I'm going to be taking a training class in the not so distant future, but with the availability of Federal XM193 drying up (or driving up), I'm thinking I should look for an alternative for the class.  Why blow 500-1000rounds of the good stuff.

To date, my AR's have had a steady diet of ONLY Federal XM193 from the brown boxes.  What would you suggest?

I really like the Black Hills 55 gr fmj.

Where can I find that stuff in bulk?  And is it cheaper than XM193?  That is one of the points.  :)  If it's not cheaper, then I might as well shoot the good stuff.

Quoted: Where can I find that stuff in bulk?  And is it cheaper than XM193?  That is one of the points.  :)  If it's not cheaper, then I might as well shoot the good stuff.

The Black Hills 55gr FMJ is tracked at the Ammo Price List - $235-245/1000 delivered.

Wow, so that's actually more expensive than the XM193.  I'm hoping to find a cheaper alternative.  If I can't than I'll just shoot up my XM193 and replace with the same.

How would the Federal AE223 fare in this application?

Quoted: How would the Federal AE223 fare in this application?

Quite well, that would be an excellent choice.

Hmmm, looking at the ammo price list, even the AE stuff doesn't save much.  For the $20 difference, I'd just keep shooting XM193.

Is there anything decent in the $150-$180/1000 range?  NO Wolf.

Georgia Arms Canned Heat.

There isn't a whole lot of 5.56/.223 under $200 except WOLF.  If XM193 is what you usally use and you have not had any problems with it I would go with that.  You should have no problem getting for around $200/1000.  The last thing you want to happen when attending a class is to have problems with ammo/equipment and going with a lesser quality ammo might give you trouble.  Is it really worth saving $50 or $75 on ammo that might cause you trouble?   Your probably spending a pretty penny on the class and travel so don't make things hard for you by bringing a cheaper ammo.

Good luck!

Quoted: Georgia Arms Canned Heat.

+1

Quoted: The last thing you want to happen when attending a class is to have problems with ammo/equipment and going with a lesser quality ammo might give you trouble.  Is it really worth saving $50 or $75 on ammo that might cause you trouble?   Your probably spending a pretty penny on the class and travel so don't make things hard for you by bringing a cheaper ammo. Good luck!

That's a good point (damnit).  :)  I'm going to the class on a free certificate, and I'm local, but I still want to complete it without problems.

Don't spend big bucks on training and then ruin it for yourself and others by cheaping out and using crappy ammo. Use similar ammo to what you'd use for real. At least stay away from Wolf, Olympic, etc.

Quoted: Georgia Arms Canned Heat.

+1.  About $160 (plus shipping) for 1,000 and comes in a steel ammo can.  They reload it using predominantly Lake City brass, probably obtained from Fort Benning.  Advertised at 3,150 fps.  I have shot some - no bad issues.

Quoted: There isn't a whole lot of 5.56/.223 under $200 except WOLF.  If XM193 is what you usally use and you have not had any problems with it I would go with that.  You should have no problem getting for around $200/1000.  The last thing you want to happen when attending a class is to have problems with ammo/equipment and going with a lesser quality ammo might give you trouble.  Is it really worth saving $50 or $75 on ammo that might cause you trouble?   Your probably spending a pretty penny on the class and travel so don't make things hard for you by bringing a cheaper ammo. Good luck!

can't agree more. bring what you know runs the best in yer gun. A class is not the best place to try out a new ammo.

You guys aren't looking hard enough.  You can get 1000 rds of Federal XM 193 at Natchez right now for $170.  Train with the good stuff and what you're used to and what you've sighted for.  The only thing is it's packed loose but all u gotta do is check for any with major dents (unlikely) and all should be good.

Duke - a lot of people on here are deathly afraid of PD (loose packaged) XM193 ammo.  I have shot about 1000 rds of it without problems.  I took the time to examine each 500 rd box and throw away 5 or 6 rounds from each box.  A lot of people on here refuse to 'gamble' with it.  I imagine this guy is one of those persons.  

That being said, I have about 800 rds of brown boxed XM193 and about 200 rounds of Q3131a stashed away in an ammo can.
I also have about 700 some rounds of Wolf that are waiting to be blasted away at the range (in additon to some more PD stuff).

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Quoted: Quoted: Georgia Arms Canned Heat. +1.  About $160 (plus shipping) for 1,000 and comes in a steel ammo can.  They reload it using predominantly Lake City brass, probably obtained from Fort Benning.  Advertised at 3,150 fps.  I have shot some - no bad issues.

How much do they usually charge for S/H?

Hey, Trans Am (WS6) Driver!  Do you use junk oil in that LS1?  I bet not.  Buy some good ammo for your training to get the most of it!  You are undoubtedly taking a carbine class to be better prepared for:

1)  Your job
2)  SHTF
3)  Just to be better at your sport

........all 3 reasons above scream at you to use high quality ammo.  

Best of luck at the class and let us know how it turns out.

If you're looking at 55 grain, I highly suggest the IMI Samson 55 gr stuff Widener's sells.  Ive been thru 2000 rounds of it, and working on my 3 rd case now, in the past 3 months, and have zero problems with it.  Its also more accurate than Q3131A out of 3 of my AR's (Colt 20 and 16" HBARS [1/7 and 1/9] as well as an RRA (16" 1/8 Govt Profile).  It only 50-100 FPS slower than Q3131A, but Ive found it to be more accurate across the board no matter what AR I shoot it from.  And for $175 a case (167.50 if you buy 2), I think its the best deal out there for 55 grain stuff right now (other than the odd $90 can of Malaysian M193 thats floating around which is a RIDICULOUS deal these days).