I just looked at SA's website and their new instructions do indicate 18 clicks is full open. The LAST one I installed was full open at 32 clicks......
Not all gas ports are at the same distance from the shoulder on the barrel, and not all gas blocks are drilled a specific distance from the rear edge. I had an issue with a 223 Wylde barrel and SA gas block, so it doesn't hurt to VERIFY. By sliding the block forward you will see witness gas marks where the port and block meet, so will tell you if the port is partially obstructed.
I would NOT drill the gas port bigger until I had eliminated the other variables.
Lever is one of slower burn rate powders for the cartridge and bullet, so should be making enough gas. Your 24" barrel is the reason you're seeing more velocity than indicated in "gas gun" data. the additional 6" of barrel over 18" test barrels used for the data is the difference.
LOW pressure won't make case head brass flow back into the ejector hole; HIGH pressure will. Your primers look round, so nothing scary there. Cratered primers can be from a poor firing pin/hole fit. Soft brass?
Not all gas ports are at the same distance from the shoulder on the barrel, and not all gas blocks are drilled a specific distance from the rear edge. I had an issue with a 223 Wylde barrel and SA gas block, so it doesn't hurt to VERIFY. By sliding the block forward you will see witness gas marks where the port and block meet, so will tell you if the port is partially obstructed.
I would NOT drill the gas port bigger until I had eliminated the other variables.
Lever is one of slower burn rate powders for the cartridge and bullet, so should be making enough gas. Your 24" barrel is the reason you're seeing more velocity than indicated in "gas gun" data. the additional 6" of barrel over 18" test barrels used for the data is the difference.
LOW pressure won't make case head brass flow back into the ejector hole; HIGH pressure will. Your primers look round, so nothing scary there. Cratered primers can be from a poor firing pin/hole fit. Soft brass?