[Scoundrel]

Greetings!

I just bought a new PLR 16. Just took it to the range.

I fired 70 rounds, and experienced about 1 stove pipe every 10 rounds.
In some bases, the back end of the round got pinched between the handle and the front of the ejection port, and in some cases the entire cartridge was stuck in there, the long way.

Full disclosure: I was using remanufactured brass-cased ammunition, and have not tested with new ammunition.

Do you think it is likely that the reman ammo is causing these issues, or some other problem? I just have the standard round charging handle, not the CDH that people have experienced issues with in the SU-16. Only other accessories are the Kel Tec forend and Magpul AFG, and am using P-Mags.

Any other ideas? I sent Kel Tec a note on their website.

 

[SDF880]

I would try factory brass and see what happens!

I have never had any issue with my 2 PLR-16's!

 

[Scoundrel]

Yeah, that's next. But kinda hoping not necessary, given prices, and having just bought 4500 rounds of reman. Almost makes me wish I'd just bought a standard AR pistol.

 

[jonnin]

its still new. If that cheap ammo is loaded just a hair light, it might be the issue. If new ammo works, use new for a while and try the cheap again later once it has been broken in.

 

[Scoundrel]

About how many rounds would you say should clear up any new/tight break-in issues?

 

[jonnin]

About how many rounds would you say should clear up any new/tight break-in issues?

Try 100 full power loads. Maybe even get a box of 556 to try it. Don't advise shooting 556 all the time, but that should loosen it up for 223.

 

[Liberty4Ever]

SDF880 and jonnin pretty much covered the bases. I'd only add that the PLR-16 FAQ stickied thread has some info about break-in, too much friction and/or low powered ammo, etc. That would probably be a good read to get a feel for what might be happening, and it's likely a combination of a new PLR-16 that has a bit more friction because it's not broken in yet and slightly underpowered reloads. I'd probably shoot 100-200 full power 5.56 rounds with minimal lubrication to facilitate break-in, lube it up well (run it a bit wet for the next couple of hundred rounds) and see if it properly feeds the rounds and ejects the cases. If ejection is still problematic, maybe check the ejector and ejector spring.

 

[Scoundrel]

Just got back from the range. Before I went, I cleaned it and sprayed a crapload of CLP all over the moving bits.

After 30 rounds of Remington UMC factory ammo with no issues, I went back to the remanufactured stuff, and went through 50 rounds of it with no issues. Then I finished up the remaining 70 rounds of factory stuff I brought along with no issues.

So that's 150 rounds with no issues.

Now I'll clean it up again and go with a light coat of CLP, and call it good.
I think, as you said, it was just friction and tight tolerances needing to have some break-in rounds.

 

[SDF880]

Cool! Glad it worked for you!

 

[AdioSS]

I just shot my PLR16 for the first time in a while & was having the same problem. Mine isn't new. I got it used about 5 years ago, but haven't shot it a whole lot. I was shooting factory Remington .223 Rem which isn't the strongest stuff in the world. And I can't even remember the last time I lubed it.

I did notice that the charging handle is showing some surface rust inside the knob. I'll have to clean that up real good & consider some different lubrication...

 

[Scoundrel]

Sounds like tearing it down, removing the rust and giving it a good cleaning and lube will take care of the problem.