I think the vast majority of rifles shoot the norc ammo just fine.
I've experienced some rifles that don't like it. For me these have all been shorties, both cut down 18.5" versions (from 22") and factory 18.5". I've seen it with norinco barrels a Criterion and 2 kriegers.
The one krieger cycled the norinco ammo only after removing the upgraded oprod spring (wolfe) and reinstalled factory spring.
In the other cases, new gas pistons were installed, gas assemblies replaced. And in one case with a norinco , all else failed until in had the gas plug modified to increase it's volume a hair.
Mustang frank also had this issue with a cut down norc and solved by having gas port on barrel modified.
So.... While it could just be a crappy batch of norc ammo in your hands..... Then again, maybe not....