Black_Sheep

I try grab a few whenever they are on sale, I have enough 5.56 mags to get by for a while. I need to focus on .308 mags and up my stash...

Generally, hand guard selection dictates what barrel nut you need to use.

I ventured over here after a recommendation from dpete after he read a post of mine on another forum. Thanks dpete! Obviously I’m into guns, specifically vintage S&W revolvers and modern sporting rifles. I’ve successfully built several 5.56 carbines and thought I’d try my hand at building a .308, my first attempt didn’t go so great so I’m here to learn. Other than firearms, I’m a lifelong car guy, gardener, political junkie, history buff and according to my wife, a fountain of useless trivia. Sometimes the distinction between my varied interests gets a little blurred, my guard’n gnome is a prime example...

For a hand guard, SLR Rifleworks has quite a few options in high and low profiles and fairly good availability last time I looked. Their stuff isn’t cheap but the quality is top shelf. I used the high profile 15” M-Lok Helix version on my .308 build, I like how their barrel nut doesn’t have to be indexed to accommodate the gas tube and the mounting system is very simple but solid. It’s nice looking too if that’s a concern. https://slrrifleworks.com/hand-guards/308-handguards/

I ordered a heavy buffer and spring from heavy buffers.com that is designed to work with a 7” RE, but I suspect the gas port is also too small. I found another thread where a poster with a very similar WC barrel configuration opened his up to .085 per 98Z5V’s recommendation and said it solved his issues. I’m hoping 98Z5V sees this thread and chimes in. I don’t want to go too big and muck up a $300+ barrel...

Gas tube for an AR15 build and an Impact Weapons Dropwing light mount for another “finished” build...

Very wet, to the point of dripping

Playing with old cars is one of my primary interests...

I mentioned issues I experienced with my first .308 build in another MSR forum and one of the members suggested I check out this forum. Hopefully I can absorb a little knowledge while interacting with like minded people. A little about me, I’m a lifelong Minnesota resident with an appreciation for S&W revolvers, MSR’s and recreational shooting. Other interests are wrenching on my Hot Rods, travel, reloading and hanging out with family and friends. I’ve spent 41 years in the trucking industry, starting out as a repair technician and later becoming a lead mechanic/maintenance director. For the last 11 years I’ve worked as an account manager for a large independent truck and trailer service provider. After lurking around a little bit, I think I’m going like this place...

I should add that I tried several new PMags, all with the same outcome

On Thursday night I finally got a chance to hit the range with a .308 build that was completed over the winter, it didn’t go well. It would load and fire no problem when I cycled the charging handle, but would not pull a round from the mag. It would either go into battery on an empty chamber, or the next round would tip up from the magazine and the bolt would wedge on the side of the case. It would also fail to hold open on an empty magazine. Spent casings would eject in roughly the 4 o’clock position. I posted my tale of woe on another MSR forum and one of the members suggested that I join here, that you guys we’re really sharp on the 308 stuff and Could help me get it sorted out. After reading through several threads, it’s apparent that I’m not the only one with cycling issues. I did some minor disassembly this morning to get measurements and verify my gas port to gas block alignment, which was right on. Here are the specs for my build, if you need any more information please let me know. Aero Precision M5 upper and lower receivers Wilson Combat 16” barrel with their proprietary intermediate length 13.25” gas system. The barrel gas port measures .075” Wilson Combat .750 low profile gas block, non adjustable Wilson Combat intermediate length gas tube which engages the gas key about .75” Aero Precision NiB BCG, the gas key is tight and the fasteners are well staked The Aero Precision receiver extension is 7” deep, measured inside The Aero Precision buffer weighs 3.436 ounces and has an OAL of 2.558” The Aero Precision buffer spring has a free length of 11.375”, 24 coils (not including the flat coil on each end) and a wire diameter of.070” Careful inspection of both receivers shows no signs of abnormal wear or interference So, where do I start? Please guys, help me sort this out so I can enjoy shooting it. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have to offer