Vltor A5 question

[M4CARBINE556]

Hey guys, quick question. I just bought a 10.3" Daniel Defense MK18 upper chambered in 300 BLK. I am going to install a Vltor A5 receiver extension on my LMT lower. My question is, what weight buffer should I go with? I'm going to be shooting mostly 150gr supersonics and 208gr subsonics both with and without my Silencerco Omega. I'd like to try the H3 but I'm afraid it's going to be too heavy. I'll get both eventually but money is kinda tight right now.

Thanks

[Onyx Z]

If you have an old carbine buffer, the weights are the same size as the A5. You can swap them around to find the combo you like best.

[Clint]

The standard A5H2 is a great choice for nearly everything.

[BufordTJustice]

The standard A5H2 is a great choice for nearly everything.
The A5H0 through the A5H2 are your best bet, OP.

[M4CARBINE556]

Thanks guys, H2 it is.

[WS6]

I have a complete DDM4 MK18 in 300BLK and running a carbine RE and H-buffer seem PERFECT.

That said, in my 16.1" rifle, I have a Vltor A5/H2 combo, and it runs perfect (as did the H and carbine RE that it came with), so I think it's a good correlation. YMMV

[M4CARBINE556]

I have a complete DDM4 MK18 in 300BLK and running a carbine RE and H-buffer seem PERFECT.

That said, in my 16.1" rifle, I have a Vltor A5/H2 combo, and it runs perfect (as did the H and carbine RE that it came with), so I think it's a good correlation. YMMV

Ok thanks a lot. I'm ordering my parts today. I'll let you know how they work.

[SteveL]

I went up to the A5H3 in my BCM SBR and it has run everything I've thrown at it suppressed or unsuppressed.

[M4CARBINE556]

I went up to the A5H3 in my BCM SBR and it has run everything I've thrown at it suppressed or unsuppressed.

Now you're complicating things!

[SteveL]

Now you're complicating things!

You're welcome. ;)

[Toecheese]

I always subscribed to the principle that the best buffer for your weapon system is the heaviest buffer you can run, that doesn't cause issues with operation.....sometimes this involves trial and error.

[SteveL]

I always subscribed to the principle that the best buffer for your weapon system is the heaviest buffer you can run, that doesn't cause issues with operation.....sometimes this involves trial and error.

I agree. If the OP is unsure I would recommend starting with the A5H2 since that's what comes in the kit if you buy it from Vltor.

[Toecheese]

I agree. If the OP is unsure I would recommend starting with the A5H2 since that's what comes in the kit if you buy it from Vltor.

Very sound advice.

[Shooterman017]

This is a timely subject to bring up for discussion, as I had a question to pose regarding an A5 with 300BLK use.

I will be building a 300BLK dedicated subsonic suppressed upper in the near future (Noveske 8.5" with an Octane 45HD), and the lower I will be using it on will have an A5H3 for use with my 11.5" upper...if it doesn't run with the A5H3 I still have an A5H0 I could probably get it to run fine on.

Now the real question I have is, has anybody tried an LMT Enhanced Carrier in a similar 300BLK build utilizing the A5 system? How does this impact reliability/function, if at all?

(ETA for clarification: 300BLK + LMT E-Carrier = A5H_?? Could I get away with running the A5H3 and not need to swap it everytime I go to the 300BLK upper and still reap the benefits of both E-Carrier and A5?)

[Rayrevolver]

Now the real question I have is, has anybody tried an LMT Enhanced Carrier in a similar 300BLK build utilizing the A5 system? How does this impact reliability/function, if at all?

(ETA for clarification: 300BLK + LMT E-Carrier = A5H_?? Could I get away with running the A5H3 and not need to swap it everytime I go to the 300BLK upper and still reap the benefits of both E-Carrier and A5?)

I assume this is the same Tom on M4C:
http://www.300blktalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=86026

[tom12.7]

I assume this is the same Tom on M4C:
http://www.300blktalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=86026
That was myself in early testing. I've done much more since that time. The A5 system works very well, I would tend to say it would be a worthwhile addition for 300 Blackout builds. A properly ported barrel balanced with reciprocating mass is a no brainer.
As for the LMT Enhanced carrier, it can show some issues. It can show some improvements as well. In the carbine action system, it can be a headache. In the A5 action it can be very beneficial, I would hesitate to recommend it to a carbine action system. AAC makes a BCG, that in testing seems to be exceptional for the 9"ish 300 Blackout guns in the carbine action, and better in the A5. I'm not a fan of the AAC carrier coating, but it seems to work well enough in those.
Tests of earlier AAC 9" guns with the A5 was problematic, later guns are fine for subs without a can, but I never pursued as to why. Supposedly, they changed nothing.
I would say that a gun gassed for an H2 carbine would be an ideal candidate for the A5H2 for most. Adding the LMT Enhanced carrier could be an improvement in an A5, but may not work as well in the carbine action.
My study of this is more of a test in progress, without end results. Sometimes the results of things aren't as expected.

[Shooterman017]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks.

[Rayrevolver]

Thanks Tom.

I have been shooting the AAC 9" + Suppressor + H2/Sprinco White and it has worked great. Yesterday I tried the same upper with a Vltor A5 (standard kit) and it worked also, BHO etc. But it did seem to be noticeably slower with respect to cycling. I brought along an A5H4 buffer but didn't bother to try it.

I do have a LMT E-carrier but it lives on a 5.56 SBR. If I have time I can try the E-carrier with the A5H2 and A5H4. I feel like I will like the E-carrier + A5, so I am loathe to try it since I will want to buy another E-carrier.

[tom12.7]

Thanks Tom.

I have been shooting the AAC 9" + Suppressor + H2/Sprinco White and it has worked great. Yesterday I tried the same upper with a Vltor A5 (standard kit) and it worked also, BHO etc. But it did seem to be noticeably slower with respect to cycling. I brought along an A5H4 buffer but didn't bother to try it.

I do have a LMT E-carrier but it lives on a 5.56 SBR. If I have time I can try the E-carrier with the A5H2 and A5H4. I feel like I will like the E-carrier + A5, so I am loathe to try it since I will want to buy another E-carrier.

A properly weighted A5 with the LMT enhanced carrier can work very well. The slower action combined with the time delay in cam timing reduces the work needed to unlock and extract and gives more time for depressurizing and exhaust events to occur. When compared to the conventional BCG with the carbine action system, those changes are pretty evident.