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?

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.

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.

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.

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 for $145 for 500

or

Federal American Eagle (LC Brass) 62gr for $300 for 1000

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

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.

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.

4 inches of difference at what range?

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

With both 25 and 100 yard zeros.

500M! Oy! I guess that gives new meaning to "crisp front sight, fuzzy target".

Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated. :lifter

You might want to check your sights I'm betting they are loose......:munchin