I did not end up playing with different buffer weights. Used a stock carbine spring with an H2 buffer. Hodge 14.5" mid-length gas with a purported 0.74"-0.75" port size (made a little tighter for use with M855A1). Brand new LMT Enhanced BCG. I was wondering if, given the "tighter" Hodge gas port, and using an LMT EBCG, there would be function/cycling issues.
Fired 40 rounds of M855A1, 20 rounds of Mk318, and 20 rounds of IMI Razor 77gr 5.56.
My concerns were first and foremost function, i.e would it cycle properly, and secondarily lock-back on an empty mag. I fired essentially 3 rounds at a time so had 13 chances for lock-back on the M855A1, and 6 chances each with the Mk318 and IMI Razor.
M855A1: failed to lock-back twice out of 13 chances.
Mk318: failed to lock-back 3 out of 6 times. [Evidently the "weakest" of the three rounds, yet it shot higher.....see below]
IMI 77gr Razor: locked back 6 out of 6 times. [Statistically "stronger" recoil impulse than the M855A1, also surprising]
There ZERO failures to cycle of any kind (FTF, FTE, etc.). All 80 rounds shot and cycled fine.
I zeroed irons and EOTech with the M855A1 using a 50yd IBSZ (POA/POI at 50yds). The Mk318 shot a c-hair high at 50 (surprising), while the IMI 77gr Razor was an exact match for the M855A1 zero at that range.
This was a pretty warm day but I was in the shade with a slight breeze blowing. Would it function as well in a much colder environment? I have my doubts, but next winter I'll give it a whirl and if I do run into issues I'll try dropping buffer weight at that time.
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