.223/5.56 ammo review

The barrel expanded against the slide an it wont move but maybe 2cm. It needs to be drilled out

 

I almost exclusively use M193 loaded ammo in all my 5.56 guns(1/7 twist, multiple barrel lengths from 10.5 to 18.5 inches). The only other round I use is the 77gr Corbon that I use in my SPR.

 

How's your experiences with the heavier bullet? Im planning to get some good data on the 55gr right now and then move on to the heavier stuff a little later to compare the two. Just got in 100rds of federal M-193, Black hills, and DMC x-tac. Should be posting the results soon

 

You notice better accuracy once you go out past 300yds. Anything inside that you might as well use 55gr to punch holes in paper.

 

I don't know what bullet CorBon loads but 77gr SMK's are fantastic for ballistics....much better than 55gr flat based.
I don't have access to a ballistics calculator right now but compare 10mph wind drift for the two at 100, 200, and 300 and IMHO, it's more than a little difference.

 

77gr SMK 2800fps mv

Calculated Table
Range Drop Drop Windage Windage Velocity Mach Energy Time Lead Lead
(yd) (in) (MOA) (in) (MOA) (ft/s) (none) (ft•lbs) (s) (in) (MOA)
0 -1.5 *** 0.0 *** 2808.3 2.515 1348.2 0.000 0.0 ***
100 -0.0 -0.0 0.9 0.8 2565.3 2.298 1124.9 0.112 0.0 0.0
200 -3.8 -1.8 3.6 1.7 2334.1 2.091 931.3 0.234 0.0 0.0
300 -14.0 -4.5 8.6 2.7 2115.6 1.895 765.1 0.369 0.0 0.0
09/02/12 22:08, JBM/jbmtraj-5.1.cgi

Barnes 55gr TAC-X 3000fps mv

Sectional Density: 0.157 lb/in²
Calculated Table
Range Drop Drop Windage Windage Velocity Mach Energy Time Lead Lead
(yd) (in) (MOA) (in) (MOA) (ft/s) (none) (ft•lbs) (s) (in) (MOA)
0 -1.5 *** 0.0 *** 3015.8 2.701 1110.5 0.000 0.0 ***
100 -0.0 -0.0 1.5 1.4 2565.0 2.297 803.3 0.108 0.0 0.0
200 -3.8 -1.8 6.4 3.1 2156.4 1.932 567.8 0.235 0.0 0.0
300 -15.3 -4.9 15.8 5.0 1788.0 1.602 390.4 0.388 0.0 0.0
09/02/12 22:11, JBM/jbmtraj-5.1.c

Almost half the windage and an inch less drop for a bullet 50% heavier and 200 fps slower at the muzzle.

 

I use a few different types in my Rock River 5.56. I really like Federal XM193 55g, never had an issue with it and you can find it in bulk. I have found it to be not the prettiest ammo, but the most reliable. PMC Bronze 55g can be found pretty cheap too. I have used some of that steel cased Russian stuff (Wolf, Tulammo), but its kind of dirty. I always clean my AR after shooting that. XM193 is my fav though. A buddy of mine uses it to hunt boar.

 

Alright, got a little impatient and went to the indoor range in Baton Rouge. Only 50yds but just a little taste of whats to come!

 

I will take that wolf off your hands.

 

I'll let you know depending on whether Obama is re-elected or not! Lol

 

I shoot competitive High Power and use strictly handloads.



Here's a 10 shot group shot from 200 meter, slow fire prone (single load) with 80gr Sierra Match Kings, 24.0gr RL15, Lapua brass, CCI BR4 during a practice at my club's range:



I think it was a 2.120" edge to edge group.

Here's my competition 200/300yard load with 77gr Lapua Scenars, 24.0gr RL15, Lake City brass, Wolf SRM primer shot in an actual match, 200 yard rapid fire sitting (10 rounds in 60 seconds). Photo taken by my friend with his iPhone since he was scoring/pulling my target in the pits:



100-7x.

If I had to shoot factory ammunition in my AR competition service rifle guns, I would go with Atlanta Arms http://www.atlantaarmsandammo.com/ who makes .223 ammo for the Army Marksmanship Unit using a 77gr SMK. This is supposedly the ammo the AMU uses for High Power competitions (after they switched from a 73gr BTHP, IIRC).

I would also look into ASYM who also makes .223 77gr BTHP ammo. Even though I've never used that ammo before, I spoke with the reps for ASYM at SHOT Show this January and was impressed by their attention to detail (checkout my personal take on them here: http://www.ocabj.net/?p=2001).