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Author Topic: AR 223/556 bulging brass help  (Read 6807 times)

Vern357

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AR 223/556 bulging brass help
« on: May 21, 2009, 05:41:10 pm »
Hey guys, need your help.

Just got my first 223/556 ar (my other one was 7.62X39).  I shot 5 rounds of HSM and 5 brand new remington 223.  All 10 cases are bulging near the base of the cartridge.  (One of the HSM rounds actually seperated!)

Is this normal for an AR or should I send it back to the factory?

Vernon


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    JesseL

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    Re: AR 223/556 bulging brass help
    « Reply #1 on: May 21, 2009, 05:46:21 pm »
    That has got to be either a headspace issue or a seriously oversized chamber.

    I'd send it back with those fired cartridges.

    What brand is this gun?
    Arizona

    Vern357

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    Re: AR 223/556 bulging brass help
    « Reply #2 on: May 21, 2009, 05:48:18 pm »
    Ok, dont get on me for it, I know they are hit or miss but up till now have had better luck than most with them.  It is a Vulcan/Hesse.
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    GeorgeHill

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    Re: AR 223/556 bulging brass help
    « Reply #3 on: May 21, 2009, 11:53:54 pm »
    It's probably not the gun.
    I had an Armalite last year that spit out cases that looked EXACTLY like that....
    With HSM ammo.

    Try some other loads before you freak.  If FEDERAL 556 stuff, WWB and Hornady all do the same thing - then you know it's the gun.
    But I think it's the AMMO in this case.  I think the ammo is too hot on the pressure and forcing the bolt to open too soon.  That's what it did to the Armalite.  And it can be the loading is fine as far as charge goes... but it could be a wrong powder or a bullet setback issue that is spiking the pressure because of a weak crimp.
    Clean and Lube the gun properly before you shoot it again.
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    Vern357

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    Re: AR 223/556 bulging brass help
    « Reply #4 on: May 22, 2009, 12:28:24 am »
    Thanks Ogre, will do that!
    My goal is to be +20/-1000 before 2010!

    GeorgeHill

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    Re: AR 223/556 bulging brass help
    « Reply #5 on: May 22, 2009, 12:43:57 am »
    Thanks Ogre, will do that!
    Now if it's doing the same thing with other loads - Then it's the gun.
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    Vern357

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    Re: AR 223/556 bulging brass help
    « Reply #6 on: May 22, 2009, 12:58:04 am »
    Well, its doing it with the remington 223 as well.
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    GeorgeHill

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    Re: AR 223/556 bulging brass help
    « Reply #7 on: May 22, 2009, 01:01:57 am »
    Well, its doing it with the remington 223 as well.
    Hmmm... I didn't catch the Remington bit.
    Have a gunsmith check your chamber.
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    Outbreak

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    Re: AR 223/556 bulging brass help
    « Reply #8 on: May 30, 2009, 01:57:07 pm »
    It is a Vulcan/Hesse.

    When I was doing my research for my first AR, I remember that being one of the brands to avoid. IIRC they have a reputation for building sub-standard guns and then changing the name of the company once people figure it out.
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    Vern357

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    Re: AR 223/556 bulging brass help
    « Reply #9 on: June 01, 2009, 12:18:18 pm »
    That may be others experiance with them, but took it back no problem and quoted me two weeks on a replacement. 
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    LittleLebowski

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    Re: AR 223/556 bulging brass help
    « Reply #10 on: June 01, 2009, 01:12:33 pm »
      Might be firing out of battery.  Cease shooting it and have a good gunsmith check it out.

    JesseL

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    Re: AR 223/556 bulging brass help
    « Reply #11 on: June 01, 2009, 01:15:50 pm »
      Might be firing out of battery.  Cease shooting it and have a good gunsmith check it out.

    Wouldn't that result in the shoulders being blown out or head separations though?
    Arizona

    Vern357

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    Re: AR 223/556 bulging brass help
    « Reply #12 on: June 01, 2009, 01:18:32 pm »
    Sent it back last week along with 3 of the spent casings.
    My goal is to be +20/-1000 before 2010!

    LittleLebowski

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    Re: AR 223/556 bulging brass help
    « Reply #13 on: June 01, 2009, 01:34:24 pm »
    It is a Vulcan/Hesse.

      Fail.

      I can't see the pics but sounds like you're right, Jesse.

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    Re: AR 223/556 bulging brass help
    « Reply #14 on: July 08, 2009, 12:57:41 am »
    Keep us updated on what they tell you.  We're hoping they do right by you.
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