Re: Troubleshooting Failure to Feed on a DPMS LR-308B
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mr.Maim</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Well, DPMS's troubleshooting step of replacing the buffer tube did absolutely NOTHING to resolve my issue.
As (SH user) BASHER is my witness, the rifle did not cycle the first round. Kept not pulling the next round leaving an empty chamber (leaving gouges in the case where the bolt lugs scraped the brass) and just generally did the exact same thing as before.
So I called DPMS. Talked to their tech support. The person I spoke with found it odd that the gun smith replaced the buffer tube as a troubleshooting step considering the issue, but he had to (understanbably) toe the company line, and said that there had to have been something that the smith saw that made him take that step.
So, I sent it back to DPMS again this morning, this time on their dime, thankfully with a note asking them to check the barrel gas port.
I just don't know how the gunsmith got of a claimed 40 rounds.</div></div>
It sucks that the fix didn't work but it is at least encouraging that the smith who looked at your rifle didn't go to the immediate brute force fix of opening the gas port.
It's entirely possible that your buffer tube showed undue wear isolated on one side of the interior that lead him to change it, however while a contributing factor that alone should never cause a short stroke. It's actually probable that the other spring was just rubbing the he'll out of the tube as they overcompressed during the cycle. So again not suprising it didn't fix your short stroke.
With the correct buffer and spring, new gas tube and block, and a well lubricated bolt there's really only one answer left...more gas. A conclusion others in this thread at least skirted near long ago, with fitting skeptisicm. Admittedly you could actually run a lighter spring, but if you have the correct spring then you ask for other problems.
There are alternatives, but I feel about them the way I feel about holistic medicine and macrobiotics. Meh.
You could have your bolt polished and nickel plated which supposedly improves function and reduces the lubrication necessary. Same same with microslick although I defiantly feel that micro slick at least serves a purpose.
I saw a mention but no follow up, doesn't mean I didn't miss it, about a trigger. I would make the wild eyed assumption that a competent gun smith at DPMS would have noted trigger binding, but I'll throw it in the running regardless.
The last one, try UMC ammo if you haven't already. I didn't see it on your list, but again sometimes I miss things in longer threads. I'm pretty sure they were on sale, or at least reasonable at Sportsmans Warehouse last week. I'd virtually guarantee that's what the smith used. Although wit your selection of ammo, again I doubt this is symptomatic.
TL-DR you need more juice...probably.