How to Extract Unfired Cartridge From AR

[jds holler]

So the other day at the range, a buddy of mine had a live cartridge stuck in the chamber. (.223) I don't know if it had gone into battery and dropped the hammer, or not. We separated upper and lower, and still didn't know the best move to solve the problem. He took it to someone who solved the dilemma -- but I don't know how. And I want to know.
So just what is protocol for this particular problem. jd

 

[ronemus]

It's usually done by "mortaring" - hold the rifle with the muzzle up, pull hard on the charging handle, and strike the butt on a hard surface. A few blows will usually eject the round.

It's also possible to pull the magazine and insert a large screwdriver or a small pry bar through the well to push the bolt carrier back; however, it's also relatively easy to do permanent damage this way.

 

[JB10]

Just what ronemus said. I have done it a few times. It works. I have not had to pry the bolt back though.

 

[Fast14riot]

Mortaring is the safe, preferred method.

 

[jds holler]

I'll admit that I was hoping to hear a more "civilized"method than that, but I just got mine out and experimented with ways to hold it and such, and I see the deal. I even see how I could do it with both thumbs on the charging handle and bounce the butt against a tire. jd

 

[LVLAaron]

I implore everyone to watch this video. The payoff is worth your time in gold.

 

[Walt Krafft]

I was called to remove a round that had the rim ripped off by mortaring. Removed barrel from upper, removed barrel extension, then was able to pry it out. Twas stuck good. .200 line was oversize. Neck had a goober crimping the bullet.

 

[memilanuk]

I'll admit that I was hoping to hear a more "civilized"method than that

It is possible... to bend the buffer tube a bit... if you get too 'energetic' when doing this. DAMHIKT

 

[jelenko]

I was called to remove a round that had the rim ripped off by mortaring. Removed barrel from upper, removed barrel extension, then was able to pry it out. Twas stuck good. .200 line was oversize. Neck had a goober crimping the bullet.

Walt - Why not just fire the round then remove the case with a rod thru the muzzle?

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

This why all my AR ammo reloads are checked with an ammo checker, twice. Once after sizing and after bullet seating. No more mortar at a busy range.

 

[Fuj]

Just recently, I stuck a case at the beginning of a match and
tied the gun up. Now this was a bolt gun, so I slap the bolt
back hard, and just pealed off part of the rim. A fellow shooter
got me a drop rod, and that did not work. I then used my
aluminum beater rod which only bent. Day was done before
it started.....At home, I sprayed in enough "Free" to cover the
case and let it creep. I left it alone for 3 days, then it popped
out with a few hits with a brass rod.

Other then that.....When the shit hits the fan, you better know
the mortaring procedure......

 

[Walt Krafft]

Walt - Why not just fire the round then remove the case with a rod thru the muzzle?

A- Because the bolt would not close completely.
B- Because it had already been beat silly with a cleaning rod before I was called.

 

[Bc'z]

A- Because the bolt would not close completely.
B- Because it had already been beat silly with a cleaning rod before I was called.

Makes me wonder how many of these stuck cases are from using forward assist

 

[Walt Krafft]

Makes me wonder how many of these stuck cases are from using forward assist

I am pretty sure that the forward assist had been used with assistance from a bmfh. Then the mortar. Then the cleaning rod with bmfh turbo assistance.

 

[Dan-Schenk]

I implore everyone to watch this video. The payoff is worth your time in gold.

Can confirm…. Do it outside though. I’ve made a mess before.

 

[Judd]

Can confirm…. Do it outside though. I’ve made a mess before.

That’s wild…looks like a giant mess, good to know though.

 

[bpd459]

And if you have a collapsible stock, close it up first before “mortaring”…..

 

[jds holler]

Makes me wonder how many of these stuck cases are from using forward assist

I think that's exactly what we did with my friends rifle. And I'm the guilty guy jd

 

[jds holler]

The take-away I'm getting from this is to gently use the forward assist to see if you can push the bolt into battery. (NO BEATIN STICK!)
If that doesn't work -- go to the mortar technique.

I just bought a small base die set from member Brawly_z06. My thinking is to use it to prep any brass of questionable linage before I introduce them to my sweet, virginal AR. I guess an ammo checker would serve as well. jd

 

[Bc'z]

The take-away I'm getting from this is to gently use the forward assist to see if you can push the bolt into battery. (NO BEATIN STICK!)
If that doesn't work -- go to the mortar technique.

I just bought a small base die set from member Brawly_z06. My thinking is to use it to prep any brass of questionable linage before I introduce them to my sweet, virginal AR. I guess an ammo checker would serve as well. jd

Forward assist shouldn't be used it exacerbates the problem from the word go.
Drop mag work operate charging handle, if it doesn't eject cleaning rod.
Small base dies are great to have especially if loading once fired from another.