Greetings all,
I just wanted to say, since I was able to get over the hump of a 3rd round feed and jam problem, I am mega happy that this thing is actually functioning now... only time will tell how accurate this SS match barrel will be. I guess to help all others out, I will briefly give my testimonial. Back in late 2013 I had won an auction on a DPMS LR 308 stripped lower reciever. With much restraint and not to mention lack of funds I patiently waited for money to free up for this build. At the end of 2014, November to be exact, I was able to score on a HBAR build from a Wyoming builder and so was able to complete the build of this fine 308 AR Variant. My intention for this build was to shoot sub MOA... So my reasoning for the 20" 308 1:10 Match Barrel and for a good price IMO... It was not a Shillen or White Oak barrel, but for the price, I am OK with it. I also purchased a carbonite BCG from the same builder. I had heard about NB BCGs, but not carbonite. With a quick google/youtube search, I made the decision to just go for it. I recieved it, and I really didn't want a chrome colored BCG as I had wanted to do an all out black AR, but since the barrel was SS anyway, I figured I'm already on this path, might as well. The carbonite BCG is super slick without oil and even more so with slip 2000. So the ultimate goal for this build is to have the rifle outshoot my friends $1800 Mil-Spec Armalite AR10. Shouldn't be unreasonable to do that and be less expensive in the process.
Well, I had everything put together with stock and scope 2 weeks ago. I had shot it soon after... long story short, I only made it through 3 rounds before having to quit because the spent case was lodged in the chamber and would not come out regardless of how hard I would pull on the charging handle. Don't worry, I knew the round was spent because I say the bullet impact on the 50 yard paper target. While still at the range, I decided to take apart the rifle, first the PRS stock, then the buffer tube. I had to lightly tap the back side of the BCG to push it all the way forward. When I was able to pull the lower from the upper, I still was not able to remove the spent case. It was only when I had put a cleaning rod down the front of the barrel and lightly tap on it and while my father in-law was pulling on the charging handle would the case pop out.
So my frustration and concerns ate at me all week. I am also a college student studying for my BSIT degree, so suffice it to say, I was not a very focused student in my studies... only on the gun. When I immediately got home from the club, I emailed the builder/seller. After all he had stated he gaurantees his work and parts for up to a year.
"I check headspace and test fire at least five rounds through all my uppers to insure function.... All my uppers carry a one year warranty and if a problem is due to materials or workmanship I will cover all related shipping costs..."
So anyway, this builder, his name is Tom, is legit as he responded to my email quickly (about an hour or so) trying to address my concern. If you do buy from him, he seems like a nice guy. Anyway, after some troubleshooting, I had accepted that maybe this issue was the old surplus ammo I had from back in 2000ish purchased from the local annual gun show here in NM. To confirm this, I had stopped by BMC Tactical here in the 505 and showed it to the armorer who has over 20 years experience building ARs... That is what he specializes in, I am not sure if he does anything else, but that is cool and I respect that. I had a couple of things he told me:
The rifle was dry, it needs to be wet. I thought my carbonite barrel was slick enough, apparently not. I hate oily guns... must be my bolt action preference
He recommended slip 2000... never heard of it obviously. At this point I was willing to try it. He didn't like CLP as it attracts carbon deposits. OK I guess.
I had a match barrel... the 7.62x51 old mil surplus ammo was not a match... I have to find the ammo this chamber likes. I already had intentions to shoot some newer factory ammo.
The rifle length stock (PRS), actually buffer may be too heavy and long for it. He was guessing at that point just by looking at it.
The Good...
I shot new ammo yesterday and was able to fire 22 rounds without any issues, and hopefully more today when I get to the club. I am using some Remington UMC 40 round pack 150gr... I also pickd up some 7.62x51 Aguilla factory loads and I have some PPU match grade from Serbia coming in that I ordered from Sportsmans Guide to finish off the BBI before I shoot baseline groups with Hornady, Sako and Federal match 168GR. I WILL eventually load my own 168GR to shoot out of it.
I don't know if my experience will help anyone, if anything this will be a reminder to myself.
If you have made it down this far, I wanted to know if it is possible to change out the handguard to a rail system one instead of the one that is on it now?