02-14-2014, 07:19 PM
(This post was last modified: 02-14-2014, 07:22 PM by SHORT-N-SASSY.)
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,"
I today received the following E-mail response from MidwayUSA Customer Service:
"Dear [Customer's name],
"Thanks for your contact with Larry. I'm sorry it's taken a while to respond --- Larry's customer contact rate via email, voice mail and letter consistently runs well more that 2000 per week. He reads/listens to all his contacts, but obviously can't respond to them personally. Between this and his other obligations as CEO, it takes him a while to respond to customer inquiries. He asked me to follup up with you.
"I'm sorry to hear about that problem and I've forwarded your email to the appropriate Merchandising staff for review. I see we processed your return last week and I apologize for any inconvenience.
"Thanks for Your Business!
"Brian, MidwayUSA Customer Service"