What makes the Max-31a feed all kinds of ammo?

[Gaujo]

I can run flat nose, steel casings, anything out of my Max 31a. How come? I don't get it. I shoot the same ammo in my other uppers and it doesn't work, but with the max 31a it runs like an old Singer sewing machine. What is different about it?

 

[rybread]

The bolt stroke- and I’d have Richard verify but I think the feed angle and magazines have something to do with that. I run flat nose 380 out of mine and it operates beautifully.

 

[bigj480]

How does the feed ramp and feed angle in the Max-31 differ from the stock lower?

 

[Vegas SMG]

The ‘31 series has a built-in feed ramp that is absent on all your other uppers. Additionally, the KP-31 drums also have a small built in feed ramp

 

[strobro32]

Old dark magic.

 

[rockman96]

Old dark magic.

Bwahaha! Good one!

 

[Vegas SMG]

Smoke, mirrors, and magic.

 

[Poacher]

So Wolf steel case 9mm runs good in a Lage upper with Suomi drums?
If so, I'll buy a bunch. I already got a few drums and waiting on the upper.

 

[Vegas SMG]

I wouldn’t buy “a bunch” of any ammo until I made sure it ran in my gun.
The price difference between steel case and brass cased ammo isn't much more than a buck a box. When you factor in selling that spent brass to recycling company, it’s not that much more expensive.

 

[Gaujo]

True, plus people who run steel case say they have to put teflon on certain drums or other measures. Also the Lage manual says not to run steel so I don't. Have I run 50-100 rounds just to see, perhaps so, but I don't make it a habit.

 

[Walksalone]

I understand closed bolt vs open bolt... during the ammo shortage I bought a sardine can of steel 5.56 I had to send a brand new lefthanded ar back to the factory. I gave the ammo away and wont even touch it.

 

[Poacher]

Good points to consider.
Saving a few bucks is not worth the possible hassle.

 

[ScooterTrash]

I wouldn’t buy “a bunch” of any ammo until I made sure it ran in my gun.
The price difference between steel case and brass cased ammo isn't much more than a buck a box. When you factor in selling that spent brass to recycling company, it’s not that much more expensive.

Took 3 five gallon buckets of mixed 9, .45, 5.56 & .308 to Phoenix last time I went up. $370.00 for the 3. $1.70 / LB. for cartridge brass. COMEX copper was at $2.85 / LB that day, it is $2.59 / LB. today.

 

[IndustrialRescue]

Took 3 five gallon buckets of mixed 9, .45, 5.56 & .308 to Phoenix last time I went up. $370.00 for the 3. $1.70 / LB. for cartridge brass. COMEX copper was at $2.85 / LB that day, it is $2.59 / LB. today.

You suck. Shell brass is only $1.12 here.

 

[Gaujo]

How are you guys saving your brass? Brass catchers?

 

[DistalRadius]

True, plus people who run steel case say they have to put teflon on certain drums or other measures. Also the Lage manual says not to run steel so I don't. Have I run 50-100 rounds just to see, perhaps so, but I don't make it a habit.

Quoted directly from the Max-31 manual on Lage's website (emphasis mine):

Do not use steel cased ammo in the 50 round Suomi coffin magazines. The increased
friction of the steel cases will cause feed jams. Steel cased ammo will work fine in
the drum magazines.

Never personally had a problem with steel cases in a Suomi drum.

 

[Tony-Ri]

What about in the Suomi Z-Mags? I've only run 6-7 deep because my range doesn't like mag dumps, but it seemed to run fine.

 

[Gaujo]

When I tried to load it in zmags last night it was jamming just in the loading. Coffee said to use garage blaster lube, but I think I'll stick to drums anyway for steel cased.