Quote:
Originally Posted by Colohunter
I'm assuming you are shooting the 110 gr VMAX supersonic, right? I would try to get a hold of some Accurate Arms 1680 for the subsonic loadings a number of people here, including myself have had better luck with 1680 cycling the subsonics.
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With the 18.8 grains, that would have to be a supersonic load unless something is seriously wrong with his setup.
The question I have is which bullets have you tried for subsonic work? I noticed that the lighter bullets are more forgiving than the 220+grain matchkings. I believe this is because the amount of surface area of the bullet that comes in contact with the case neck and barrel requires considerably more energy to push the bullet out.
You might try something between 150 to 180 and work down to subsonic speed from a known 1200 fps load with whatever powder you choose. This way you will have reliable function despite the supersonic crack. Just keep on dropping the load until it is subsonic or it doesn't cycle the next round.
Depending on your barrel you may get great accuracy or poor accuracy with a functional load, but with sub loads 1.5 - 2 MOA for hunting within 200 yards should be adequate for most medium size game. I know many barrels (including mine) are capable of well under sub moa, but if reliability is the critical factor, I would sacrifice a little on accuracy since I am not shooting long distance where group size is more crucial. I also noticed when I get full cycling, it is louder than when it just ejects.
I was as frustrated as you were i8asquirrel because I built mine from parts and was worried that function issues were with the gun and not the ammo. That is the tricky thing about the 300 Whisper/Fireball is that the lack of commercial ammo makes it the shooter's responsibility to ensure proper function of the gun AND the ammo! I think it is typically an ammo issue more times than not that can solve the problem.
One last thing... the overall length is crucial for reliable function in an AR. I was initially seating the bullets out way too far for AR mags to work. When you seat them properly, you will be able to push the rear of the round and it will easily slide out of the magazine without getting hung up.
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Ok I had the gas port drilled to .116" and put my rifle length buffer spring into my lower( I have a CAA adjustable butstock) and the weapon fired and functioned fine. I was shooting 296 powder under 190smk,160FTX by hornady, and speer 150hcft.....bolt still not locking back after last round but heading in the write direction!
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