South African 5.56 vs AE223 for self defense

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - South African 5.56 vs AE223 for self defense

Posted: 1/24/2006 8:45:30 PM EDT

I have read the Ammo Oracle. I don't have any XM193. I do have several South African Battlepacks and plenty of AE223. Between the two, which would you chose as the better self defense round in a 16" carbine.

AE223 - Newer. Lower velocity and less fragmentation due to bullet design.

South African - Loaded to M193 velocity. Good fragmentation due to bullet design. About 20 years old.

Until I can get XM193, which is better?

Posted: 1/24/2006 8:55:36 PM EDT

[#1]

Quoted:
I have read the Ammo Oracle. I don't have any XM193. I do have several South African Battlepacks and plenty of AE223. Between the two, which would you chose as the better self defense round in a 16" carbine.

AE223 - Newer. Lower velocity and less fragmentation due to bullet design.

South African - Loaded to M193 velocity. Good fragmentation due to bullet design. About 20 years old.

Until I can get XM193, which is better?

Both also go bang everytime. One is sealed the other isn't-should be a major factor in SHTF ammo.

You basically just answered Your own question.

Posted: 1/24/2006 8:58:22 PM EDT

[#2]

South African is where it is at.

Posted: 1/24/2006 9:02:30 PM EDT

[#3]

Which lot of South African M1A3 or M1A4? I'd go with SA, for the earlier lots I'd probably go with AE.

Edited To AddNote earlier lots show lower MV, possibly due to age/deterioration so I'd rather have the newer AE than the really old South African.

Posted: 1/24/2006 9:03:34 PM EDT

[#4]

SA since it is loaded hotter and has a better chance of fragmenting.

For self defense (i.e a couple mags, not SHTF) I have Black Hills 68gr heavy match HP, good velocity better fragmentation and only $16/50 at the local sportsmans warehouse.

Posted: 1/24/2006 9:11:22 PM EDT

[#5]

Man I loved the SA stuff. In spring '03, I bought 3900 rounds of SA battlepack at Knob Creek for $260. Those were the days.

Posted: 1/24/2006 11:46:06 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Man I loved the SA stuff. In spring '03, I bought 3900 rounds of SA battlepack at Knob Creek for $260. Those were the days.

I feel ya. I only have a little less than a battle pack full. I didn't realize at the time that it wouldn't last forever...

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - South African 5.56 vs AE223 for self defense

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