[SixTGunr]

:?

To All M1A lovers:

I had a question regarding my M1A and using ammo that was manufactured in Portugal by Indep (FNM). This Super clean ammo was produced in the late 1970's and early 1980's. It is Non-corrosive, Brass case, 146grn, FMJ, and features the Nato Headstamp. I used this ammo in my M1A this weekend, and it made small brass dings on the operating rod handle and the receiver. I had used 20 rounds of the ammo listed above and as a result, there are 20 dings.

Prior to using this ammo, I used Federal Gold Metal Match, and they did not create any kind of marks.

The rifle now only has approximately 43 rounds shot through it, in other
words, it is a brand spanking new rifle!

1. Do you think the ammo that created the dings are a major concern?
2. How do I clean the brass off the metal parts? Chemicals or solutions, etc.
3. Can you suggest specifically a type of ammo that is less expensive than the
Federal Gold Metal Match and won't damage my M1A like the Indep brand?

Any information that you can give me regarding this subject would be greatly appreciated.


kg4mnt
Former USMC
Semper Fi

 

[SixTGunr]

:?

To All M1A lovers:

I had a question regarding my M1A and using ammo that was manufactured in Portugal by Indep (FNM). This Super clean ammo was produced in the late 1970's and early 1980's. It is Non-corrosive, Brass case, 146grn, FMJ, and features the Nato Headstamp. I used this ammo in my M1A this weekend, and it made small brass dings on the operating rod handle and the receiver. I had used 20 rounds of the ammo listed above and as a result, there are 20 dings.

Prior to using this ammo, I used Federal Gold Metal Match, and they did not create any kind of marks.

The rifle now only has approximately 43 rounds shot through it, in other
words, it is a brand spanking new rifle!

1. Do you think the ammo that created the dings are a major concern?
2. How do I clean the brass off the metal parts? Chemicals or solutions, etc.
3. Can you suggest specifically a type of ammo that is less expensive than the
Federal Gold Metal Match and won't damage my M1A like the Indep brand?

Any information that you can give me regarding this subject would be greatly appreciated.


kg4mnt
Former USMC
Semper Fi

portugese ammo, even with nato head stamps varies from lot to lot. as much as 300 fps to 400 fps. i personally recommend you get some of the english nato ammo. this is the most consistent ammo i have used and its the 147 grain. of course non-corrosive and boxer primed. this ammo shrank my 300 yard groups 1/2 inch and stayed there for 200 rounds so it wasnt a fluke. its fairly cheap and even more so by the case. its readily available in my area and headstamped 1990 so its not real old. try some and let me know. chronograph reads 25 minimum to 47 maximum variance in velocity.

 

[dighawaii]

Hi Guest:

In the other discussion group, "across the pond", there was a recent discussion thread on this very same subject... but basically, the consensus is... that brass dings are nothing to be concerned about mechanically. For aesthetics there were several suggestions on how to remove the dings including 0000 steel wool. I have those very dings in one of my M1A's and I do not not worry about it... My FAL has literally chewed up two top covers and really dinging my new DSA cover, even with a buffer lip... so while I am curious about "why" it occurs, I have not really worried about it mechanically...

If it is something that really bothers you... it might make a good project to investigate this occurrance. A lot of thought has already been given to this subject and it would make good research...

Check it out... I hope this helps...

Aloha,

Tom O.

 

[SixTGunr]

marks on receiver

Hi Guest:

In the other discussion group, "across the pond", there was a recent discussion thread on this very same subject... but basically, the consensus is... that brass dings are nothing to be concerned about mechanically. For aesthetics there were several suggestions on how to remove the dings including 0000 steel wool. I have those very dings in one of my M1A's and I do not not worry about it... My FAL has literally chewed up two top covers and really dinging my new DSA cover, even with a buffer lip... so while I am curious about "why" it occurs, I have not really worried about it mechanically...

If it is something that really bothers you... it might make a good project to investigate this occurrance. A lot of thought has already been given to this subject and it would make good research...

Check it out... I hope this helps...

Aloha,

Tom O.

i experienced this with a hr reweld some time back and tried several things with the rifle before changing the ammo to english nato. since then it has not happened. this has to a pressure related problem in my opinion. i wont go into the workings of the m14 becuase its probably old hat to everyone here, but chamber pressure, bullet weight, operating rod spring tension all control ejection on the m14. i would really like to know how it operates with enlish nato. if anyone is interested more in this subject, i will post some experiments with m14 pressures and bullet weights from reloads to several of the surplus brands available along with some factory loads. just my 2 cents worth.

 

[SixTGunr]

OP ROD DINGS

I GET IT WITH THE ENGLISH, FED MATCH,I THINK IT IS THE WAY THE WEAPHON IS MADE

 

[Hueydoctor]

I've had this problem with every one of my M14's, I've changed extrator springs etc. with no luck. One fellow has used temporary glue sticks to glue a cushion on the area to prevent damage, I just don't have a clue.

 

[M1APREBAN]

M1A Ejection?

Hey folks, I had a simular problem with an M1A Ultra match, TRW bolt, rebuilt down in Quantico. I was using a hand load of 40.5gr of 4895, Sierra 168 HPBT, with a USGI match casing. Seems I would get "dents" in the stock around the oprod and marks on the oprod itself. Wonder if it was the load or something out of sink with the rifle. When I was in ROTC and later on active duty, the M-14s we used threw the brass out front and to the right of the shooter. When the rifles got dirty, the brass casings would go off to the side or behind the shooter. Any ideas? Thanks, Mike

 

[30Caliber]

In general, the dirtier a rifle gets, the farther aft it will throw brass. If your brass is landing aft of 3 o'clock, it often means the rifle is dirty or underlubed.

As far as the dings, they're caused when the oprod is moving forward and hits the ejecting case. You might try cutting a coil of the ejector spring, one at a time, and see if that helps (have a spare onhand).

Ty

 

[djl4570]

1. Do you think the ammo that created the dings are a major concern?

Nope. This is normal for most every kind of ammo I have shot in mine. I quit cleaning the brass marks off the receiver and oprod, it just means I actually shoot the rifles. The spent cases also ding up the wood just under the oprod as well, something to steam out every now and then.

2. How do I clean the brass off the metal parts? Chemicals or solutions, etc.

Whenever it bothers you. I use a Proshot bronze bristle "toothbrush" and Hoppes #9. The marks come right off with little effort.

3. Can you suggest specifically a type of ammo that is less expensive than the Federal Gold Metal Match and won't damage my M1A like the Indep brand?

Any of the Nato marked milsurp, South African and Austrailian surplus. Do not buy Indian surplus (Headstamps KK and OFV), it's crap.
American Eagle 150g ball ammo shoots very well but it is still expensive at ~$12.00 a box. I would avoid Hornady Light Magnum in a gas gun until someone determines that it is safe. You just missed out on a supply of Hirtenberger at Sportsmans Guide. I think the folks here in this forum bought most all of it.

 

[skullboy]

Always have had brass "ding" marks on the Op Rod, bottom of the scope mount, and sometimes the windage turret(especiall with the 30mm B&L 10X40 Tactical Scope with those BIG honking turrets :wink: ).

This seems to be a normal occurance, and can come and go with different ammunition.

Easy to remove, and there is no structural damage from this.

I put a coulpe layers of black electricans tape on the lower edge of my scope mount to keep it from getting "dinged" up any further.

SKBY.

 

[JR]

I have to believe that it's a fact of life with the weapon. 35 years ago, the Winchester ammo we were issued did the same thing. My Class 3 SA has always done it, just a little more in Auto-fire. After putting thousands of rounds downrange, the weapon still functions without any undue wear to the op-rod, or anything else.

 

[Chuck S]

Yep, that's how it is. These are tools, not art objects. Copper solvent takes the stains off, but I don't bother.

-- Chuck

 

[fubar]

mine does it too, with every kind of ammo i have tried. i'm too lazy to clean off the marks anymore. don't worry about it and keep shooting.

 

[Quagmire]

All 4 of mine do it.

I've stopped cleaning them off after each range visit & now only get them off whenever I break the action all the way down for cleaning.

 

[Different]

Portugese surplus is my favorite food for all my M1A rifles. I think of the brass marks as M14 hickies. :lol:

 

[brownie0486]

Different:

There's no question the brass leaves a kiss. Good observation and analogy. :wink:

Brownie

 

[M1APREBAN]

M1A Brass dings

OK, thanks for clearing this up for me. I always wondered why.