s4s4u wrote:you dont punch the gas port unless you absolutely have to. doing so "just because" isnt the right answer. you can easily create more problems than you have
Anything you remove you can compensate for with the twist on a allen wrench. It is a great tuning tool and if you want to shoot less than full power loads and still have your gun function as it should it is something to consider. You do you. I do me.
look man.. i wasnt saying "dont do you"
i guess i should have been more specific that its not the correct first step to recommend to someone on the forums for someone diagnosing a reload cycling problem with a firearm that otherwise
cycles with factory ammo. as noted - there could still be multiple reasons why OP isnt getting BHO... and drilling the gas port may actually make the issue *WORSE*. yes i know.. adjustable gas block would correct that... but there you are compensating for possibly worsening a problem that was already a problem.
lets focus on finding out why its not functioning correctly and THEN suggest mods like gas port modifications.
dont get the cart before the horse and all that. and this below is exactly why.
Nagantguy wrote:So yes the BHO works with both types of factory ammo, and yes it has a standard 3oz buffer and standard spring , I have 3 different magazines that have all run fine so far , bolt catch appeared to be working properly. I’ve yet to test my new loads and if I still have BHO failure My next step will be AGB. And or heavier buffer.
go with at LEAST a h3 buffer if you can get your hands on one to test from another rifle, friend, etc. i bet you see that cycling problem go away. its a fair guess with that light of a buffer that your carrier speed is actually outrunning the bolt catch lift from the mag spring.
ie: it sounds like you're overgassed.
mind you... its right on the ragged edge, and factory ammo has just a little less gas, or a little different peak pressure curve than the LIL gun you're testing (because its not lil-gun) and thats why you get BHO with factory but even moderate charges of LilGun (your 36.5gr load) arent BHO for you.
most of us are running anywhere from 5-8oz buffers, or a combination of a lighter buffer and Hoots CCWS 4oz(ish) slug in the rear of our BCG's to get up around that range. I'm running that slug with a H3 (5.4oz) buffer... but i'm also running the 20" bushy upper thats carbine gas so YMMV. however at 9.5oz i'm still cycling just dandy. no issues with reloads or factory ammo.
Slash's buffers recommends that big bore AR's should have a 8.5oz buffer in them for proper cycling.
so give that a whirl, see where it gets you and please get back to us.