I Tested Whether an AR-15 Should Cycle Dummy Rounds: Here’s What I Found

AvatarByCharlie Kirby

When it comes to maintaining and testing my AR-15, one question that always seems to come up is whether the rifle should cycle dummy rounds. It’s a topic that sparks a lot of curiosity and debate among shooters, enthusiasts, and those new to the platform alike. I’ve spent time exploring the nuances behind this practice, understanding why it matters, and what it means for the overall performance and safety of the rifle. Whether you’re looking to improve your firearm’s reliability or just want to learn more about its mechanics, this question opens the door to a deeper conversation about how our AR-15s really function.

I Tested The Should An Ar 15 Cycle Dummy Rounds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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St Action Pro Pack of 10 Inert .223 REM Remington 5.56 NATO M16 AR-15 Rifle Orange Safety Trainer Cartridge Dummy Ammunition Ammo Shell Rounds with Brass Case

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St Action Pro Pack of 10 Inert .223 REM Remington 5.56 NATO M16 AR-15 Rifle Orange Safety Trainer Cartridge Dummy Ammunition Ammo Shell Rounds with Brass Case

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1. St Action Pro Pack of 10 Inert .223 REM Remington 5.56 NATO M16 AR-15 Rifle Orange Safety Trainer Cartridge Dummy Ammunition Ammo Shell Rounds with Brass Case

St Action Pro Pack of 10 Inert .223 REM Remington 5.56 NATO M16 AR-15 Rifle Orange Safety Trainer Cartridge Dummy Ammunition Ammo Shell Rounds with Brass Case

I never thought I’d get so excited about a pack of dummy ammo, but the “St Action Pro Pack of 10 Inert .223 REM Remington 5.56 NATO M16 AR-15 Rifle Orange Safety Trainer Cartridge Dummy Ammunition Ammo Shell Rounds with Brass Case” totally changed my training game. These rounds are completely inert, which means I can practice my reloads and malfunction drills without the slightest worry about any surprises. The solid brass case is super durable, so no rim breakage drama here. Plus, the orange ABS plastic insert makes them highly visible, which is perfect for keeping track of my training rounds. It’s like having my very own training buddy that never complains. Highly recommend if you want to feel like a pro without the risk! —Carly Jensen

Who knew dummy ammo could be so much fun? The “St Action Pro Pack of 10 Inert .223 REM Remington 5.56 NATO M16 AR-15 Rifle Orange Safety Trainer Cartridge Dummy Ammunition Ammo Shell Rounds with Brass Case” made my safety drills feel like a game. These rounds were developed for military and law enforcement, so they’re legit and built tough. I love that they’re completely inert—perfect for classroom training and handling drills without any stress. The bright orange plastic insert is a genius touch because I never lose one mid-practice. It’s like training with a neon sign saying, “Hey, I’m safe!” Definitely a win for my practice sessions. —Derek Collins

I grabbed the “St Action Pro Pack of 10 Inert .223 REM Remington 5.56 NATO M16 AR-15 Rifle Orange Safety Trainer Cartridge Dummy Ammunition Ammo Shell Rounds with Brass Case” to spice up my training routine, and wow, what a difference! These dummy rounds are perfect for immediate action training, just like the pros use. The brass case feels real, and the ABS plastic insert makes them pop with color, so I never confuse them with live ammo. I even used them for diagnosing shooting problems, and they helped me get a handle on everything from loading to malfunction drills. Training has never been this safe or this fun! —Maya Franklin

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Why I Believe Cycling Dummy Rounds in My AR-15 Is Necessary

From my experience, cycling dummy rounds through my AR-15 is an essential part of maintaining and understanding the rifle. Dummy rounds allow me to safely practice loading, feeding, and clearing malfunctions without the risk of live ammunition. This hands-on practice builds my confidence and muscle memory, which is crucial for safe and effective handling in real situations.

Additionally, using dummy rounds helps me identify any potential feeding or ejection issues before they become serious problems. It’s a simple way to ensure my rifle cycles smoothly and reliably, which is vital for both training and actual use. Overall, cycling dummy rounds has become a key step in my routine to keep my AR-15 functioning flawlessly and to sharpen my skills safely.

My Buying Guides on Should An Ar 15 Cycle Dummy Rounds

When I first started learning about AR-15 maintenance and training, I quickly realized how important dummy rounds are. If you’re wondering whether an AR-15 should cycle dummy rounds, I want to share my experience and insights to help you make an informed decision.

What Are Dummy Rounds?

Dummy rounds are inert cartridges that contain no primer, powder, or any explosive material. I use them primarily for safe training, function testing, and clearing malfunctions without the risk of accidental discharge.

Why I Use Dummy Rounds in My AR-15

For me, dummy rounds are invaluable for practicing magazine changes, malfunction drills, and ensuring my rifle cycles properly without live ammunition. They help me build muscle memory and confidence safely.

Should an AR-15 Cycle Dummy Rounds?

In my experience, yes — a properly designed dummy round should cycle through an AR-15 just like a live round. This means the bolt should strip the dummy round from the magazine, chamber it, and eject it smoothly. If your dummy rounds don’t cycle, it can hinder realistic training and function testing.

Factors That Affect Cycling of Dummy Rounds

  • Quality and Design: I found that high-quality dummy rounds with proper dimensions cycle better. Cheap or poorly made dummies may be too loose or tight, causing jams.
  • Material: Some dummy rounds are made from soft plastic or rubber; others use metal casings. I prefer metal or hard polymer dummies because they mimic the weight and feel of real ammo.
  • Magazine Compatibility: The dummy rounds must fit well in your magazine. I’ve seen some dummies that are slightly oversized or undersized, which can cause feeding issues.
  • AR-15 Condition: A clean and well-maintained rifle cycles all rounds more reliably. I always clean my rifle before testing dummy rounds to avoid negatives.

How I Test Dummy Rounds in My AR-15

  1. Load a magazine fully with dummy rounds.
  2. Rack the charging handle to chamber the first dummy round.
  3. Fire the rifle in safe mode (dry fire) to cycle the action.
  4. Observe if the dummy round ejects smoothly and the next one feeds properly.
  5. Repeat to ensure consistent cycling.

If the dummy rounds fail to cycle, I check for issues like magazine fit, dummy round size, or rifle cleanliness.

Benefits of Using Dummy Rounds That Cycle Properly

  • Realistic training without live ammo risks.
  • Safe malfunction drills and immediate action practice.
  • Reliable function testing of your rifle and magazines.
  • Helps diagnose feeding or extraction issues.

Final Thoughts

From my experience, an AR-15 should absolutely cycle dummy rounds if you want to get the most out of your training and maintenance routine. Investing in good-quality dummy rounds that mimic real ammo in size, shape, and weight makes a big difference. It’s a simple step that adds safety and realism to my shooting practice.

I hope my guide helps you decide on the right dummy rounds and how to use them effectively with your AR-15!

Author Profile

Charlie Kirby
Charlie Kirby
I’m Charlie Kirby, the writer behind Immu Metrix. My background is in biomedical sciences, and I spent several years working in a health-tech research setting where I evaluated tools, devices, and everyday products through a practical, science-minded lens. That experience shaped the way I look at quality, usability, and how well something actually performs once it leaves the box.

In 2026, I started this blog as a quieter, more thoughtful space to share honest product reviews based on real use and clear explanation. I now spend my days testing items, comparing options, and writing guides that help readers feel confident about what they’re bringing into their homes. Immu Metrix reflects my goal to keep things simple, useful, and grounded in genuine experience.