the_big_mike said:
from what I read the 180g bullets put a bigger strain on the barrel and gas system.
The rifle says Norinco m14 as well.. maybe I should have specified.
All things being equal, I think we are all talking about roughly the same topic; that being rifle "wear" and not immediate catasrophic failure
There have certainly been reports from various sources about failures with large, high pressure loads, and I doubt anyone would create such a story off whim.
But go figure.
JTF reported issues with the Sig P226, a very fine semi-automatic. Apparently, they were exeperiencing stress cracks on the frame at an "unacceptable" rate.
But if you look at the loads they were firing AND the volume they were firing it just makes good sense they would experience failures after so MANY rounds of high pressure ammunnition.
NO mechanical device has infinite life, and the more stress you put on it the shorter the service life it will provide.
Kind of like a truck. Its ok to drive fast in. Its also ok to carry weight in the back of your truck. You can even drive over rough roads. Try all three at once, and you might wind up with less mileage than it was designed for.
If you're like me, and don't fire thousands of rounds a month (or even thousands a year) then I personally doubt you have alot to worry about. Like all products built to strict specifications, they tend to be over-engineered.
As to earlier advice, I think there is a great deal of merit in shooting a broad range of ammunition and finding out what feeds most reliably and shoots straightest.
And think of the fun you'll have figuring out what works best for you. Journalling your experience can be a sideline hobby all of its own.
Enjoy Safely.
Greg
