Buffer education.

[Joe G]

I see some dealers offering heavy buffers. What is the reasoning for using different weight buffers especially in pistol caliber uppers on carbine or rifle setups. I have a 10mm Olympic flattop and just p/u a 357 Sig carbine.

I asked olympic what wt buffer they recommended and was told to use the standard carbine.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[telcolineman]

Re: Buffer education.

I think the heavy buffers are only used for large cal. like .308 and maybe .50 beowolf due to the recoil, The handgun cals shouldn't need it

 

[frog5215]

Re: Buffer education.

Remember, most pistol caliber uppers are blowback.

A heavy buffer delays opening and assists crap in going out the muzzle instead of back into the chamber and receiver. This keeps the receiver cleaner, for better cycling.

As fouling builds up, cycling is inhibited, bolt slows down, and FTEs ensue.

For Cav Arms polymer lowers, a heavy buffer is REQUIRED to prevent cracking the receiver. This relates to reduced bolt velocity due to the heavy buffer.

Heavy buffers probably reduce stress on the hammer pin, if you're not using a Chip McCormick, Timney, Gold or similar trigger.

 

[Joe G]

Re: Buffer education.

I'm using a heavier buffer on my 6.5 Grendel carbine but a standard rifle buffer on the Overwatch with PRS stock.

The 10mm really throws the brass. I just got the 357 sig upper and havent shot it yet, but wanted to get more info. As you can see, there are two schools of thought and I was looking for more information.

Keep it coming.

 

[Joe G]

Re: Buffer education.

One question I have is if the 10mm or 357Sig runs at a higher pressure than the 9mm or 45, is the bolt opening earlier and are you losing a greater amount of velocity. Or, does the action not have time to open before the pill is long gone. Do you want a heavier buffer to slow down the cycle rate? Would a heavier buffer make for a less forceful ejection? What is the purpose of the heavier buffers?

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Buffer education.

A heavier buffer will delay the opening of the action and slow the cycling of the operating assembly.

It will make for less forceful ejection.

The main purpose of heavier buffers on rifles is to delay unlocking until the pressure in the chamber has lowered to prevent extraction issues.

If I was running a pistol caliber upper on an AR I would be running a 9mm buffer. It's the heaviest buffer I am aware of and designed for "blowback" uppers.

I just picked up a Tubb CWS to play with in my M4 and AR10 so I can see what the optimal buffer will be.

 

[Outsydlooknin75]

Re: Buffer education.

Buddy of mine runs a heavy buffer, extra power spring, and heavy bolt carrier .... now you ask why is he running all that ........ cause he is hot rodding his 223 for highpower and it keeps the bolt from unlocking too early and he can get a shit ton of speed out of his loads. I dont remember the exact numbers but I want to say he is over 3k if not in the 3100 fps area.