestions?

[hambam105]

Maybe a mouse got into your powder.

[bruce381]

dirty chamber?

[ocabj]

Did you accidentally mix bullets and some of them are seated too long for your chamber?

[jkgts1]

Same bullets so it shouldnt be that. Mouse poop unlikley but I do have mice around. I just cleaned the chamber out hopefully that fixed it.

[damndave]

If it fits in the case gauge fine, it is something with the rifle. Probably a gunked up chamber.

[ExtremeX]

Give the chamber a good cleaning and inspection...

I would also check the die settings and verify the amount of shoulder bump those cases.

The gauge is a good tool, but isn't an exact representation of your chamber. Using a comparative measurement to check cartridge headspace might be worth your time.

On another line of thought, did you change your shell holder?

[ireload]

Also check your crimping die if you do crimp your rounds. Too much or just a tad much can cause chambering problem.

[rsrocket1]

Use a magic marker to completely color a round that won't chamber. Take the firing pin out of your bolt carrier then try to chamber the round again. See where the magic marker ink has rubbed off. There's your problem. From that point, you can get a better idea of what you need to fix.

[Motor Man]

I had this happen a couple days ago to 1 round out of 50 I had loaded. I noticed that my seating die had loosed slightly while loading. I retightened it and double checked the seating on the last few rounds but must have missed one. This one round was slightly too long resulting in the bullet contacting the lands and not letting the bolt close.

[J-cat]

Really? They fit in the mag but were too long for your AR's chamber?

[jkgts1]

So i did a good cleaning and it seems to have solved the issue. I dont shoot that much maybe 30-40 rounds each trip, and i skipped the last cleaning. I guess that was enough to cause a problem. Or maybe some other contaminant got in there. Well thanks for the replies.

[Motor Man]

Really? They fit in the mag but were too long for your AR's chamber?

If you are referring to my post, wasn't an AR but was in a bolt gun. Guess I missed the part of this happening in an AR. Never mind.

[mark501w]

You might look @ small base sizing . My old gun I can run hundreds of rounds threw it with no cleaning . The current one FL sizing is tight right from the start. Going back to SB sizing.