Can only load it with the bolt locked open using the release.

 

Rifle was dirty, i know that could be the issue, but everything was lubed up pretty good, just hadnt cleaned it for about 500 rounds...  Never had ANY issues with this rifle and have shot it dirty of a few occasions.  Sometimes I like doing that to see how reliable a firearm is...

 

Any ideas?  Mag related? 

 

Rifle is a PSA lower w/ PSA parts kit.  Spikes complete upper, 14.5 light-weight, mid-length gas system

 

Did a pretty substantial cleaning last night, and im anxious to shoot again soon, prob wont be for a few weeks tho...

 

 

Also, I have a .22LR conversion bolt, and there were no issues loading the 1st round with that using the CH...

did you try using different mags?

What do you mean "not loading"?

 

Does the bolt strip a round out if the mag or just stop dead when the BCG hits the edge of the mag/rim of the cartridge?

 

Is the round stripped but not chambered?

 

Are you "riding" the charging handle?

 

Does it function correctly when firing?

Is the mag seating on a closed bolt? If you are using a pinned mag with 15 rounds in it, it may be too tight to load on a closed bolt. If bolt is locked back, you can seat the mag, then hit the bolt release. If you are loading a mag on a closed bolt, the mag may not be seated and won't strip off a round when you cycle the charging handle.

Lock the bolt to the rear, insert mag, hit bolt release.  Do not slingshot the charging handle because most of the time, people don't pull it back far enough or they accidentally (and unknowingly) ride it forward.  This is also the prescribed process for making ready in the manual of arms for the AR platform.

What do you mean "not loading"?

 

Does the bolt strip a round out if the mag or just stop dead when the BCG hits the edge of the mag/rim of the cartridge?

 

Is the round stripped but not chambered?

 

Are you "riding" the charging handle?

 

Does it function correctly when firing?

 

1) Doesnt strip a round into the chamber

 

2) See #1, bolt closes all the way, but on an empty chamber

 

3) see #1

 

4) No def not, made sure not to. Actually my wife tried loading a round using the handle (but she was riding it a bit), with no luck, so i took it from her and tried myself 3 separate times with no luck. So i just locked the bolt open and chambered a round using the bolt release.

 

5) Functioned with no issues at all aside from the one I am describing..

 

Lock the bolt to the rear, insert mag, hit bolt release.  Do not slingshot the charging handle because most of the time, people don't pull it back far enough or they accidentally (and unknowingly) ride it forward.  This is also the prescribed process for making ready in the manual of arms for the AR platform.

 

Thats how i was forced to load it, however in the event that i NEED To use the rifle at home in an emergency, i would like to be able to load it the standard way as i dont store the rifle w/ the bolt locked open...

So the bolt goes home all the way, but on an empty chamber, and this only happens when charging the first round using the CH but not from a locked bolt.

 

I would have to see it, but it sounds like you are just not pulling the charging handle back far enough so the bottom lugs on the bolt can get behind a round in the mag, or the mag was not seated fully/correctly.

 

Have you tried with dummy rounds/snap caps?

Thats how i was forced to load it, however in the event that i NEED To use the rifle at home in an emergency, i would like to be able to load it the standard way as i dont store the rifle w/ the bolt locked open...

The standard way to make ready is to lock the bolt to the rear.  There are very times when you should have to load against a closed bolt, a tactical reload being one of them.

 

If you're worried about deploying it in a HD scenario, store the rifle with the bolt locked back or with a round chambered (unless that's against local law, can't say I'm 100% up on how firearms are allowed to be store in the house in NJ).

Are your mags loaded to max capacity? If so, load one less round and try again.

Yes, 15 rounds.  This happened with a A&A Metal mag.  I have 2 but dont have them labled so im not sure if it was 1 mag or both..  I also have 15/20 Pmags, ill have to give them a try next time as well.

 

Just trying to figure out if this is typically a mag issue or something else..

Are your mags loaded to max capacity? If so, load one less round and try again.

 

I would try downloading by 2.

 

I agree with the others, the only time you should load on a closed bolt is where there is a round in the chamber and inserting a fresh mag.  

If your worried about some schmutz getting in the chamber at home just lock the bolt to the rear and close the dust cover. Thats why its there.   Insert mag, hit bolt release, dust cover will open, and your ready to fire.

 

Other than the bolt not being pulled far enough back, I would check the lugs to make sure they are still in good condition. 

 

I found that some ammo (lacquered steel) wouldn't strip the first round well when using AnA mags..... 

This was brass PMC .223

 

Didnt realize that you "shouldnt" load on a closed bolt.  From now on, ill store it with the bolt open...  Just never had this issue before, the 3 or 4 other times i took it to the range i always loaded it with the bolt closed using the CH and never had an issue.  Obviously there is something that is causing the issue that wasnt there before...

I dont know that its going to cause immediate damage to anything, but its a pain in the ass trying to load a full mag into a closed bolt, no need to slam it home if its in an open position.  Push, hear click, pull to check, drop bolt.  

I also try to use the CH as little as possible, especially if you have a standard issue.  They're not overly strong and you have a black club if it gets bent up. 

This was brass PMC .223

 

Didnt realize that you "shouldnt" load on a closed bolt. From now on, ill store it with the bolt open... Just never had this issue before, the 3 or 4 other times i took it to the range i always loaded it with the bolt closed using the CH and never had an issue. Obviously there is something that is causing the issue that wasnt there before...

I always store my rifles with the Bolt forward on an empty chamber with a mag in place. I conduct my initial loading by running the CH. There is nothing wrong with loading like that.

 

If you can't figure out the issue you are having, it needs to be addressed.

have you tried it again? you dont have to be at a range to try to load the gun?

 

I agree my AR is stored closed bolt on a fully loaded mag.. I have no issues loading with the charging handle.. 

I havent yet.  Prob tonight..