Dewey Mack

Just spit balling...what's the weight difference in those BCGs? Possible gas key leakage or sloppy fit to gas tube? Pin gauge the gas key? Do the gas rings hold the weight of the BCG when standing on the bolt face? Any noticeable manufacturing flaws? I never owned BCA anything before and hear mixed reviews. FWIW, my personal opinion is the orange spring is overkill/too stout for these rifles from my own testing, and it will usually require a larger gas port. But if it runs, run it.

Yeah, that's what I normally do as well, ladders with complete builds. How do you like the WC 338fed? I still have 8 boxes of ammo from an old elk rifle build (no longer in commission). What length barrel you like for that? That may be my next build.... Also, I have used a brake from https://jcb-solutions.com/ Trident Muzzle Brakes. They are made locally, affordable, and also sell on eBay or through website. One man operation but so far I'm satisfied. SD Tactical sells affordable titanium adapters I'm trying out as well... Thanks for the $0.02!

It is 11.25 twist. I know it was the muzzle device, but I'm weighing the $$$ decision of buying multiple muzzle devices vs buying a better barrel that doesn't care if it has a muzzle device on it. I intended to use the barrel suppressed, but it wasn't grouping with my Enticer-TI either (mounted on the Rearden DPB). Have you seen accuracy change with specific brand suppressor adapters? I've used Rearden Atlas adapters and brakes on my small-frame platforms with no noticeable shift in accuracy. Do you have a barrel brand that typically works well with any muzzle device that you lean towards? For those of you that handload, when you find a nice node without any MD installed, have you seen that node completely shift out of the sweet spot after installing a MD? This close to hunting season, I'm tempted to run my test ladders without any device, find the sweet spots, then have my father test them in his setup.

A couple years ago, I built 2x matching LR-308s; one for myself and one for my father as a family/legacy/hand-me-down whitetail hunting rifle pair. I had gone through 4 different Faxon barrels (Stainless Match and 4150) that wouldn't group at all (5-10 MOA), and then I switched to the Wilson Combat 18" Tactical Hunter. These barrels were starting to group, so I pressed on; I'm not going to discuss the incorrect gas tube length/gas port distance on these barrels. I was able to get the barrels cycling fine for me... However, I've been chasing my tail the last couple of years trying to make a hunting handload for my father and myself that will consistently group. POIs would sometimes shift significantly mid-string, possibly pointing towards heat issues. However, I do most of my testing with a barrel chamber cooler. Grouping was never acceptable to my standards (3-shot consistent 1 MOA including cold bore). At first I thought it was my scope, so I sent it back to Primary Arms, who sent it back to me after testing stating the scope was fine. I have spent countless hours reloading and purchasing nearly every off-the-shelf 308 ammo for testing with zero consistent results. I even tried different bolts (cheap 308 bolt, HP Toolcraft, and RCA) with no change in results. Yes, I checked headspace before installing the barrels. I even re-installed them to confirm barrel nut torque and trued the uppers. When I zeroed my scope for 168 grain ammo and then switch to 150 grain, my POI shifted 4.5 inches down and slightly right; when I switched to my 125 grain handloads, the POI is 8 inches down! I've never seen a shift this drastic with various bullet weights. (I do all my test without a suppressor). I know how to shoot with my stable setup, The Rock front rest and Protektor 13B rear bag; nothing on the handguard to catch the front bag. I shot 0.22moa 3-shot (100yd) with my handloads tuned for my father's cheap T/C Venture 223 yesterday, which is fairly normal. Then it hit me: I had a Rearden Atlas DPB installed by East Valley Tactical almost immediately after building the rifle to use with my suppressor. I figured maybe the harmonics were off or it was installed too tightly. So I removed the DPB and retested with a bare muzzle. The results were....shocking to say the least. My 168 grain and 125 grain handloads were grouping sub-MOA, the factory/bulk 150 grain ammo not too shabby, and ALL POIs were 1-2 inches at 1:30. The barrel didn't care what bullet was going downrange. So then I installed a KVP Linear Comp at exactly 25 ft-lbs torque with a proper crush washer, as this was the setup my father is using. The 168 Black AMAX group opened up again and shifted further away, while the 150 grain shifted down. Not what I wanted to see, and I didn't waste any other ammo testing with the KVP comp. So I'm at a crossroads after this 2-year journey. Do I test more with just a thread protector to see if that affects the groups and call it a day, sacrificing the benefit of having a threaded barrel? Or do I contact WC for a barrel replacement since I can't use the threads on these barrels with consistent results (as if WC cares about that with their 1.5moa tolerance)? I'm not taking it hunting with bare threads. Or do I just go to a different brand? My 22" Ballistic Advantage heavy fluted 6.5CM "blem" just grouped 5-8 shot sub-MOA groups last week with 130 hunting and 142 match factory ammo. Easy double-tap 700yd plate before first ring. I have to try to mess up with that rifle--it stacks all ammo I feed it so far; it's absolutely fantastic. Thoughts? Anyone else using this barrel with good results? Black Friday deals are coming up as well..... EDIT: I didn't touch the scope during any of this testing. I wanted actual, measurable results.

How did it do in the match? Where was it? (I'd like to spectate the next one)

Also, you didn't say what you were hunting or the ranges you're shooting. I have a heavy fluted aero 22"CM build that I'd use hunting. It's 13#. I could easily walk/stalk with it in the Midwest with cross-body sling setup, but I won't take it to 8000' where I elk hunt. Personal preference.

I did 2 builds with the 18" WC tactical hunter barrels in 308. But unless they changed their manufacturing, the Wilson Combat "rifle length" gas port is between the AR-15 and Armalite rifle length. I use the longer one, but it's best to get a custom tube made. Also, I've had a heck of a time finding a bullet this 11.25 twist will shoot accurately (settled on 125gn) combined with a powder that will completely burn in 18" barrel. I recommend using a barrel as long as you're comfortable carrying if you reload at all. I wouldn't go shorter that 20". All these rifles are "heavy" in most hunting circles, so it doesn't matter much. If I build another, I'll get a custom barrel from x-caliber. Possibly 7mm-08.

I'm still trying to figure out what you think I'm doing wrong here. What am I missing? What bravado? I was stating how you were calling me out for recommending springs outside their designed intent, and then you go do the same thing. That's all. I've used "AR-10" springs that don't work and "AR-15" springs that do, so I don't understand the hate. I only own 1 PCC, 9mm, and I'm using the KVP 308 carbine/PCC spring with it, and it works fine with their 7.5oz buffer. I only have issues with feeding hollow points, but that's more of a small feed cone issue with my Faxon barrel I believe. It eats all RN ammo fine. What am I missing in my spring rate testing that you think I need to add? I'm asking honestly. Providing data isn't bravado, it's simply providing data for data's sake. And I'm very serious about the collaboration.

"By the clearly stated intent of the design of both those springs, directly from that spring manufacturer. " You mean like your blanket statement that "ALL PCCs, regardless of pistol caliber, should be running the EA1095 or the Sprinco Red."? Neither of those 2 springs are specifically designed ONLY for PCCs, so you just contradicted yourself. I'm simply measuring as many springs as I get my hands on to the same spot (as close to multiple buffer configs) as I can....to the best of my ability. Every spring has a spring rate, and buffer springs are designed to cycle many times. It is not a mistake to compare 2 different buffer springs because that's the point of this whole project. The difference in ejection pattern verifies the spring rate I had recorded, so it's a sanity check to minimize errors. That's like saying it's a "gross misunderstanding" to put a chevy 400 crankshaft in a 350; are 383 strokers blasphemy? No one else is doing this, and the industry sucks at marketing. Case in point, just look at the AR10 carbine and AR10 rifle springs tested. They're all "designed with stated intent", and yet their spring rates are all over the place. That's why some guys just give up, drill larger gas ports, and slap an Orange Sprinco in there. Will it work? probably. Is it ideal? Nope. The intent of this project was to help builders tune their rifles without wasting money. Or try to figure out why their pre-built brand-X isn't cycling correctly. Just because a spring wasn't designed for that application, doesn't mean it shouldn't be used. That's why Sprinco color codes all their springs, so you can use them in whatever application it's needed in. They have recommendations for what they were designed for, but that doesn't mean it's the ONLY situation to use them in (like the Red or EA1095). Do all suppressors give the exact same backpressure so that only 1 single spring can be used? Or 1 single buffer? We can easily determine a buffer's size, but not a spring's rate. I don't plan on patterning the LAR-8 system in my test. I'm sure some extrapolating could be used from my data. I'm also not forcing anyone to use my data, nor am I trying to steer anyone into using the wrong spring. I'm providing concrete data that's hidden from the average builder; Blowback9's website inspired me. How about a collaboration? You provide me the equation you use for gas port sizing, and I'll try to make a website or an online calculator to quickly provide results? It could also have spring and buffer recommendations? You have more knowledge than me on tuning AR10s, as I've only made 3 myself (1 carbine, 1 A5, 1 rifle buffer systems), so I'll need your input for the recommendations. How about it??

Glad it's working for you! That doesn't surprise me with the Tubbs, as it tests weaker spring rate than EA1095 for me. I tried AAC, Hornady, and Federal match in my Aero 22" 6.5cm, but it definitely liked Defender Ammunition the best for factory loads (until I start reloading for it). I've been really impressed with all of Defender Ammunition's 6.5cm, 308, and 5.56 match ammo. Great price and more consistent.

How is comparing both springs in the same buffer tube a gross misunderstanding? The ejection pattern makes sense if you look at the actual springs rate results. I understand the Orange spring was designed for 7", but even that is overkill if the barrel was ported properly. I measure all the springs using the same procedure, as I'm trying to be as unbiased as possible. What buffer tube you run it in is your choice. I believe I'm running the KAK PCC/AR-10 spring in my 9mm PCC without issue, and around 8oz buffer. I'm gone this week so I can't check right now. Only issue is using the Faxon barrel with shallow feed cone; it won't feed hollow points 🫤. Yes, marketing springs as AR-10 is very misleading. That's why I also try to show the binding compressed length where applicable. I'm in PHX west valley, so if you'd like to spend a day testing in your rifles, send me a DM 👍. I'm doing ladder testing for hunting handloads right now, then I'll jump into "spring rate after XX rounds" testing. BTW, if it was a bot, it wasn't mine 🤣

I tested 4 more rifle springs, 2x AR15 and 2x AR10. AR-Stoner variety. Definitely not bad for the price, but there are differences between their chrome silicone and stainless steel springs. I'd really like to test their new flatwire springs, although I suspect they're re-branded. https://tinyurl.com/DeweySpringData I disagree that ALL AR-10 springs are too long, because "AR-10" labeled springs are labeled such by the manufacturer regardless of "mil-spec", unless you are specifically tying AR-10 to = A5 length buffer tube. If you look closely at my first tab in the spreadsheet, I've calculated the compression distance carefully, and I actually went back and re-tested the springs when I realized there are 1/4" and 1/2" variations on 2.5" buffer head depth. Yes, many springs will bind, but some will not since they are specifically designed with the 7" tube in mind. I have ran multiple springs in the 7" tube without binding, but obviously it isn't my tube-length of choice. Where springs are binding or fully collapsed during tests, I noted that in their respective rows. Do you see something displayed in my spreadsheet that is inaccurate with regards to binding and my testing, or that I should re-assess? My goal is to have tangible evidence of functional AR-10/LR308 buffer spring data since all firearm marketing is nebulous.

Sorry I've been busy and missed your message. I actually have 3 or 4 new AR-Stoner springs from Midway USA to test now, but I think I've actually tested 2 of those KAK springs, because I bought 2 of those kits (K-SPEC Enhanced AR-15 H2 Buffer & Flatwire Spring - 4.7 oz $30 & K-SPEC Enhanced AR-15 H4 Buffer & Flatwire Spring - 7.3 oz $40) from Primary Arms in October during a super sale. I associated them with spring part# 510-2101-001. Is this the same spring you have you think? The KAK spring tests are logged in the spreadsheet, added test on 11/2/24. My Sprinco Red was slightly weaker than my EA1095, but both were a sample size of 1 each. The EA1095 was very close to what Tubbs said was the original spring rate so who knows? Regardless, I do have a tab in the spreadsheet breaking out the springs relevant to 308 so hopefully it's easier to digest. And yes, I now have a metric ton of springs waiting for homes HA! Also, I just tried my new Athlon Rangecraft yesterday at Ben Avery. I compared it to my Magnetospeed v3 and it was extremely close. The Athlon read 0-10fps slower than the Magnetospeed, but I had the Magnetospeed sensitivity turned up slightly as it had trouble picking up some shots. Rangecraft used 50% battery after 3 1/2 hours, left on the entire time. Overall, I'm very impressed with the Athlon and I can finally chrono my hunting rifles with tapered barrels! I'd would've liked the Garmin, but I'd rather put the savings toward an FX-120i scale for my 3D printed OpenTrickler...

https://tinyurl.com/DeweySpringData I finally tested the infamous Tubbs flatwire spring.....and what a disappointment. I also added the AR-Stoner springs. So the only flatwire spring that would be close to the original "bolt open" pressure is the Wilson Combat AR-10 Flatwire spring, but only in the A5 or Rifle length buffer tubes; it's still too strong for the 7" carbine tube. All other flatwire springs are weak-sauce (that I've tested). Tubbs was a complete waste of money, and I can count on one hand the number of springs that provide the correct force in the 7" tube. I'm not planning on buying any other springs to test right now. I may pickup more later this year if I'm asked for another rifle build by family. BTW, I purchased both of AR-Stoner's "heavy" buffers. The SS AR-10 Carbine Heavy buffer weighed 5.08oz (5.3oz advertised), and the AR-10 Rifle Heavy buffer weighed 9.23oz (9.3oz advertised).

https://tinyurl.com/DeweySpringData I ordered 4x brand new Aero Precision springs in December, and they arrived this month. Their new 308 buffer springs are stiffer than the older ones I tested that came with the buffer tube kits. I still recommend the A5 or Rifle length gas setup over carbine to give the most options in springs and buffer weights. I'm building a lower for my 6.5 Creedmoor, and I will use this lower to test a spring to see how it changes over the increments of 100 rounds. Happy upcoming 4 years of freedom, Dewey