kaBOOM

This post is to document the explosive catastrophe that destroyed my .223 gas-piston upper.

Rifle: Patriot Ordnance .223 gas-piston upper mated to DPMS lower receiver

Wear: Approximately 300 rounds of Wolf 55-grain steel-cased factory ammo, 20 rounds of Wolf 62-gr. steel-case for test purposes

Circumstance: On 5th or 6th round during competition rapid-fire, shooter felt explosive concussion and observed half-loaded Beta C-Mag slammed to the ground. Closer observation discovered a rectangular piece of the bolt carrier bottom and four rounds of crushed/dented ammunition at his feet. Shooter suffered no injury.

Damage to upper receiver:

(Click to enlarge)



Damage to magazine:



Possible Damage to Lower Receiver



The last-fired round is still jammed in the chamber. As soon as POF-USA answers my query, I hope to arrange for them to crack it open in my presence.

Some firearms professionals have narrowed the cause to three possibilities for me:

1. Barrel Obstruction
2. Ammunition Issues: Overcharge (high pressure) or Undercharge (high pressure spike)
3. Defective parts/manufacturing

Inspecting the chamber and fired case should narrow these down to one.