Possible bad batch of .223

[Natan706]

I bought another case of .223 50gr at the Tanner gun show on the 4th, it is my 5th case of .223 from Crossfire. Finally got a chance to go to the range yesterday, BUT I think I got a bad batch. I have never had a problem with my Bushie nor have I had a problem with Crossfires ammo until this new case.
Basically whats happening is, I fire a round and it doesnt extract before it tries to chamber the next round. The spent case is so tight in the barrel that I have to push it out with my cleaning rod. So I tried a mag filled with my old case and I had no problems at all. I even bump fired a whole mag of the old stuff without a hicup. Then I went back to the new stuff and it happened again. Every other shot gets stuck. Needless to say this frustrates me. So I called it a day.
Upon returning home I immediately tore down the Bushie and cleaned EVERY part of it. I thought maybe the gas tube was clogging or something funky like that.
Well I was lucky enough to be called off work today so I headed to the range again to see if my thorough cleaning did the trick. uh NOPE. Its doing the same thing as yesterday. I fire my old ammo and it works perfectly. I fire the new ammo it jams about every other shot. the other problem is that since its not extracting its trying to chamber another round and that new round gets the bullet shoved done its neck.
All I can think of is that its the new case. Is it possible that its swelling too much and actually getting itself stuck so tight that the extractor cant even pull it out?
I took some pictures of 1 of the rounds from the old case and 1 from the new case side by side.
the one on the right is from the new case.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v246/natan706/Feb022.jpg
it seems to be a hair taller and the neck is longer also.

this next pic is of 2 of the cases that were stuck and one (on the right) that hasnt been shot but the bullet has been forced down into the neck. (I poured all the powder out of it btw)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v246/natan706/Feb021.jpg

Anyhow I dont know what to do next. I have a case of ammo that I cant trust. Which really sucks because I havent ever had a problem with any of my previous cases.

Will Crossfire swap me out a new case and make this right?
How do I find them besides going to the Tanner Gun show?

I'd appreciate any feedback or info that anyone has to offer.
Thanks! :)

[Marlin]

1} Did it do it in differant Mags?

2} Get in contact with Crossfire, Snailmail/Phone/E-Mail, I'm sure if they're customer oriented, they should make right with You somehow.

[Natan706]

I forgot to write that I tried it in differant mags with the same exact results.

I also tries to look up Crossfire and I cant find any info on them at all. Now Im beggining to think that Crossfire isnt their name. :?
If you've been to the Tanner gun show, its the booth near the back right hand side, with a little banner that says AMMO. The sticker on their metal cases say "Crossfire Ammunition, centerfire cartridges" then some warnings which includes a the mention of no warranty, then "Distributed by: Maximum Wholesale Inc."

If anyone has their contact info and could pass it along to me I'd appreciate it. Thanks

[ruger]

Others may disagree, but to me these pics seem to show:

1) In pic #1 the brass that is getting stuck is looks longer (or so it seems to me - could be a trick of light and shadow). Check the case length with a good micrometer. Max case length should be 1.760" with a trim-to length of 1.750" (according to Hornady)

2) In pic #2 it could be tricks of light and shadow, but it looks like that the rim is different. I think that it looks different in 2 ways. It looks like the rim where the extractor grabs onto the round may be slightly narrower. Also it looks like the entire length of the rim/base area is narrower. Could be your extractor isnt getting a good grip on the round...The outer diameter of the rim should be .378" and the inside diameter should be .332"

-Ruger might need new glasses too

[PsychoI3oy]

Taking from ruger's insight it appears to me that the area the extractor sits in is closer to the rim. I dunno what to call it (inverse shoulder? the narrowing from the main case body down to the notch before the rim) seems to be closer to the rim on the new batch than old. The extractor may be resting on this shoulder instead of sitting in the notch like it's supposed to.

The spent casings also show serious wear on the actual shoulder and neck, and my deductive reasoning would suggest that it's getting a bit stickier up front and the extractor doesn't have a good enough grip on it to grab it.

Do the rims of the spent bad cases have notches or marks on them from the extractor slipping/tearing the rim?


(If my first point is exactly what you were saying, ruger, I apologize).

IANAGSY

[Natan706]

ok I used a micometer and got a few specs on the 2 differant rounds. They are both 55gr .223

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v246/natan706/223comparrisons.jpg

[Natan706]

ok this is going to sound absolutely rediculous, but I just realized that these are all reloads!! For some reason I thought that these were just bulk loose ammo, but I dont think so. I guess it because I am new to the AR world and am only just beginning my journey into the wonderful world of guns.
Anyhow I wonder if this guy is actually passing this stuff as bulk or if it says somewhere that its reloads? I'll post a pic of the label sometime tonight so that everyone can see who Im talking about.
I cant believe that no one has any contact info on these people though.

[Marlin]

The term might be remanufactured, Do the headstamps match or are they all differant?

[Natan706]

the headstamps are very similar in each case. but not all the same. Like for example in the old case they say PMC 223 REM, RP 223 REM, FC 223 REM. The new case however say WCC 02, WCC 03, + WCC 00.
So I guess since I wasnt paying attention and they are very similar looking at first glance, it never just accured to me.

ok heres a picture of the labeling on the top of the can.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v246/natan706/lables009.jpg
If anyone purchased from these folks and have there contact info please let me know. Thanks :)

[Marlin]

Whats the label say?

[Natan706]

the top label says;

Crossfire Ammunition
Center Fire Cartridges
Warning: The ammunition in this box is intended for use in firearms well maintained, in good condition, and originally chambered for these cartridges. we warranty reasonable care in the manufacture of this ammunition, but because we have no control over it's handling, storage, and use, we make no warranty, expressed or implied.
Always use protective gear when shooting.
Warning: Due to the nauture of this product, the purchaser must accept the responsibility of keeping this product out of the wrong hands. Always keep firearms and ammunition properly secured.
Distributed by :Maximum Wholesale Inc.

[Natan706]

Anybody have anymore suggestions? I mean besides not shooting anymore from the new batch. :wink: Looks like I only have 18 days before the gun show and I'd like to be sure that Im not in the wrong some how.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will just swap them out. All I want is Ammo that I can actually shoot. :)
Thanks