New AR Cycling Issues

[shocktokyo]

OK, so I sold my Stag Model 3 AR-15 recently and used the money to purchase a Daniel Defense M4. I loved the Stag and it ran everything I put it in but the opportunity to buy a new, "better" rifle enticed me to do what I did. Anywho, I have noticed that my DDM4 has trouble cycling all sorts of Wolf ammunition. From typical WPA to Silver Bear ammo, this gun does NOT like it. However with brass (PMC usually) it cycles flawlessly. Now, the cycling issue is not with jamming, but with cycling the next round. I have noticed that the gun will eject the steel Wolf case, but the bolt does not go back far enough to catch the next round and I wind up pulling the trigger on am empty chamber. I thought this was the magazine at first but I tried three different magazines with Wolf vs. Brass and the only issues were with Wolf, so the mag issue has been resolved and I know it is the ammo. I understand that Wolf is fairly weak, and I can feel it when I shoot Wolf, so I assume there is just not enough gas to move the bolt in Wolf ammo? However my cheaper Stag AR ran Wolf flawlessly, although I noticed that the Stag charging handled moved the bolt group much easier than the DDM4. That brings me to this question: can I replace a spring that would lighten the amount of pressure required to move the bolt that would in turn result in my being able to shoot lighter loads? Thanks for reading this long-worded dilemma of mine.

 

[Stack]

Yup It's called a buffer spring and it'll take about 20 seconds to do.

 

[ugaarguy]

The DDM4 rifles ship with a heavy buffer to slow down the bolt carrier group when firing full power 5.56 NATO ammo through the carbine length gas system. You also make no mention of how heavily or lightly you lubed the BCG.

 

[shocktokyo]

Thanks, I didn't think of the buffer spring. Yeah I really did not lube it up too too much, just took the BCG out and sprayed it down. Didn't take it apart and lube it though.

 

[shocktokyo]

So if I put in a lighter buffer spring should I not shoot full power 5.56?

 

[Z-Michigan]

1) I think DD ships with an H buffer as already noted.
2) DD will size the gas port for 5.56 NATO full power ammo. Stag and other personal-use-focused makers often size the gas port larger for function with weak stuff like Wolf, but this results in harsh operation with military spec ammo.
3) DD bolt carrier groups are rather tight when new in my experience. Be sure to lube heavily and use reasonably strong ammo while breaking in (perhaps 100-200 rounds).

After break-in and with plenty of lube, I expect your rifle will function Wolf with no modifications, at least when it's above freezing. If not, try a carbine buffer, or contact Daniel Defense. They have outstanding customer service.

 

[shocktokyo]

Awesome, I appreciate the info. I'm thinking I need to get off my butt and spend the money for a reloading kit and just abandon Wolf.

 

[mshootnit]

It wouldn't hurt anything to go to a standard carbine buffer if indeed you are running an H buffer and having problems. In fact I would switch the H buffer out before (instead of) messing with the buffer spring.

 

[TonyAngel]

I wouldn't go mucking with the spring. Just get a lighter buffer.

 

[d2wing]

Mine worked best with a lighter spring and H2 buffer but I am not as experienced as Tony so he's more likely right.

 

[shocktokyo]

any tips/links to which lighter buffer i should get?

 

[rcmodel]

No, but I bet Daniel Defense would fix you right up one way or another if you called them.

Have you tried that?

rc

 

[shocktokyo]

I just did (thanks for the reminder). The guy said to try just a standard carbine buffer if I want it to cycle the lighter loads. It does come with an H Buffer and standard carbine spring.

 

[M1key]

Shoot better ammo.

M

 

[fatcat4620]

Go mid-length in the future and you wont have these problems. Also is it a 14.5 or 16 inch barrel?

 

[M1key]

Sounds like the OP needs MORE GAS, not less...as in carbine length/hotter NATO ammo. I'll bet XM193 will solve the problem.

M

 

[Surf]

It has already been mentioned, but again Wolf is loaded as underpowered ammo combined with the fact that DD has used gas port sizing in the .058 range that I have measured on many of their barrels. Combine those two things and you have the issue that you are experiencing. I have opened up several of their barrels gas ports to .0625 which has solved this issue that you are having.