.223 AR upper FTE issues

[Jeepeater]

I bought a complete upper from a local shop just outside of Sacramento that will remain nameless for the time being. It is an inexpensive upper built in house purchased new.

I gave it a good cleaning/oiling before my first range trip and had a TON of FTE problems. Every single round had rings imprinted on the front of the casing just before it ramps down to the bullet. Shooting was a colossal PIA as I kept having to clear problems every couple of rounds.

I took the upper back to the shop with a box of spent casings and explained what happened. They claim to have cleaned it and put 80 rounds through with no problems at all. I don't believe that they even shot it. It was absolutely filthy when I picked it up and they had lost all of my paperwork and spent quite a bit of time calling people just to find the upper. Nobody there, not even the guys that took it in could remember the upper's problems or me. They said if it happens again that I need to bring the lower in because they claim my lower is possibly the problem. How? I don't have a clue.

It was given another throrough cleaning/oiling and I cycled probably 100 rounds through it manually without a single mark on any of the brass. I did however have a few FTF. Go figure.

Back to the range I go! 11 shots were good and then the FTE started again with the same ring marks on the brass.

I've been given 2 potential explanations by people. 1-the barrel is scored and the casing is expanding in to the scoring causing the rings. 2-the head spacing is incorrect.

Before I go back to the gun shop again I'd like a bit of feedback as to what could be going on from the good folks here that know an awful lot more than I do about firearms.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

[FeuerFrei]

Based on your picture;
It may need to have the chamber reamed to spec. FTE issue.
Try this upper on another functioning AR and duplicate the issue.

[jeep7081]

delete

[NorCalDustin]

I'd guess head spacing.

+1... I'd bet that checking it really quickly with a head space gauge will determine that or not (I actually own a set, they are very useful).

[VytamenC Tactical]

ok here may be your problem i see this on a few new barrels get your self a .223 ball hone 800 grit and some honing oil. is what happens is alot of new chambers are set up very tight and when the brass fire forms to the chamber it dosent want to eject

check out this web site for ordering info.

http://www.brushresearch.com/brushes.php?c2=183

[Jeepeater]

Update...

I'm cranky.

I took the entire gun and spent casings to Just Guns which is just down the road from me and talked to Greg. He initially thought it was the head spacing and checked everything out for me. He redid the headspacing (it was off), checked the barrel, checked the gas block, checked the buffer spring length and whatever else they needed to. They took it to the range to test it out before giving it back and it still has the same problem. They have no idea why, answered every question I had even though the store was busy and refused to take a cent from me.

While the gun isn't fixed, a pleasant attitude and a willingness to explain what was being done and why goes an awful long way with me.

Now I have to take this upper back to TDS. I'm unhappy and disappointed over how this was initially handled by them and really don't want to go back. However, I bought the upper from TDS and they need to make things right. I'm well aware this isn't a high end precision rifle but it should work and there is no reason why things need to be this difficult.

Other uppers work fine on my lower.

If any local CalGunners want to take a look at it before I head up to TDS next week (probably Thursday) I'd be happy to show my appreciation with beer and a sincere thank you.

Further bulletins as events warrant. I greatly appreciate the input from the board so far as much of this is new to me.

[jerrykn]

How did they fix the headspace?

Jerry

[Jeepeater]

How did they fix the headspace?

Jerry

I'd like to be able to tell you but I honestly don't know. I'm trying to learn as I go. He did say that there was a lot of gunk on the threads that needed to be cleaned up. He also said that something wasn't torqued to the right spec-I believe it was the barrel nut.

[jerrykn]

Some 6.8spc AR's had a problem with either excessive chrome at the junction of the rifling and chamber and/or a burr at that location.
I had a cmmg barrel that had that problem that they replaced.
Mine was showing signs of high pressure.
High pressures can cause the case to stick a bit in the chamber and cause FTE.

Mine took several shots (10 to 20) before the pressures stared to get high. Apparently copper was building up were the rifling starts and it took a few shots before there was enough buildup to cause a problem.
So my thought is you might have a similar issue

I hope you find the problem and post it for reference

Jerry

[Toten Kopf]

I would say that the chamber wasn't cut correctly. Perhaps a damaged/worn chamber reamer caused your problem.

[Jeepeater]

Update...

I dropped the entire rifle off at TDS on Monday. Mandy (manager) was very pleasant to work with.

Today I called to see what the word was. She said the bolt needed to be replaced. They fired the rifle and she said that everything worked as it should.

When I went in this afternoon, Mandy recognized me right away and quickly went to the back to get the rifle for me. Again, she was quite pleasant.

There is a chance that I'll be able to go shooting tomorrow. Consider this issue solved unless I update this thread again.

Thanks to everyone that offered input-it is greatly appreciated.