Bmt85 wrote:So it’s an AR, that jammed after the round was fired, and wouldn’t cycle. Did he try mortaring it before using a rod?
What was the exact load?
Was it new brass?
What is the case head growth of the case that jammed it?
What is the brass length after sizing?
Did that brass show any signs of pressure (primers, ejector or extractor marks)?
I have a feeling it is case length grew too much and jammed it, but need more info.
When reloading used cases, especially if they have a history of having been shot with stiff loads the last time around, it is important to either "thunk test" each one or the better approach is to individually measure them before the next reload cycle to make sure they haven't grown beyond .5015 in diameter, as measured after resizing, at the widest point. That is usually consistent with the area just above the web. They can look pristine but if they're too fat, the momentum of the bolt shoving them into the chamber, already tight, will compound once the next load is fired. I mic every case I process and put them in like diameter jars. IE <.5000, <.5005, <.5010 and less than .5015. Anything beyond .5015 goes into the recycling brass box. Nothing worse than being at the range and getting one stuck, which is a good reason to take your cleaning setup, including one-piece rod, in case you need to push one out. Ask me how I know this...
Even worse is having to pull down loads you didn't check first. Again, ask me I know this...
A third alternative is purchasing a chamber gauge to quick check them in. Faster than mic'ing them and lets face it, they either fit or not, regardless of the measured diameter. No fit = recycling.
Hoot