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AR 15 Jam

alligator123
I have a Smith & Wesson AR 15 and had a shell stick in the chamber. No way to pull the bolt back, so I took the lower half off and pryed the bolt back with a screwdriver. There has got to be a better way. This is the first time it has happened in over 1000 rounds so I want to be ready if it ever happens again and do it the right way. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • Horse Plains Drifter
    So why can't you pull the bolt back with the charging handle?
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  • Mobuck
    Drop a steel cleaning rod down the barrel. That's usually enough to pop the case loose. More important is how much damage did you do with the screwdriver? What kind of lube/care have you used on the rifle so far? There have been numerous problems relating to using laquered steel cased ammo. Need to know more about the incident in order to give more specific advice.
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  • PistolNut
    The laquor residue from the coated steel cartridges will cause the brass to stick inside the chamber. The brass expands more than the steel and they stick. Clean the chamber and stick to all brass ammo or all steel ammo. Do not mix.
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  • sandwarrior
    If you are running reloads make sure they are sized down. An oversized case going into an AR chamber sticks hard. And, there is very little leverage to pull them out.

    As noted use either a cleaning rod from the muzzle end to tap it out while applying pressure to the charging handle. Or, drop the butt of the rifle down sharply on a workbench or stump (something solid you don't wanted banged up) while again applying rearward pressure on the charging handle.
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  • alligator123
    The cleaning rod is something I never thought of. Great idea. I only shoot with brass and all are my reloads, so I know they are all sized correctly. This particular shell that stuck did not fire and the firing pin did not even touch the primer so I assume the shell stuck before it was completely in the chamber. From now on I'm carrying my cleaning rod.
    Thanks and great idea
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  • givette
    quote:Originally posted by alligator123
    The cleaning rod is something I never thought of. Great idea. I only shoot with brass and all are my reloads, so I know they are all sized correctly. This particular shell that stuck did not fire and the firing pin did not even touch the primer so I assume the shell stuck before it was completely in the chamber. From now on I'm carrying my cleaning rod.
    Thanks and great idea

    Actually, you, (from now on), should reload using small base resizing dies. They are not 'routine' full-length dies. You had a fat case get stuck during the charge cycle. Autos (either semi or full-don't matter) need a generous chamber. Fired brass is bad ju-ju unless you can get the case completely down to unfired dimensions. Only small base dies can accomplish this.

    Don't rely on 'standard' full-length resizing dies for your auto-loader. Best, Joe
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  • Laredo Lefty
    In addition to proper resizing, also make sure your cases are trimmed to proper length. Cases that are too long can cause the same problem.

    I have found that the cleaning rod dropped down the bore from the muzzle works best for "fired" cases that are stuck and the extractor has jumped over the case and left it in the chamber.

    The only way I would try ANYTHING from the muzzle end on an unfired stuck round would be only after removing the lower so the hammer can not fall on the firing pin.
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  • alligator123
    Where do I find small base resizing dies?
    Thanks
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  • NeoBlackdog
    I had one do the same thing last year. Stuck with out firing. I waited about 5 minutes and then popped the rear pin and opened the gun up and reset the hammer by hand. I then re-assembled the gun and when I pulled the trigger again the shell went off and functioned normally.
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  • armilite
    quote:givette
    Advanced Member

    8701 Posts

    Posted - 01/23/2011 : 7:54:45 PM Show Profile Email Poster Reply with Quote

    quote:Originally posted by alligator123

    The cleaning rod is something I never thought of. Great idea. I only shoot with brass and all are my reloads, so I know they are all sized correctly. This particular shell that stuck did not fire and the firing pin did not even touch the primer so I assume the shell stuck before it was completely in the chamber. From now on I'm carrying my cleaning rod.
    Thanks and great idea


    Actually, you, (from now on), should reload using small base resizing dies. They are not 'routine' full-length dies. You had a fat case get stuck during the charge cycle. Autos (either semi or full-don't matter) need a generous chamber. Fired brass is bad ju-ju unless you can get the case completely down to unfired dimensions. Only small base dies can accomplish this.

    Don't rely on 'standard' full-length resizing dies for your auto-loader. Best, Joe


    Bingo

    You can buy them on line from Midway or if you have a decent gun shop nearby they should stock as well. You also might check with Cabelas if there is one near you.

    You also don't state whether your rifle is chambered in .223 or 5.56.
    If your rifle is chambered in .223 and your using 5.56 brass you may encounter more problems.
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