Need diagnostic help; unfired cartridge "sticking" in chamber

[Simi-audamadik]

I recently finished assembling my new 16" build. I'm using a Joe Bob Outfitters Spartan 15 billet upper and lower, WMD bolt carrier group (the polished NiB setup), a Radical Firearms 16" Government contour barrel (1:7), and a standard charging handle. I took it to the range this past weekend for the first time. I set it up on a bipod, pulled the charging handle rearward, and when I pulled the trigger, a distinct "click"; NO BANG! Pulled the charging handle back, a round came out of the chamber. I examined it, no strike mark on primer. The rifle appeared to be in battery, pulled the trigger again, "click." This time, I had to bang the butt on the table while trying to move the charging handle to the rear to get the live round out. The round finally comes out, no strike mark and no marks on the side of the brass. The only marks were on the case head from the extractor. Third round, same as the second, bang butt on table to get live round out after click. I swapped the BCG with the Radical Firearms NiB group from my pistol and the rifle went bang every time.

Tonight, I put the WMD BCG into my pistol and pulled the charging handle back. A round went in the chamber and the BCG appeared to be in battery; can't test fire cause I'm at work. I pulled the charging handle back, live round comes out and fresh one goes in. I go to do it again, and the bolt won't come rearward. I had to bang the butt on the bumper to get the charging handle to release and kick out the live round. UGH!! The test tonight was with different ammo; Hornady TAP. The ammo from Saturday was a generic white box (not Winchester) and I don't remember if there was even a brand on it. Everything is lubed up good with Cherry Balmz Black Rifle Balmz. I tried the WMD BCG in my pistol on Saturday and it went click in the pistol as well. I've taken the BCG apart and it is put together correctly, lubed, and the firing pin seems to protrude through the bolt face as far as the firing pin in my Radical BCG. I've made sure there is nothing obstructing the bolt face or lodged in it. I haven't been around the AR platform long enough to do a diagnotic per se, it just seems to be an issue with the WMD BCG. Anyone else ever have this problem? Any suggestions? (other than return the BCG) Is it simply a break in problem? I'm lost and starting to get frustrated. TIA for any help/suggestions.

Later!

Simi

[Naytwan]

Any photos of the bolt and carrier?

[Simi-audamadik]

Unfortunately, at this time, no. Would need to do that when i get off work.

Later!

Simi

[WHSmithIV]

Do you have a go/no go head space gauge? Since the bolt from the pistol is working fine, this sure sounds like a problem with the bolt or BCG assembly. I recommend you contact WMD and let them know. Most likely they'll have you send the BCG back to them so they can check it and if they find something wrong, they will certainly replace it.

[Deadwing]

Will beat me to it. Sounds like a headspace issue. If the bolt is out of spec enough, it won't go fully in to battery, hence not even a light primer strike. I'd swap the bolt from once carrier in to the other, just to confirm it's the bolt not the carrier. I have had an out of spec carrier (cam track was cut wrong) where no matter what bolt i put in it, it would not go fully in to battery and required mortaring the gun to get the BCG un-stuck.

[Simi-audamadik]

Thanks guys. Bout to leave work and will try that when I get home.

Later!

Simi

[Simi-audamadik]

Woohoo! The bolt must be the problem. Swaped them and the WMD BCG worked like a champ on a manual cycle and the sticking started with the Radical BCG. So, I guess now it's time to call WMD. THANKS GUYS!

Later!

Simi

[Former11B]

Woohoo! The bolt must be the problem. Swaped them and the WMD BCG worked like a champ on a manual cycle and the sticking started with the Radical BCG. So, I guess now it's time to call WMD. THANKS GUYS!

Later!

Simi

Can't test fire at work??? Are they against an innocent Desk Pop???


Kidding, but I'd still find someone who can check the headspace with some gauges. The other bolt may work but it might be squeaking by the very limit of tolerances

[Gaspipeshooter]

This might seem like a "so obvious it's dumb" piece of advice, but you might also want to check to make sure your ammo and chamber are compatible. A .223 chambered barrel and 5.56 ammo I've seen that same issue.

[rob_s]

I have never heard of any of those companies, and therefore attribute the issue to same.

[UWone77]

I have never heard of any of those companies, and therefore attribute the issue to same.

There is a lot of be said about this statement.

Did you generously lube? Check headspace and magazines?

[Former11B]

I've heard OF them but not ABOUT them, which I think is a big difference

[DutyUse]

WMD were the guys that splintered off Failzero to start their own NiB company if my memory serves me. No experience with their products however.

[six8]

WMD were the guys that splintered off Failzero to start their own NiB company if my memory serves me. No experience with their products however.

Yup


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Simi-audamadik]

Can't test fire at work??? Are they against an innocent Desk Pop???

In my previous experience, most LEO command staff are slightly narrow minded when it comes to bullet holes in the ceiling, floor, or furniture; especially since we're in temp housing due to construction. Now, if I'd've had my suppressor, there are safe places nearby that could've handled said test fire and nobody would've been the wiser.

Ammo - the stuff I was using Saturday was marked 5.56. The Hornady TAP I was using last night is marked .223. The problem occurred with both.
Mags - I used at least two different PMAGs.
Lube - both BCGs were well lubed with Cherry Balmz Black Rifle grease.

I have not personally checked the headspace; I do not possess the necessary tools. However, my pistol was "assembled" by the guys at Radical Firearms and they used go/no go guages on it. My rifle was "assembled" by the same people. I did not specifically ask, but assumed they used the guages on it as well.

I spoke with one of the guys from WMD this morning. He suggested getting the headspace checked and that the bolt might need to be "fitted" to the barrel. They will check the headspace and perform any needed gunsmithing for $35 if I ship my whole upper to them. There was no indication that a bolt could be done under warranty and some indication that it may not solve the problem. Thanks for the input.

Later!

Simi