Expense was why I thought about loading,... like "saving money".... but after some education and looking at market for the materials. I just accept that I should enjoy the hobby and shoot what I make even if it costs a little more.
I just received my order from Starline and also got an in-stock notification from MidwayUSA. My advice, order from Starline because it's so much cheaper. I got 250 pcs for $175 delivered.
Too bad you're not closer. I would give you some to play with until you got an order in.
I appreciate the offer but have close to 300 to play with. Was just looking for more to stockpile. Now, if I can just get my crimping down then it would reliably cycle. Wish I would have realized that before buying a different premium barrel and bolt only to have the same issues, LOL
Interesting...Lee makes a factory crimp die. Are you using that?
Yes, I'm using Lee dies. They just seem to be too fat at the base to chamber fully. I'm going to order a chamber checker block to see where I'm going wrong.
First problem is just getting it to chamber the first round (about 75% fail). Tried all sorts of ammo and mags including reloads, all pass the chamber checker. Second is if it chambers and actually fires (normally only goes 99% into battery, lets the firing pin drop but too far out to fire) then the second round gets jammed up, parallel to the bore but too low to hit feed ramps. This is with tons of Beowulf specific mags, modified mags, multiple lowers, and new barrels, bolts, everything I can think of. It started out as a cheap BCA complete upper (side charger) and now the only remaining BCA is the receiver itself. I have an Aero Precision on order to swap all parts over to it, I'm thinking if the machining of the bolt channel is not perfectly aligned to the bore may be causing my issues, possibly. If that doesn't work out then may want to watch the pay it foreword thread as it's ALL going to go away, LOL. Spare uppers, barrels, BGC's, dies, brass, Bullets, etc. I'm about done with it, life is too short for this kind of frustration, LOL.
Dang, trying to solve all those problems is way above my pay grade. Trying the new upper sounds like a logical next step given everything else has been replaced. You stuck it out way longer than I would have.
Standard firing pin. I just degreased the entire upper and lubed it generously as I'm headed to the range shortly (get the day off paid for my Bday!) no better way to spend a Friday. Will report back.
Happy Birthday! I was thinking if the bcg was in battery enough to let it fire it might be safe to run an extended firing pin like they use for 7.62x39 set ups. The protruding portion of the firing pin sticks out just a tiny bit more than a standard pin to help set off harder primers. It could help set off more of your primers. I am not sure what would be causing your set up not to be going in that last little bit to full battery.
I'll order that pin just for fun, already ballz deep in this project, LOL. As far as my range report, you can make fun of me if you'd like but I left my ammo at home. Oh well, I brought several others to shoot. It was sunny and warm, perfect afternoon. Thank you for the bday wishes, was on Sunday but I get to choose my "holiday". Fired over 60 rounds of 460 S&W Mag, 150 9mm out of my S&W 929 revolver (until the comp came loose), a bunch of 22lr form my S&W 617, and tons of 308/223 from my AR's. Couldn't ask for a better day off. I'll probably head back tomorrow to try my Beowulf as that's one I'm REALLY wanting to get running.
Are you using the Lee Factory Crimp Die (FCD)?
Yes, with the reloads. I ordered the chamber checker and all ammo passed the plunk test.
Does it work with factory ammo?
