I did not end up playing with different buffer weights. Used a stock carbine spring with an H2 buffer. Hodge 14.5" mid-length gas with a purported 0.74"-0.75" port size (made a little tighter for use with M855A1). Brand new LMT Enhanced BCG. I was wondering if, given the “tighter” Hodge gas port, and using an LMT EBCG, there would be function/cycling issues.
Fired 40 rounds of M855A1, 20 rounds of Mk318, and 20 rounds of IMI Razor 77gr 5.56.
My concerns were first and foremost function, i.e would it cycle properly, and secondarily lock-back on an empty mag. I fired essentially 3 rounds at a time so had 13 chances for lock-back on the M855A1, and 6 chances each with the Mk318 and IMI Razor.
M855A1: failed to lock-back twice out of 13 chances.
Mk318: failed to lock-back 3 out of 6 times. [Evidently the “weakest” of the three rounds, yet it shot higher…see below]
IMI 77gr Razor: locked back 6 out of 6 times. [Statistically “stronger” recoil impulse than the M855A1, also surprising]
There ZERO failures to cycle of any kind (FTF, FTE, etc.). All 80 rounds shot and cycled fine.
I zeroed irons and EOTech with the M855A1 using a 50yd IBSZ (POA/POI at 50yds). The Mk318 shot a c-hair high at 50 (surprising), while the IMI 77gr Razor was an exact match for the M855A1 zero at that range.
This was a pretty warm day but I was in the shade with a slight breeze blowing. Would it function as well in a much colder environment? I have my doubts, but next winter I’ll give it a whirl and if I do run into issues I’ll try dropping buffer weight at that time.
I thought “weaker” rounds were supposed to shoot higher. Based on what I’ve read, because it takes fractionally longer for the round to leave the muzzle, the barrel will be pointed fractionally higher due to muzzle rise.
2x will feed everything and lock back when using a standard BCG, A5H2 buffer and Springco Green using - 77gr BH reman 223, 77gr BH red box 5.56, 62gr TSX BH, MEN 56gr, Win 62gr OTM
Just finished the last one and went standard Carbine buffer system for a change. H with Blue Springco and it wouldn’t cycle the Win OTM on its intial outting. Looks like that will receive the A5 treatment as well.
ETA: Just found out the “milspec” buffer tube from may (partially) be to blame; it’s about 1/8-3/16" too shallow and does not appear to allow the bolt the same complete rearward travel as a BCM A5, Vltor A5, or any of the other milspec carbine receiver extensions I have.
ETA 5/26/19: 50% failure to pick up next round with A5H2. Runs like a champ with intended “H” and milspec carbine spring in DD lower. Fed Swiss 223, Win OTM, German MEN and Black Hills. Passed limp-wrist pistol test and spat out brass at 3:30 6 feet out. Must’ve had the original, smaller gas port spec (Roy @ WeapOutfitters had talked about differences in gas port spec).
Can’t remember if I measured this last one or not. The other 2 were 0.74-0.75 and they both work decent 223 shooting like a pistol limp wrist style to see if they’ve got sufficient juice to cycle.
First thing that’s going to happen is this upper is getting shot on an A5 outfitted lower before I start pulling parts and bring a milspec carbine spring as that how its supposed to go.
I’m not unhappy. I fully expected there to be cycling issues but there weren’t any. It shot pretty damn smooth with all the ammo (that is no doubt the LMT EBCG). The lock-back issue means the “oomph” is a tad lacking with this setup, which of course could manifest itself in a more pronounced fashion if filthy or very cold. Now to be fair, the EBCG was new and TIGHT; you couldn’t flick your wrist and have the bolt pop forward, you have to pull it with your fingers. Perhaps as that wears in a little as well as everything else things will “loosen” a bit overall. At least I know the gun isn’t beating itself to death!
As an aside, I don’t care for the new, duller finish on the Enhanced bolt’s latest generation. The older, more shiny ones I have clean up easier. Nitpicking I know, but just though I’d throw that out there.
One of these days I’ll run it with a regular BCG and H2 buffer and let you guys know.
Yes, the surprise of the day was the IMI Razor ammo. I’ve heard it’s a tad on the spicy side but today proved it. I have shitload of it so that’s a good thing. This Hodge/LMT EBCG setup may be the ticket to running that stuff.
That’s what I am seeing or better. Some guy on Gunbroker asking $150 for 30 rounds in a metal magazine. There ain’t enough magic in that bullet for me to spend that on something I will probably never shoot.
I’ve seen 300rds for $600, and it was Winchester “NATO cross” 2017 stuff on stripper clips. I guess Winchester started loading some to keep up with demand to augment Lake City production. Yeah, $2 per round is steep but 2017 production is pretty recent so that’s not too bad.
Quick question, was this the enhanced carrier and e-bolt? Or standard carrier and e-bolt? FA or SA carrier?
Just picked up a 12.5 Hodge barrel that is getting converted by Marvin Pitts for a LMT MRP chassis build. Was wondering whether to pick the standard FA carrier or enhanced with e-bolt. Will be used mostly suppressed but would expect it to be fully reliable without can.
Given the port sizing of the Hodge barrels I had planned on regular carrier. Doesn’t seem like it would benefit from the extra porting on the enhanced carrier. Also using A5 RE.