.224 Valkyrie Feed Issue

[Ace562]

Brand spanking new to the site and a little wet behind the ears on here. I searched all the .224V info I could find but I seem to be the only one with this issue or I’m the only one simple enough to not fix it.

I just bought a Stag .224 V, and I have had issues on quite a few casings being gouged and the tip of the bullet getting nicked as it chambers another round. Now I’ll admit I’m a serious newbie in the world of AR style weapons but this doesn’t seem to be an issue that should happen. The brass always catches on the shoulders, against the ramp. Is this something I need to contact the dealer about for warranty or is it just The ammo batch or am I just a dope? I snapped some pictures of one that had damage. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[nso123]

Any pics of the cuts in the barrel extension?

 

[Shawn1492]

Are you using 6.8spc magazines or standard 223 mags?

 

[Ace562]

I’m using the stag mag that was supplied with the rifle, so I couldn’t say what platform they used or if they tried to make a specific one. But I would really like to switch to a 10 rd, I’m open to suggestions on what to use for that.

 

[Ace562]

Any pics of the cuts in the barrel extension?

I’ll get one posted.

 

[DRAM40A1]

PRI makes the best 6.8 and Valkyrie mags available. I would try that first.

 

[nso123]

Barrel extension looks fine. Like Dram40a1 mentioned, I would try another mag and see if that fixes it.

 

[Ace562]

Sounds good. I’ve ran some more rounds through it and the marks are getting less noticeable, no jam ups now. Thanks for the info.

 

[Constructor]

Tough to tell from the reflection but the receiver ramp to extension junction could use some blending. If you can run the bullet tips over that area and feel it catch I would use a 3/16" chainsaw sharpening stone in a Dremel tool and smooth that area out.

 

[Diakonos]

Folks, I'm having an identical issue with my Valkyrie. I'm using a 6.8 mag that I've never had a jam with - ever - with my 6.8. But I'm only managing to get one or two shots per jam with the Valkyrie (without a mag, the rifle seems to eject the brass without an issue). I've ordered a PRI mag, but it's not in yet. Any ideas based on the markings on the cartridges that jammed? I've also included a pic of spent brass. I'm not much of an armorer, so I'm a bit over my head on this one. Really appreciate any direction anyone might have. Many thanks.

 

[Ace562]

Folks, I'm having an identical issue with my Valkyrie. I'm using a 6.8 mag that I've never had a jam with - ever - with my 6.8. But I'm only managing to get one or two shots per jam with the Valkyrie (without a mag, the rifle seems to eject the brass without an issue). I've ordered a PRI mag, but it's not in yet. Any ideas based on the markings on the cartridges that jammed? I've also included a pic of spent brass. I'm not much of an armorer, so I'm a bit over my

Folks, I'm having an identical issue with my Valkyrie. I'm using a 6.8 mag that I've never had a jam with - ever - with my 6.8. But I'm only managing to get one or two shots per jam with the Valkyrie (without a mag, the rifle seems to eject the brass without an issue). I've ordered a PRI mag, but it's not in yet. Any ideas based on the markings on the cartridges that jammed? I've also included a pic of spent brass. I'm not much of an armorer, so I'm a bit over my head on this one. Really appreciate any direction anyone might have. Many thanks.

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I forgot to check back in after my post, I had ordered a 6.8 mag and have had zero issues since. I don’t know if it was all mag, but I did a thorough clean and lube again at the same time and seemed to clear up any feed issues. Hopefully someone with some better experience can help you out.

 

[Shawn1492]

Folks, I'm having an identical issue with my Valkyrie. I'm using a 6.8 mag that I've never had a jam with - ever - with my 6.8. But I'm only managing to get one or two shots per jam with the Valkyrie (without a mag, the rifle seems to eject the brass without an issue). I've ordered a PRI mag, but it's not in yet. Any ideas based on the markings on the cartridges that jammed? I've also included a pic of spent brass. I'm not much of an armorer, so I'm a bit over my head on this one. Really appreciate any direction anyone might have. Many thanks.

View attachment 7053803View attachment 7053804View attachment 7053805

I’ve had good luck with the 6.8 AR Stoner mag from midway.

 

[Diakonos]

Thanks, Shawn. What capacity are you using?

 

[Shawn1492]

Thanks, Shawn. What capacity are you using?

15s. Biggest I can get here.

 

[Wulf]

@Diakonos what model rifle do you and what rounds are you using?

I had issues with federal made 224v when I put together my first 224v.
Hornady zero issue and my hand loads zero issue.

Have you tried useing a standard 223/5.56 mag with 5 rounds loaded in it yet? A standard pmag in my experience will feed 5 reliably also In my experience 6.8 mags can be hit or miss. I was useing pri mags before i sold the rifle.

 

[Constructor]

Try to create the "jam" again. While it is still stuck look at the bullet tip, Hitting top of chamber or stuck between the barrel extension lugs? I assume the rear of the case/rim is still in the feed lips of the mag and the cartridge is crammed in at an angle with nowhere for the bullet tip or rear of the case to go?
The old PRI Gen 1 mags were the best, the front of the feed lips were shorter and rounded so the cartridge was released sooner and smoother. You could round off or angle the front of the feed lips on any mag that way the cartridge doesn't approach the chamber at such a steep angle.

 

[Diakonos]

@Diakonos what model rifle do you and what rounds are you using?

I had issues with federal made 224v when I put together my first 224v.
Hornady zero issue and my hand loads zero issue.

Have you tried useing a standard 223/5.56 mag with 5 rounds loaded in it yet? A standard pmag in my experience will feed 5 reliably also In my experience 6.8 mags can be hit or miss. I was useing pri mags before i sold the rifle.

I'm using a Rock River Arms lower with a Davidson Defense ”Superbird” AR-15 Upper Receiver 18” Ultra-Match. I'm shooting 75 grain Federals (crap, I know) but wanted to square away zero and basics before shooting my Hornaday ELDs.

I'll give the 5 round load on a standard AR mag a try. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Diakonos]

Try to create the "jam" again. While it is still stuck look at the bullet tip, Hitting top of chamber or stuck between the barrel extension lugs? I assume the rear of the case/rim is still in the feed lips of the mag and the cartridge is crammed in at an angle with nowhere for the bullet tip or rear of the case to go?
The old PRI Gen 1 mags were the best, the front of the feed lips were shorter and rounded so the cartridge was released sooner and smoother. You could round off or angle the front of the feed lips on any mag that way the cartridge doesn't approach the chamber at such a steep angle.

Appreciate the suggestion, I'll try that on one of my mags.

 

[bfoosh006]

Tough to tell from the reflection but the receiver ramp to extension junction could use some blending. If you can run the bullet tips over that area and feel it catch I would use a 3/16" chainsaw sharpening stone in a Dremel tool and smooth that area out.

This... but I use a felt cone and red rouge polish via a Dremel... be sure to jam a cotton ball into the chamber, and THOROUGHLY clean the lugs in the receiver extension prior to letting the bolt lock closed. ( The fuzz can lock it up tight if you don't ) Air compressor ( or canned air ) is helpful and repeat cleaning is wise.

 

[bfoosh006]

Sounds good. I’ve ran some more rounds through it and the marks are getting less noticeable, no jam ups now. Thanks for the info.

The lugs are getting polished smoother from the cases.

 

[bfoosh006]

Folks, I'm having an identical issue with my Valkyrie. I'm using a 6.8 mag that I've never had a jam with - ever - with my 6.8. But I'm only managing to get one or two shots per jam with the Valkyrie (without a mag, the rifle seems to eject the brass without an issue). I've ordered a PRI mag, but it's not in yet. Any ideas based on the markings on the cartridges that jammed? I've also included a pic of spent brass. I'm not much of an armorer, so I'm a bit over my head on this one. Really appreciate any direction anyone might have. Many thanks.

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Your chamber is less then smoothly finished... your chambered and fired brass cases show it. Those scuffs and scraps are not normal, IMHO.

Even the photo looking into the chamber shows a "ridge".

The RE lugs show the copper scuff from the bullet marks...

And frankly, I would be concerned about the rings on the bullets... are they being jammed into the throat ? I see a complete ring around the bullet.

Consider sending it back to the manufacturer... at the very least send them photos and ask what they would like you to do.

You "might" be able to hone the chamber smooth... but, those are pretty rough markings.

And even then you need to worry about the bullet rings.

I am a tinkerer... but your chamber / barrel might need to go back to the manufacturer.

I wouldn't fire another round out of it... you might have higher then normal pressures ( from the bullets being jammed into the throat )

 

[Diakonos]

Your chamber is less then smoothly finished... your chambered and fired brass cases show it. Those scuffs and scraps are not normal, IMHO.

Even the photo looking into the chamber shows a "ridge".

The RE lugs show the copper scuff from the bullet marks...

And frankly, I would be concerned about the rings on the bullets... are they being jammed into the throat ? I see a complete ring around the bullet.

Consider sending it back to the manufacturer... at the very least send them photos and ask what they would like you to do.

You "might" be able to hone the chamber smooth... but, those are pretty rough markings.

And even then you need to worry about the bullet rings.

I am a tinkerer... but your chamber / barrel might need to go back to the manufacturer.

I wouldn't fire another round out of it... you might have higher then normal pressures ( from the bullets being jammed into the throat )

Appreciate your insights. As to the "rings" around the bullets, the only reason I doubt that that is from being jammed into the throat, is that similar circular marks are apparent on the brass. Also, at least one or two of these cartridges hung up before getting fully inserted into the chamber. So I think the circular scratches aren't from a throat issue.

I was a little concerned about pressure issues, given the markings on the fired brass, but without an inserted magazine, ejection does not seem to be an issue. Also, there is no evidence of overpressure on the primers. However, it is notable that the 75 grain Federals have a bad reputation for too much pressure; that's one of the biggest complaints about them.

Not sure about the ridge, looked at the pic again and don't see it, but what do you recommend for honing the chamber? I assume a Dremel and a stone of some sort? Honestly, I'm just a little nervous about running any abrasive in the chamber without really seeing what I need to grind down. Again, thank you for your suggestions.

 

[bfoosh006]

Appreciate your insights. As to the "rings" around the bullets, the only reason I doubt that that is from being jammed into the throat, is that similar circular marks are apparent on the brass. Also, at least one or two of these cartridges hung up before getting fully inserted into the chamber. So I think the circular scratches aren't from a throat issue.

I was a little concerned about pressure issues, given the markings on the fired brass, but without an inserted magazine, ejection does not seem to be an issue. Also, there is no evidence of overpressure on the primers. However, it is notable that the 75 grain Federals have a bad reputation for too much pressure; that's one of the biggest complaints about them.

Not sure about the ridge, looked at the pic again and don't see it, but what do you recommend for honing the chamber? I assume a Dremel and a stone of some sort? Honestly, I'm just a little nervous about running any abrasive in the chamber without really seeing what I need to grind down. Again, thank you for your suggestions.

Third photo shows something to me... right about where the 4th photo of the fired cases have marks on the bottom portion of the case.

And buy an over-sized shotgun bore mop to polish the back edge of the chamber slightly.. big enough so it doesn't / cannot slip into the chamber... I bet you can feel it is "sharp with your pinky.

I have used a shotgun metal bristle cleaning brush, wrapped with "0000" steel wool ( won't even scratch glass ) for a snug fit... lubed with a cleaner / polish car wax product ( very mildly abrasive , specifically ,TR3 car wax... great cleaner.. horrible car wax )

Attach the shotgun brush assm. to a spare section of cleaning rod.. spin with a cordless drill... you don't need to force it.. just make sure of the snug fit into the chamber.. and clean THOROUGHLY after making a mess. Lol

 

[Diakonos]

Third photo shows something to me... right about where the 4th photo of the fired cases have marks on the bottom portion of the case.

And buy an over-sized shotgun bore mop to polish the back edge of the chamber slightly.. big enough so it doesn't / cannot slip into the chamber... I bet you can feel it is "sharp with your pinky.

I have used a shotgun metal bristle cleaning brush, wrapped with "0000" steel wool ( won't even scratch glass ) for a snug fit... lubed with a cleaner / polish car wax product ( very mildly abrasive , specifically ,TR3 car wax... great cleaner.. horrible car wax )

Attach the shotgun brush assm. to a spare section of cleaning rod.. spin with a cordless drill... you don't need to force it.. just make sure of the snug fit into the chamber.. and clean THOROUGHLY after making a mess. Lol

So, this afternoon, I went out and fired another 15 rounds through the .224V. Now, the initial "ridge" at the beginning of the chamber has brass colored marks going completely around it, substantiating your theory that I need to polish that first edge of the start of the chamber. I'll follow your suggested route for the polishing.

I should also note that I did not use a magazine for any of the 15 shots today. Rather, I manually loaded each cartridge. Two of the fifteen shots hung up. I suppose that could be attributed in part to the ridge, too?