feed ramps leaving finite scratches on bullet when chambering.... normal?

[PunisherBane]

its something ive always kinda noticed... but when i chamber a round and than eject it... the head of the bullet has a real fine score mark from where it slips past one of the lugs on its way to the chamber, is this normal? or are the lugs next to the feed ramps supposed to be smoothed out and polished? and would it affect accuracy... the scores are finite in depth but you can feel them there... im not having any feed problems... the gun still runs like a champ... accuracy is something to be desired but ive always chocked that up to user error and a scope that jars its zero on quick fire rates lol


lemme know some insight guys

 

[MPDC]

Metal on metal will leave marks. How deep is the question and IF there is an abnormal burr or the like on a part of the ramps. Since I never have ejected a chambered round from my current AR , I can't say if mine leaves a mark. Be careful with using rounds you have ejected. True with pistols but especially true with the AR platform given the force of the bolt slamming home.

Unless it is gouging a chunk of metal off the bullet, accuracy should not be effected.

 

[oneyeopn]

I have noticed small scratches on mine also, but when the bullet goes into the barrel is gets way more than small scratches. What I dont know is if the scratches are caused when the bullet is extracted as it comes out a different direction as it went in. As far as accuracy, I wouldn't think that they would cause any problems with accuracy but I would enjoy hearing other points of view.
If your scope is jarring or shifting its "zero" then your accuracy is going to leave quite a bit to be desired. In the past I have had scopes like that and it drives me crazy, I usually give them to younger boys to use as telescopes, around the age of 5 they can find fun things in the strangest things. Just my point of view..

 

[storeyteller]

First things first...you're already getting a new optic so try that and see if accuracy has improved, if not perhaps looking into the scratches on the bullets is the next step.

 

[MichiganScott]

Next time you find a fired bullet, compare it to the bullet in your unfired cartridges. You gotta figure the scratches are minor compared to the deformation caused to the bullet by the extreme pressure and heat forcing it down the barrel.

 

[Foxtrot]

Very fine scratch/score metal-on-metal marks can appear on rounds that have been chambered. It usually doesn't mean anything. Not sure though how fine, or what type of scores, you are talking here, could be normal chambering or rifling marks as its possible. I would not run off and start polishing feed ramps, wanting to "adjust metal" (yes some people will actually try to remove metal), or be worried simply because a very fine score/scratch appeared on a bullet I chambered then ejected without firing.

It could be anything, but possibly picked up the scores on ejection. If you have deeper or severe scrapes or scratches or chunks of bullet metal is shaved off then you might have a problem. If you are not having any problem chambering or ejecting, and there are no deeper or severe scrapes or scratches or chunks of bullet metal being shaved off then I wouldn't let it worry me.

As far as accuracy, a fine score on the bullet isn't going to cause you any problems - unless your target objects

 

[GTS197]

Normal...and no, accuracy is fine.

 

[Cook74]

It always helps to polish the ramp so bullets travel smoothly into the breech. Easy to do and may decrease the scratches... Most likely your experiencing scratches from being chambered and possibly rifling marks...

 

[storeyteller]

Not disagreeing with poishing the feed ramps because I've never done it, so I don't know. That being said, I've never done it, and I've never had a problem either. So for me, personally, it's a soultion to a problem I've never had. YMMV.

 

[oneyeopn]

I really agree with Foxtrot, it more than likely is caused by the extraction process and when the process starts to pull the bullet sideways I bet it is hitting one of the locks on the barrel extension causing the scratches. and is of no concern. during normal extraction/ejection there isnt a bullet on the end of the brass to hit anything.

 

[Maddmax]

Not disagreeing with poishing the feed ramps because I've never done it, so I don't know. That being said, I've never done it, and I've never had a problem either. So for me, personally, it's a soultion to a problem I've never had. YMMV.

Polishing feed ramps is another "war" in itself. I've always polished everything of mine with no problems ever with feeding. BUT,I was also taught how by an outstanding OLD gunsmith. It's polished buy doing a VERY LIGHT buffing and nothing more. It's not one of those "If a little is good,more is better" things. Over doing is too easy and where people get into trouble. Best to have a good gunsmith do it if it needs to be done. I've talked to S&W CS about small fix problems and always got the go ahead after I explained what I was doing. Saves shipping it back and forth too.

 

[MichiganScott]

Not disagreeing with poishing the feed ramps because I've never done it, so I don't know. That being said, I've never done it, and I've never had a problem either. So for me, personally, it's a soultion to a problem I've never had. YMMV.

Gun guys have the knack of fixing something that ain't broke until it is.

I've never polished a feed ramp on anything. If it doesn't feed well, it goes back until it does.

 

[Maddmax]

Gun guys have the knack of fixing something that ain't broke until it is.

I've never polished a feed ramp on anything. If it doesn't feed well, it goes back until it does.

And if you notice (if they even send back a list of what's been done),one of the items will be polished feed ramp on a feed issue.