What load are you running? (bullet weight - powder - grains)
What buffer/spring combo? (rifle - carbine)
Next time at the range, load one round in the chamber, put empty mag in rifle.....hold the rifle solid, shoot the round...if the bolt doesn't lock back on an empty mag the likelihood of getting the rifle to cycle in its current state is slim...
I built a couple 6mm wildcat uppers recently similar to the rat....heavier weight bullets and higher pressure loads are going to be easier to get to run than lighter bullets and anemic loads if ported on the small size...
If using C products Grendel mags, there are a couple dimples/ribs on the inside of the feedlips that can rob cycle inertia...I usually smooth mine out...
Of course you want to check the usual suspects...gas rings, carrier key/gas tube make-up, etc...
Knowing what load you're shooting will help...