AR extraction question

[Rob]

I have noticed form time to time on a couple of my home-built AR's that I have difficulty extracting a loaded round.

Here is a description of what I am doing:
-I load a round in the mag
-I pull the charging handle all the way back and the bolt carrier group is released so that it pops forward quickly - as designed
-The round chambers fine, and if I were to have pulled the trigger, it would have gone off, ejected and loaded a second round without issue
-However, if I decide to unload without firing, the Charging handle is nearly impossible to pull back.  I can do it, but it is really locked in place firmly.

I always check my chambers with go/nogo gauges and they have all passed.  No signs of pressure on fired brass. 

Anyone else ever have this problem or knows what causes it?

[seth30]

I had a similar issue and went with a small base die for reloading, now the problem is solved.    http://www.midwayusa.com/product/621875/rcbs-ar-series-small-base-2-die-set-with-taper-crimp-223-remington

If the problem is with store bought ammo, then I am not sure what the issue is. 

[fishngamereaper]

Is it the same if you pull the mag out. Hand loads or Factory? Mil Spec parts or generic?  Is your Go- No Go gauge accurate? Buffer spring bound up? Locking lugs clean/ damaged? Ive seen lots of reasons this happens, would need my grubby hands on it to find the fix.

[300rum]

Try taking a sharpie, color the whole cartridge black, then cycle it.  Throw up a pick of what it looks like. 

[Rob]

So I went down and put some reloads through the gun and it was difficult to extract.  I put some factory rounds from two different manufactures through and they extracted without issue. 

I think you nailed it Seth.  Thanks for the tip!

[300rum]

If you reload .223, use the Dillon Carbide dies, they are the best.  At the same time pick up their Case Gauge, it is invaluable when loading .223 for a semi-auto. 

[seth30]

So I went down and put some reloads through the gun and it was difficult to extract.  I put some factory rounds from two different manufactures through and they extracted without issue. 

I think you nailed it Seth.  Thanks for the tip!

Your welcome, glad to help out

[demontang]

My father loaded some rounds for me and he bulged the cases just a little when he seated the bullets and I had this same problem. I tried everything to figure it out it came down to me putting the micrometer on the loads to find it.