Finally got the thing running right

[ohbejuan]

Thanks to Rainier Arms for getting this thing into running shape with cheap/lightweight ammo. Finally got the thing to cycle properly for ~60/61 rounds today with everything from 150gr American Eagle, 145 Gr PPU, 147 gr PMC, and finally 168gr Norma USA.

Here's the 100 yard result using 20 rounds of 168 gr Sierra Matching HPBT Norma USA stuff. I blame myself for screwing up a few of these. The 168gr was much much much more accurate for groups than the lighter stuff.

http://imgur.com/YmvKfkz

 

[Jessie]

What problems were you having and what did they do?

 

[ohbejuan]

From the factory, I had them put on some free float rails and a low-pro gas block, I also had the bolt nickel boron coated. After that, the rifle would not cycle properly, it would fire one round but not pick up the next. Eventually they ended up switching out the buffer (to a shorter buffer) and the buffer spring (to a weaker spring). Today was the first day I had it back and it was 98% flawless

 

[Jessie]

I didn't know they would do that at the factory. Did they test fire it and find out it wasn't cycling or did you have to send it back?
Btw, glad it's working better although 100% would be nice.

 

[ohbejuan]

Perhaps I was a tad confusing. I meant as I received it from the factory, I had it sent off to Rainier to have the work done.

I was still having problems with my ammo when I got it back from Rainier the first time. I agree with their consensus that they were most likely using 168 gr ammo to test with and I was using relatively-underpowered 150gr AE stuff and mine was just not quite cycling properly. Either way, those guys really took care of business and do quality work..

I do like the full length DPMS rail that I chose, but it seems like it's just a nip out of mil-spec

 

[Jessie]

Ok, I got it now. Like I said, glad it's running now. I like the 168s myself. They're a good weight for accuracy and retained energy. AND the prices are starting to come down on them, finally.

 

[ohbejuan]

I've got a full ammo box of both the PMC and the PPU lighter stuff. Looks like 168 does make quite the difference, so time to start buying some of that to actually hit the target with