AR vs hollow point ammo

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So I picked up my new carbine this morning and loaded up the Hexmag with an assortment of ammos to function check. The first five were FMJ no problems. Next 5 are PPU match HP... problem.
Tip got caught and the bullet was jammed into the case. Happened again so I removed them from the mag. Next in line are some Winchester HP's, same problem so removed them and finished off with the remaining FMJ's.
Went in, getting windy and humid anyway and checked the OAL of the rounds still in the box. They are at spec 2.250.
So, is this something that happens often with HP ammo..?
 
Any transition issue from receiver to bbl extension? if a little ridge that might be the culprit.
Want HP performance without the HP?
Get Hornady V max (or similar).
 
My first thought would be to try a different magazine.

Who made the gun? Can you see where the round is jamming up? That area might need to be checked for burrs or need to be reshaped if there is not a good transition between the mag / feed ramp / chamber.
 
First off, no, that's abnormal for an AR15 to fail to feed HP ammo, in my experience. Particularly match HP ammo, they don't have large hollow point openings like pistol bullets. Again, my experience says match HP rifle bullets feed as well as FMJ bullets.

Next up, did you try different magazines? Always the first place I start looking for feeding issues in a semi-auto firearm. If a different magazine solves the issue, you're good to go at minimum cost.

Lastly check your receiver extension and lower feed ramp match up. Google AR15 feed ramps for a visual aid. (I'd link but I'm mobile and not very good at doing that from a phone.) While I have a Service Rifle with mismatched feed ramps (rifle barrel extension, receiver with M4 fees cuts) that has never failed to feed match HP from a magazine, it is a known source of the headache you're having.

Also, that OAL sounds good to me. I normally aim for 2.245-2.255", depending on the HP bullet and magazine/chamber I'm working with. Some stubby little bullets with blunt ogives need to be loaded shorter. Since you didn't describe having to mortar the rifle to clear live rounds from the chamber, I'm discounting OAL as an issue.
 
Thanks Guys . :thumbup:
I only have the one Hexmag that came with it but have some on order.
It was built from PSA parts by a young Engineer over in KC and looks well done.
I'll give the feed ramp a good look and see if there's any burrs.
 
I've never seen any HP 223 ammo. Most "match" bullets have an open tip, but that is just a manufacturing necessity. It does nothing to aid expansion and should not have any effect on feeding. Those bullets have a hollow space between the lead core and jacket. This allow a lighter bullet to acheive faster MV, yet have the length and BC of longer heavier bullets.

You have another issue, but it is not directly related to the open tip. Those bullets are longer than traditional bullets of the same weight. And the added length might be the issue.


http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/open-tip-match-when-a-hollow-point-is-not-a-hollow-point/

open3.jpg
 
A hollow point is a hollow point, whether they expand or not. Long before the military started using the term "Open Tip, Match" Sierra told us their Hollow Point Boat-tail Match Kings were not suitable for hunting because, although they are hollow points, they are not designed for expansion. The military started calling the Sierra MKs "open tipped" to sidestep the whole Hague Convention nonsense banning the use of "inhumane" expanding bullets in war.

If you've never seen 223 HP ammo, you haven't been paying close attention. There has been plenty of expanding 223 HP ammo available since the 223 Remington was introduced.
 
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I’ve shot thousands of these, back when Gander Mountain was open here and sold the 40rnd packs at the 20rnd prices for about 5yrs. They’re certainly a hollow point, and they feed and expand like one.
 
The polymer magazine is likely the cause of the feeding problem assuming there are no other anomalies somewhere in the system. The polymer magazines have thicker feed lips and this tends to cause the rounds to be pushed toward the medial plane of the gun as they are stripped out of the magazine and edge of a hollow point bullet will then sometimes stem on the small flat area between the two feed ramps. I have always had more reliable hollow point feeding from magazine with metal feed-lips.
 
It was built...
problem...
So, is this something that happens often with HP ammo..?

Please humor me for a second. Since it's a build that was not personally done, take a look at this link/picture that has been shared seemingly forever on forums: http://ar15barrels.com/gfx/feedramps.jpg

How is your barrel extension and upper receiver cut? Standard, M4, or a mix between the two? Are you good, bad, or ok?

If you're "good" or "ok", then just look for burrs, try a new magazine, etc.
 
I had issues with Nosler 55gr varmageddon Hollowpoints failing to feed in a bolt action and bullets being jammed into the case. Each one the Hollowpoint would catch on something and not feed. I ditched them and only shoot BT now.
 
Here is the feed ramp pic for those that can’t pull it up.
78E4403D-9D60-444C-85A1-F5D144C70126.jpeg

I have some Hex mags that work great but they are not my favorite.
I have a buddy that was having feeding issues with Magpul P-mags. They just didn’t feed reliably in his rifle. His rifle had the good M4 feed ramp. Metal mags worked 100% , but he wanted to use polymer mags. I got him some Lancer mags and he’s a happy camper now.
image.jpg image.jpg
 
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