So today I decide to take my new 10.5" AR to the range. I had only shot it once and at that time I only did it to see the fireworks, I didn't sight it in or really take my time. Anyways, today I went to the range. I loaded it up with some cheap 55 grain tula ammo which I think had something to do with the malfunctioning that went on today. It seemed like every other shot fire wouldn't fully eject. The spent case would be about halfway out of the chamber and the next round would be halfway up the feed ramp, the two making a v shape. I blame the ammo on this, my first AR would chew this stuff up and spit it out like no ones business but it was a 16" mid-length. I switched to some federal 55 gr bulk pak and it ran like a top. And didn't seem to blow as much gas back. Is my assumption correct and it was just the weak ammo or am I over gassed?

Will the bolt lock back on an empty magaine?

What brand is the upper?

What buffer you running?

How does the brass cases look after they been fired? Chewed up by the extractor?

Sounds like the ammo is weak for the setup you have. If it is fixed by normal pressure ammo, it probably isn't overgassed. It should have made the problem worse.

If it was over gassed, the shell casings will be thrown all over the place. Instead of a normal pile.

Go back over the gas system. make sure all the ports are aligned. No crude restricting gas flow. Check BCG and ejector also.

If that checks out:

Lots of folks have to adjust the gas system on the short barrels. Read up on others that have the same brand of barrel. See what they are opening the gas port to.

It's a PSA 10.5" upper. The brass cases were fine. The pile was about 4:30-5 o'clock and was about 7 feet away. And I'm running a heavy buffer. I think it's just the weaker ammo, the brass fed bulk runs fine.

A carbine buffer may help if you have one lying around.

could be a steel case sticking in too tight chamber. If you have Academy near, try their Monarch ammo - another russian made, relabeled for Academy.
Normally TulAmmo works well, unless you have undersized/low end of tolerance chamber or you buffer does not match rifle.

That ammo is underpowered. Its great blasting ammo, but doesn't run good in some guns. Especially newer guns that arent' broke in yet.

I would shoot 200 5.56 rounds through it, then would try the Tula.

If it won't function with hot 556 ammo, then I would have someone look at it. It sounds undergassed, but thats likely from the weak ammo.

Take one 5.56 round, shoot it and see if it locks back. If it does, then its fine and just needs breaking in /hotter ammo.

If it won't lock back with 556, use some calipers and measure the gas port. Short barrels should have a slightly larger gas port opening. I can send you some charts on dimensions from colt, but try the 556 ammo first.

^^This.

And life's too short to shoot crappy ammo! It's cheap for a reason!

It's the ammo for sure. I had the same problem with this ammo. I can't get it to cycle through any if my guns.

I think it is the ammo, I'm just not used to my AR's being picky, my last one ate EVERYTHING. BUT it was a 16" mid. Thanks guys, just means no more $4.99 ammo for me...