02-04-2014, 03:53 AM
SHORT-N-SASSY Wrote:I today sent the following E-mail to MidwayUSA.com Founder & CEO, Larry Potterfield:
"Subject: AR-Stoner Barrel and Bolt AR-15 6.5 Grendel Medium M4 Contour 1 in 8" Twist 16" Stainless Steel (MidwayUSA Product #: 884877)
"Dear Mr. Potterfield,
"I ordered the above-referenced item on December 24, 2013 and received it on January 3, 2014. During my initial shooting test, a few days later, using Hornady factory-loaded 6.5 Grendel 123-grain A-MAX ammunition (Lot #3132540, ordered from MidwayUSA), I took note of cratered primer pockets: a known indicator of high chamber pressure.
"I later checked the cartridge overall length (COL) of the Hornady 6.5 Grendel 123-grain A-MAX ammunition: 2.245". Using the spring-loaded Bolt-Carrier Group, I loaded cartridges into the chamber. I then extracted the unfired cartridges, by pulling on the Charging Handle, noting some resistance in the process of extraction. I examined the cartridges and found distinct abrasions on the bullets, approx. 0 075" - 0.080" forward of the case neck mouths, at 5 points around the circumference (the barrel is stamped, "6.5 GRENDEL 1-8 5R").
"Given the significantly increased head diameter of the 6.5 Grendel cartridge (over the .223/5.56x45mm cartridge), the use, of which, in the AR-15 action requires due diligence in maintaining safe operating pressures http://www.beyond556.com/bboard/forum/ar...thrust-faq, I'm concerned. Indeed, my experience parallels that of others. For example, following his 6.5 Grendel build, using the same barrel supplier http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthrea...6.5G/page2 (See Reply #14, pics showing abrasions caused by the factory-loaded Hornady 123-grain SST bullets being jammed into the rifling lands, upon normal loading of the cartridges).
"In view of the above, I think it would be prudent for the barrel supplier to issue a recall of the short-throated 6.5 Grendel-chambered barrels. Fact: If the COL does not allow the bullet some initial free-bore, pressure spikes is the result, causing stress on the Bolt; Broken Bolt lugs are not an uncommon result, when handloading the 6.5 Grendel in the AR-15, with loads that exceed recommended maximum pressure levels.
"What to do? After agonizing over the dilemma, for some weeks, I've decided that I don't want to continue this game of Russian roulette. A broken Bolt lug, or worse, is not what a responsible shooter should have to contend with --- using factory-loaded ammunition, in a 6.5 Grendel SAAMI-chambered rifle! Accordingly, I've downloaded and printed-out the MidwayUSA Return Merchandise Form, followed the written instructions, therein, filled-out the Form --- checking "Refund" --- painstakingly repacked the Barrel and Bolt in the original triangular shipping carton and, using the MidwayUSA "ATTENTION: CUSTOMER RETURNS" shipping label, today returned the MidwayUSA Product #: 884877.
"Thank you for sharing this matter of concern.
"Sincerely,"
Very well written. Let us know what he replies with.