View Full Version : Prices Increased?
Has anyone noticed a recent increase of online prices of 5.56 (non-Warsaw Pact)? I've been looking at picking up 1000 rounds and it seems they're going for about $50 more than they were a few months ago.
Am I off base here?
WholeManin2010
02-05-2011, 18:11
Has anyone noticed a recent increase of online prices of 5.56 (non-Warsaw Pact)? I've been looking at picking up 1000 rounds and it seems they're going for about $50 more than they were a few months ago.
Am I off base here?
I have definitely noticed an increase. Used to get Fiocchi 62 gr from DSG for $299 a case with Mil discount. Good stuff - shoots clean, good brass, pretty accurate for what it is. It is now $379. The 55 gr stuff is now $340, used to be about 15 bucks more. :confused: Still not so bad. I don't think they charged me for shipping either. Natchez has PMC for $5.99, or just under 300 smackers a case.
Prices are up but there are still a few deals to be had here and there.
dadof18x'er
02-05-2011, 18:35
Has anyone noticed a recent increase of online prices of 5.56 (non-Warsaw Pact)? I've been looking at picking up 1000 rounds and it seems they're going for about $50 more than they were a few months ago.
Am I off base here?
I recently purchased 500 rounds of Federal 5.56 for $ 140.00 at gunbroker.com, you can ususally sort through all the offerings and find a some good prices.
incarcerated
02-05-2011, 18:56
What bullet weight?
What bullet weight?
I was looking for 55 grain but seems like there's more "deals" out there for 62.
I still consider myself a very novice shooter, hence the question: if I start using (or switch between the two weights) a 62 grain round, will my zero be off? This is for my personal rifle with an ACOG TA31-ECOS.
WholeManin2010
02-05-2011, 19:17
... if I start using (or switch between the two weights) a 62 grain round, will my zero be off? ...
Definitely, regardless of if the 62 has the steel penetrator or not. You will see a significant difference in POI, though not enough to take it off of the paper.
Aim Surplus has Federal XM193 (http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=AFED223XM193&name=Federal+.223+XM193+55grn+20rd+Box&groupid=21) for $145 for 500
or
Federal American Eagle (LC Brass) (http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=AFED223XM855&name=Federal+.223+%285.56%29+62grn+M855+20rd+Box&groupid=21) 62gr for $300 for 1000
The Reaper
02-05-2011, 20:08
Definitely, regardless of if the 62 has the steel penetrator or not. You will see a significant difference in POI, though not enough to take it off of the paper.
I disagree.
Do you have a lot of shooting experience?
As far as the OP asked, I was at a gunshow today. Ammunition prices seem to be relatively constant, with Federal 5.56 running $290-$310 per thousand.
I would expect further runs on semi-autos and high cap mags if additional gun control laws are introduced or enacted. Or if the POTUS issues Executive Orders restricting gun ownership further.
TR
WholeManin2010
02-05-2011, 20:32
I disagree.
Do you have a lot of shooting experience?
TR
I'm no expert, but I have been shooting for about 10 years. I've shot nearly 3,000 rounds of 55 and 62 gr in the past year, mostly to compare the worth of one versus the other for range training and plinking. My rifle was initially zeroed with the 55 grain, and when I loaded up the other stuff, it consistently impacted about 4 inches higher before I re-sighted. Have gotten pretty much identical results each time I've switched back and forth between the two.
mojaveman
02-05-2011, 20:32
I was looking for 55 grain but seems like there's more "deals" out there for 62.
I still consider myself a very novice shooter, hence the question: if I start using (or switch between the two weights) a 62 grain round, will my zero be off? This is for my personal rifle with an ACOG TA31-ECOS.
Fired through the same weapon I don't think you're going to notice a difference between M193 and M855 until 500 meters and beyond.
mojaveman
02-05-2011, 20:44
I'm no expert, but I have been shooting for about 10 years. I've shot nearly 3,000 rounds of 55 and 62 gr in the past year, mostly to compare the worth of one versus the other for range training and plinking. My rifle was initially zeroed with the 55 grain, and when I loaded up the other stuff, it consistently impacted about 4 inches higher before I re-sighted. Have gotten pretty much identical results each time I've switched back and forth between the two.
4 inches of difference at what range?
The Reaper
02-05-2011, 20:44
Fired through the same weapon I don't think you're going to notice a difference between M193 and M855 until 500 meters and beyond.
I agree.
The drop differential between M193 and M855 is 0.1" at 100m., 0.3" at 200m., and 0.2" at 300m. You will not lose a center mass hit by using M193 hold for M855 ammo till well past 500m.
5.56 NATO Ball Ammunition Ballistic Comparison
based on Aberdeen Proving Ground Data
velocity (fps) trajectory (in.) drop (inches) drift (inches)*
range M193 M855 M193 M855 M193 M855 M193 M855
(meters)
0 3,200 3,100 -2.5 -2.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
100 2,774 2,751 +2.8 +4.4 -2.2 -2.3 1.3 1.1
200 2,374 2,420 +2.7 +5.8 -9.9 -10.2 5.8 4.9
300 2,012 2,115 -4.9 0.0 -25.1 -25.3 14.2 11.8
400 1,680 1,833 -23.0 -15.0 -50.8 -49.5 27.6 22.4
500 1,373 1,569 -56.2 -42.9 -91.6 -86.7 47.5 38.0
600 1,106 1,323 -113.1 -88.2 -156.1 -141.3 76.4 59.5
700 995 1,106 -206.8 -156.1 -257.3 -220.9 113.5 88.4
800 927 1,010 -339.9 -267.7 -398.0 -339.2 156.1 124.9
* Drift for 10 mph wind.
M193 Ball ammunition fired in M16A1 rifle with 250 meter battle sight zero.
M855 Ball ammunition fired in M16A2 rifle with 300 meter battle sight zero.
If you are getting a 4" difference at 100m., you are not getting full performance 5.56x45 NATO M193 and M855 ammunition.
TR
WholeManin2010
02-05-2011, 23:15
4 inches of difference at what range?
With both 25 and 100 yard zeros.
Fired through the same weapon I don't think you're going to notice a difference between M193 and M855 until 500 meters and beyond.
500M! Oy! I guess that gives new meaning to "crisp front sight, fuzzy target".
Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated. :lifter
Team Sergeant
02-06-2011, 09:41
With both 25 and 100 yard zeros.
You might want to check your sights I'm betting they are loose......:munchin
Why would anybody wanna shoot 5.56 anyway, provided they have a choice?
Signed,
.308 Freak
Why would anybody wanna shoot 5.56 anyway, provided they have a choice?
Signed,
.308 Freak
Ha! Been looking at this (http://www.mdshooters.com/vbclassified.php?do=ad&id=4785) for a bit.
WholeManin2010
02-06-2011, 10:53
You might want to check your sights I'm betting they are loose......:munchin
The sight post and rear aperture could be loose, or the irons are loosely mounted on the rifle? I will check both. :confused:
If you are getting a 4" difference at 100m., you are not getting full performance 5.56x45 NATO M193 and M855 ammunition.TR
I don't think this 62 gr ammo could be considered a close M855 clone, so perhaps that explains the difference. Shorter bullet, and MV is 200-300 fps slower. I apologize if my initial post regarding POI of this particular brand may have been misleading if considering the qualities of mil-grade ammo.