New AR 16 Barrel failing headspace

jrumann59 · May 2, 2019

Doing a new build got a stoner barrel from midway and new tool craft bcg. Strip the bolt throw in go gauge bolt won't lock. The go gauge is a Forster 223 go/5.56 min the barrel is marked 556. Should I contact midway and just get a new barrel.

3paul10 · May 2, 2019

Is the barrel installed?

223 wylde?

inkd · May 2, 2019

Talk to Chad, I believe he has lapped some student barrels or bolts in the past for bad head space.

3paul10 · May 2, 2019

Chad would be the man to fix itt....you could try another bolt if you have access to spares...

jrumann59 · May 2, 2019

3paul10 said:
Is the barrel installed?

223 wylde?

No its not installed it is marked 556. Even if wylde it should close on the 223 go/556 min gauge.

jrumann59 · May 2, 2019

3paul10 said:
Chad would be the man to fix itt....you could try another bolt if you have access to spares...

Yeah sort of waiting for his lordship to pop in

clandestine · May 2, 2019

What's the spec on the gauge?

1.4636 or 1.4646?

As others have mentioned you can lap a bolt that has short headspace but it depends on how short it is. My son brought me a Smith & Wesson m&p 15 upper that will not close on a live round or any 556 or 223 go gauge. The chamber is .040 short of GO. Really bad.

jrumann59 · May 2, 2019

clandestine said:
What's the spec on the gauge?

1.4636 or 1.4646?

As others have mentioned you can lap a bolt that has short headspace but it depends on how short it is. My son brought me a Smith & Wesson m&p 15 upper that will not close on a live round or any 556 or 223 go gauge. The chamber is .040 short of GO. Really bad.

1.4636. The bolt does not even feel like it is close to engaging with go gauge in the chamber. So I should contact Midway and try and get a new barrel and hope for the best?

clandestine · May 2, 2019

jrumann59 said:
1.4636. The bolt does not even feel like it is close to engaging with go gauge in the chamber. So I should contact Midway and try and get a new barrel and hope for the best?

Yes, it needs to go back.

The 1.4636 is actually a .223 GO even though the gauge is marked 5.56.

jrumann59 · May 2, 2019

clandestine said:
Yes, it needs to go back.

The 1.4636 is actually a .223 GO even though the gauge is marked 5.56.

The gauge says 556 min also

clandestine · May 2, 2019

jrumann59 said:
The gauge says 556 min also

Yep. They and other companies mislabel them.
.The 5.56 spec 1.4646 they list as. 223 Remington.

jrumann59 · May 3, 2019

clandestine said:
Yep. They and other companies mislabel them.
.The 5.56 spec 1.4646 they list as. 223 Remington.

Either way bolt should close on it correct?

TheBert · May 3, 2019

inkd said:
Talk to Chad, I believe he has lapped some student barrels or bolts in the past for bad head space.

Mine was one of them, bolt and barrel (5.56) from Anderson. Lapped the bolt to the barrel and it was a go for .223. Chad recommended shooting 1000 rounds and checking it with the 5.56 go gage.

jrumann59 · May 3, 2019

TheBert said:
Mine was one of them, bolt and barrel (5.56) from Anderson. Lapped the bolt to the barrel and it was a go for .223. Chad recommended shooting 1000 rounds and checking it with the 5.56 go gage.

Why not ream the chamber unless its chrome lined.

atblis · May 3, 2019

I'd be tempted to (carefully) shoot it a little and then re-measure. Face shield, welding mitts, etc.

jrumann59 · May 3, 2019

atblis said:
I'd be tempted to (carefully) shoot it a little and then re-measure. Face shield, welding mitts, etc.

If the new barrel runs into the issue I may do that.

Pinecone · May 5, 2019

TheBert said:
Mine was one of them, bolt and barrel (5.56) from Anderson. Lapped the bolt to the barrel and it was a go for .223. Chad recommended shooting 1000 rounds and checking it with the 5.56 go gage.

I purchased an upper minus bolt and BC from them, plus the bolt and carrier. I added a note to have the headspace checked before shipping and they did so for no charge.

teratos · May 5, 2019

atblis said:
I'd be tempted to (carefully) shoot it a little and then re-measure. Face shield, welding mitts, etc.

I’d move away from you at the range....

DutchV · May 5, 2019

jrumann59 said:
Why not ream the chamber unless its chrome lined.

Reaming is expensive. Lapping is cheap.

teratos · May 5, 2019

DutchV said:
Reaming is expensive. Lapping is cheap.

Sending it back is really cheap.

New AR 16 Barrel failing headspace

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

DILLIGAF

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

DILLIGAF

DILLIGAF

AR-15 Savant

DILLIGAF

AR-15 Savant

DILLIGAF

AR-15 Savant

DILLIGAF

The Member

DILLIGAF

Ultimate Member

DILLIGAF

Ultimate Member

My hair is amazing

Ultimate Member

My hair is amazing

Users who are viewing this thread

Log in

Forum statistics