I broke an extractor

[Jeffw78]

Just sharing my experience. 

I bought a used Bushmaster LR-308 a while back.  From what I gather, these are built by DPMS.  Anyway, I have about 400 rounds through the gun and am now replacing the extractor.  I really don't know how much it has been shot but I am just now starting to wear the finish off the contact surfaces of the bolt carrier.  I was probably asking for it by shooting Brown Bear through it.  Lesson learned lol. 

One question, o-rings.  I read a bit online about using them to increase extractor tension. Necessary??  Seems like it could potentially shorten the life of my new extractor  Going to try to stick with brass ammo in the future.

[edgecrusher]

good idea on the brass, and the o rings are generally used for extraction issues…. welcome to the forum

[Rsquared]

I agree with Edge. Plenty of cheap enough (relatively  <laughs>) brass ammo out there. Leave the steel for the russian rifles. They don't seem to care. Though.......in full disclosure.....I put a couple thousand rounds of steel-cased wolf through one of my armalite AR-10 carbine's. It never had a problem, and never burped while eating it up. Since then though...........nothing but brass......even cheap brass.

As far as the O-ring? Probably a matter of opinions. Armalite uses the O-ring, and I've put thousands of rounds thru (once again) one of my carbine's.

[Jeffw78]

I think I'm going to assemble it without an o-ring.  I'll throw a couple in my range bag just in case.  I have about 100 rounds of steel case ammo left so I'm going to eventually shoot it.  But I think all my future ammo will be brass.

[unforgiven]

Welcome from Indiana Jeff,lesson learned no harm no foul. ;)

[Jeffw78]

Good point. 

Btw--I like the signature.

[unforgiven]

<thumbsup> 8)

[seasprite]

When DPMS sent me my new extractor they included a new spring that was heavier. Took alot of thumb juice to hold it in place to get the pin in. 

[Jeffw78]

Good to know.  Since I bought the gun used I just ordered a replacement from midway. 

[Jeffw78]

Just installed my new extractor.  I agree with the above post.  New spring is made differently and definitely tough to install.  I think my fingertips may be sore for a bit. 

Does what it should when cycling manually now.  Hopefully make a range trip in the next day or to confirm. 

[edgecrusher]

Awesome!

[ripper51]

I have broken two extractors. The first by using Hornady 155gr all steel cases, the second using Wolf. I now only consume domestic