AR15 ammunition

The Most Common AR15 Ammo Malfunctions and How to Fix Them

“Troubleshoot your AR15 ammo malfunctions with ease.”

Failure to Feed

The AR15 is a popular rifle among gun enthusiasts for its versatility and reliability. However, like any firearm, it is not immune to malfunctions. One of the most common issues that AR15 owners encounter is failure to feed. This can be frustrating, especially during a shooting session or in a self-defense situation. In this article, we will discuss the most common AR15 ammo malfunctions related to failure to feed and how to fix them.

One of the main reasons for failure to feed in an AR15 is a dirty or dry magazine. Over time, dirt, debris, and carbon buildup can accumulate in the magazine, causing the rounds to stick or not feed properly. To fix this issue, simply remove the magazine from the rifle and clean it thoroughly with a brush and some solvent. Make sure to also lubricate the magazine spring and follower to ensure smooth feeding.

Another common cause of failure to feed is a weak magazine spring. If the spring is not strong enough to push the rounds up into the chamber, the rifle will not be able to cycle properly. To fix this issue, you can either replace the magazine spring with a new one or try stretching out the existing spring slightly to increase its tension.

Sometimes, failure to feed can also be caused by a damaged or worn-out magazine follower. The follower is responsible for pushing the rounds up into the chamber, so if it is cracked or broken, the rounds will not feed properly. To fix this issue, simply replace the damaged follower with a new one.

Another common issue that can cause failure to feed in an AR15 is a dirty or dry chamber. If the chamber is not properly lubricated, the rounds may not be able to slide smoothly into place, causing a malfunction. To fix this issue, simply clean the chamber with a brush and some solvent, and then lubricate it with a light coat of oil.

In some cases, failure to feed can also be caused by a worn-out or damaged bolt catch. The bolt catch is responsible for holding the bolt open after the last round is fired, so if it is not functioning properly, the rifle will not be able to cycle properly. To fix this issue, simply replace the bolt catch with a new one.

Lastly, failure to feed can also be caused by using the wrong type of ammunition. Some AR15 rifles are chambered for specific calibers, so using the wrong caliber of ammunition can cause feeding issues. Make sure to always use the correct caliber of ammunition for your rifle to avoid malfunctions.

In conclusion, failure to feed is a common issue that AR15 owners may encounter, but it is easily fixable with some basic maintenance and troubleshooting. By keeping your magazine clean and lubricated, checking the magazine spring and follower for damage, cleaning and lubricating the chamber, and ensuring you are using the correct caliber of ammunition, you can prevent and fix most feeding malfunctions in your AR15. Remember to always practice proper firearm safety and maintenance to ensure your rifle functions reliably when you need it most.

Ar15 Ammunition

Failure to Extract

The AR15 is a popular rifle among gun enthusiasts for its versatility and reliability. However, like any firearm, it is not immune to malfunctions. One of the most common issues that AR15 owners may encounter is failure to extract. This occurs when the spent casing does not properly eject from the chamber after firing, causing a jam that can prevent the rifle from cycling properly.

There are several reasons why an AR15 may experience failure to extract. One common cause is dirty or fouled chamber. Over time, carbon buildup can accumulate in the chamber, preventing the casing from being extracted smoothly. To fix this issue, it is important to regularly clean and maintain your rifle, paying special attention to the chamber area.

Another possible cause of failure to extract is weak or worn extractor spring. The extractor is responsible for gripping the rim of the casing and pulling it out of the chamber. If the spring is weak or worn, it may not have enough tension to properly extract the casing. In this case, replacing the extractor spring with a new one can help resolve the issue.

Additionally, a damaged or broken extractor can also cause failure to extract. If the extractor is chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged, it may not be able to properly grip the casing. Inspect the extractor for any signs of damage and replace it if necessary.

In some cases, failure to extract may be caused by an overgassed rifle. An overgassed rifle means that there is too much gas pressure in the system, which can cause the bolt carrier group to cycle too quickly, leading to extraction issues. To fix this problem, you can try adjusting the gas block or using an adjustable gas block to regulate the gas flow.

If you are experiencing failure to extract with your AR15, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue. First, check the chamber for any obstructions or debris that may be preventing the casing from being extracted. Clean the chamber thoroughly and inspect the extractor for any signs of damage.

Next, inspect the extractor spring to ensure that it is in good condition. If the spring is weak or worn, replace it with a new one. Additionally, check the extractor for any damage and replace it if necessary.

If you suspect that your rifle is overgassed, you can try adjusting the gas block or using an adjustable gas block to regulate the gas flow. This can help prevent the bolt carrier group from cycling too quickly and causing extraction issues.

In conclusion, failure to extract is a common issue that AR15 owners may encounter. By regularly cleaning and maintaining your rifle, inspecting the extractor and extractor spring for damage, and adjusting the gas block if necessary, you can help prevent and resolve extraction issues with your AR15. Remember to always follow proper safety procedures when troubleshooting and fixing malfunctions with your firearm.

Failure to Eject

The AR15 is a popular rifle known for its reliability and versatility. However, like any firearm, it can experience malfunctions from time to time. One of the most common issues AR15 owners encounter is failure to eject. This occurs when the spent casing does not properly eject from the rifle after firing a round.

There are several reasons why a failure to eject may occur. One common cause is a dirty or fouled chamber. When the chamber is not clean, it can cause the casing to stick and not eject properly. Another possible reason is weak or worn extractor springs. The extractor is responsible for pulling the casing out of the chamber, so if the spring is weak or worn, it may not have enough force to properly eject the casing.

To fix a failure to eject issue, the first step is to ensure that the rifle is properly cleaned and lubricated. This includes cleaning the chamber and inspecting the extractor spring for any signs of wear. If the extractor spring is worn, it should be replaced with a new one. Additionally, checking the gas system for any blockages or malfunctions can also help prevent failure to eject issues.

Another common cause of failure to eject is using low-quality or improperly sized ammunition. It is important to use high-quality ammunition that is the correct size and weight for your rifle. Using ammunition that is too weak or too strong can cause cycling issues, including failure to eject.

If you are experiencing failure to eject issues, it is important to diagnose the problem correctly before attempting to fix it. This may involve inspecting the rifle for any visible signs of damage or wear, as well as testing different types of ammunition to see if the issue persists.

In some cases, failure to eject issues may be caused by a damaged or worn ejector. The ejector is responsible for kicking the casing out of the rifle after firing, so if it is damaged or worn, it may not function properly. In this case, the ejector should be replaced with a new one to ensure proper ejection of casings.

Overall, failure to eject is a common issue that can be easily fixed with proper maintenance and attention to detail. By keeping your AR15 clean, using high-quality ammunition, and inspecting key components like the extractor and ejector, you can prevent failure to eject issues and keep your rifle running smoothly. If you are unsure of how to diagnose or fix a failure to eject problem, it is always best to consult with a professional gunsmith for assistance.

Double Feeding

One of the most frustrating issues that can occur when using an AR15 is a double feeding malfunction. This occurs when two rounds are fed into the chamber at the same time, causing a jam that prevents the gun from firing properly. Double feeding can be caused by a variety of factors, but there are some common solutions that can help you quickly resolve the issue and get back to shooting.

One of the most common causes of double feeding is a dirty or fouled magazine. If the magazine is not properly maintained, dirt and debris can build up inside, causing the rounds to feed improperly. To fix this issue, simply remove the magazine from the gun and clean it thoroughly with a brush and some solvent. Make sure to pay special attention to the feed lips and follower, as these are the areas most likely to cause feeding issues.

Another common cause of double feeding is a weak or worn-out magazine spring. Over time, the spring in your magazine can lose tension, causing it to not feed rounds properly. If you suspect that this is the issue, try replacing the magazine spring with a new one. This is a simple and inexpensive fix that can often resolve the problem quickly.

In some cases, double feeding can be caused by a damaged or worn-out bolt catch. The bolt catch is responsible for holding the bolt open after the last round is fired, and if it is not functioning properly, it can cause feeding issues. To fix this problem, inspect the bolt catch for any signs of damage or wear, and replace it if necessary.

Another potential cause of double feeding is an improperly lubricated bolt carrier group. If the bolt carrier group is not properly lubricated, it can cause the rounds to feed improperly, leading to double feeding malfunctions. To fix this issue, remove the bolt carrier group from the gun and clean and lubricate it thoroughly. Make sure to use a high-quality gun oil or lubricant to ensure smooth operation.

Finally, double feeding can also be caused by a damaged or worn-out extractor. The extractor is responsible for pulling the spent casing out of the chamber after firing, and if it is not functioning properly, it can cause feeding issues. To fix this problem, inspect the extractor for any signs of damage or wear, and replace it if necessary.

In conclusion, double feeding malfunctions can be frustrating, but they are often easily resolved with some simple troubleshooting and maintenance. By keeping your magazine clean, replacing worn-out parts, and properly lubricating your gun, you can prevent double feeding issues and ensure that your AR15 functions properly every time you pull the trigger. If you continue to experience double feeding malfunctions despite trying these solutions, it may be time to consult a professional gunsmith for further assistance.

Squib Load

The AR15 is a popular rifle among gun enthusiasts for its versatility and reliability. However, like any firearm, it is not immune to malfunctions. One of the most common issues that AR15 owners may encounter is a squib load. A squib load occurs when a round fails to exit the barrel due to insufficient pressure, often resulting in a bullet becoming lodged in the barrel.

If you suspect that you have experienced a squib load, the first step is to stop firing immediately. Continuing to shoot with a bullet stuck in the barrel can cause serious damage to your firearm and potentially harm you or others. Once you have ceased firing, carefully inspect the barrel to see if you can visually confirm the presence of a bullet. If you are unable to see the obstruction, do not attempt to clear it yourself. Seek the assistance of a qualified gunsmith to safely remove the bullet.

To prevent squib loads from occurring in the future, it is essential to use high-quality ammunition from reputable manufacturers. Cheap or reloaded ammunition may not meet the necessary pressure requirements to cycle the action of your AR15 properly, increasing the risk of a squib load. Additionally, regularly cleaning and maintaining your rifle can help prevent malfunctions by ensuring that the barrel is free from obstructions that could impede the passage of a bullet.

In the event that you do experience a squib load, it is crucial to handle the situation with caution and seek professional assistance to safely clear the obstruction. Attempting to clear a squib load on your own can result in further damage to your firearm or injury to yourself. By following proper safety protocols and using quality ammunition, you can minimize the risk of encountering a squib load while shooting your AR15.

Another common AR15 ammo malfunction that shooters may encounter is a failure to feed. This occurs when a round fails to properly enter the chamber of the rifle, preventing the firearm from firing. There are several potential causes for a failure to feed, including dirty or damaged magazines, improper ammunition, or a dirty or obstructed chamber.

If you experience a failure to feed while shooting your AR15, the first step is to check the magazine for any dirt, debris, or damage that may be preventing the rounds from feeding properly. If the magazine appears to be in good condition, inspect the ammunition to ensure that it is the correct caliber and in good condition. Using damaged or incorrect ammunition can cause feeding issues and potentially damage your rifle.

If the magazine and ammunition appear to be in good condition, the next step is to inspect the chamber of the rifle for any dirt, debris, or obstructions that may be preventing the round from entering properly. Cleaning the chamber with a bore brush and solvent can help remove any buildup that may be causing feeding issues. Additionally, lubricating the rifle’s action can help ensure smooth feeding and cycling of rounds.

By regularly cleaning and maintaining your AR15, using quality ammunition, and inspecting your magazines for damage or debris, you can help prevent failures to feed and other common ammo malfunctions. If you do encounter a feeding issue while shooting, follow proper safety protocols and take the necessary steps to diagnose and correct the problem. With proper care and attention to detail, you can enjoy reliable performance from your AR15 and minimize the risk of malfunctions while shooting.

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