RE cycling: When I got mine I took it all apart and cleaned all the factory grease out, it was super sticky. One of the other local guys had cycling issues as well. Make sure that when you assemble the piston that the O-ring goes on last to seal the gas block to the piston. You also need to make sure the forearm is aligned correctly, the bolt should cycle easily when pulled back. If not then the forearm closest to the action is not in its groove.
I used G96.
Mine will cycle the light Federal target loads, 2 3/4 dram equivilant easily.
Good luck and I am sure a quick clean up will solve your issues.
James