fail to eject issues

[hatidua]

Those (many) of you whom are far smarter and more experienced than I, can hopefully weigh in on this:

The first order of business when I arrived at the range this morning was to dial in the iron sights on a 16" carbine-length upper. The first 15 or so rounds all functioned fine. Then, I pulled the trigger and there was nothing but a 'click' - which was odd as I knew I still had half a magazine full to go before I was empty. I pulled back the charging handle and there looking at me was a live round happily sticking out of the end of the bolt. I released the charging handle, pulled the trigger, yet another 'click'. I went to pull the charging handle back again but now it was stuck rather well and I could not pull back the charging handle. I mortar'd the rifle stock on the bench and free'd the round from the chamber but it was still very happily married to the bolt. I pulled the charging handle back and let it go one final time, this time instead of the dreaded 'click', it fired. However, the round still would not eject.

The upper is used (BCM M4 profile 16" upper), probably has 2K rounds through it (not by me, I recently bought it used - had I not been told the upper was used it could easily pass for brand new). The BCG (BCM) is brand new, it has seen a total of 16 rounds since new.

So, what might be the problem/s? -yes, I'll get the rifle in front of a gunsmith but figured I'd post this in the meantime to see what people think...

[BuffCyclist]

Two thoughts, factory ammo or reloads? I'm not sure if it happens in semi-autos, but in bolt guns (as I recently found out) high powder charges (near max) can cause the bolt to get sticky. When I had that happen, the charge was so great it blew out the primer from the pocket and jammed the case into the bolt just like this. It took a considerable amount of force to remove the case. Turns out, the primer pockets were on the max end of spec, and the primers were on the min end of spec.

Second, I know the BCM BCG's ship with an upgraded extractor spring/bushing/whatevertheheckitscalled (but I don't believe they're installed). Is it possible this one came that way from BCM and it doesn't need the beefier extractor spring upgrade? The thinking here is that if its too tight, it could clamp onto the case extractor groove and not let go?

This thingy (the o-ring is what is extra and not really necessary on the BCM BCG's, or so they say): http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-E...%20upgrade.htm

On the other hand, it could be one of those new sensors at the range that can render ammo inert when it senses you've fired more than 15 rounds without changing mags. It's the new ban on high capacity magazines...

[hatidua]

On the other hand, it could be one of those new sensors at the range that can render ammo inert when it senses you've fired more than 15 rounds without changing mags. It's the new ban on high capacity magazines...

I'd not even considered that but a point worth thinking about

Factory ammo, nothing fancy just Federal 55gr FMJ fodder.

[Graves]

You have any headspace gauges?

[hatidua]

You have any headspace gauges?

I had that checked, with this bolt, several days ago and things seemed in order on that front...

[ray1970]

Judging from the picture, I'd say you have a cartridge stuck in the bolt.

[Bailey Guns]

Check your ejector to see if it or the ejector spring is broken.

[hatidua]

Thank you to all who have posted as well as those of you who sent PM's, I appreciate it

[BPTactical]

Gas ring condition?
Gas rings properly staggered?
Gas key tight?
Rifle well lubricated?

Entirely possible the rim/casehead of the cartridge is slightly oversize/out of shape. This can prevent the bolt from closing if the extractor is too far "open". It can jam the bolt closed as well if you force it closed.

This is the third occurrence of Federal ammo issues I have heard of in two weeks. One was a couple of fired cases sticking in the chamber.
I would not surprised if there is a run of the Federal with out of spec casings.

[Daniel_187]

I had the same problem with a JP Enterprise bolt, turns out the bolt face was out of spec.