SmallCaliberCentral

Hmmm, something don't sound right. Check and see if a portion of the gas port is blocked off because the gas cylinder may be too far to the rear. Its easy;

1. Unload the weapon.
2. Lock the action to the rear. Insert a device of some sort to keep the bolt open.
3. Turn the weapon upside down and elevate the muzzle & listen for the piston to go all the way to the rear. On the bottom side of the gas cylinder there should be a small hole.
4. Shine a light and the "complete" gas port should be visible. If not, remove the gas plug and loosen the gas cylinder lock nut 1 turn at a time, reinstall the gas plug, tighten and check. You'll observe that as yo tightent the nut it will pull the gas cylinder toward the muzzle.

I don't remember the gas port size otherwise you could check it with the smooth end of the proper size drill bit. If its undersized it may be part of the problem.

One other thing to check is make sure the gas shut of valve is opened fully.

Ricks right, these things were designed around the 150 to 173 grain bullets with medium burning powder.

HTH

Our resident expert at the store told me the exact same thing. These guns were intended for bullets weighing LESS than 180 grains. SO perhaps the old girl needs to be stripped to the bone, cleaned thoroughly and tried with lighter bullets. BL-C2 is likely one of the WORST choices as I have found this stuff to be rather dirty. Will keep you posted.

Took the M14 out today despite -25C temps....made up 10 rounds to try out the functionality. The rounds cycled famously through the gun without a hitch. now I suppose we can set about on a trloading program to see where the old girl will shoot the best.

Made the owner aware of what needs to be done to the gun and I think it is allready in the works tonight.