M855A1 Accuracy - AR15.COM

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - M855A1 Accuracy (Page 1 of 6)

Posted: 6/22/2022 2:32:12 PM EDT

M855A1 Accuracy and Velocity

M855A1 ammunition is manufactured at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant near Independence, Missouri. The lot of Lake City M855A1 ammunition that was evaluated for this article was manufactured in January of 2021. There were no malfunctions of any kind for this ammunition in any of the four barrels that were used in this evaluation.

M855A1 is packaged in kraft boxes with 30 rounds in each box. The rounds are on stripper clips with 10 rounds per clip.

The M855A1 cartridge has a nominal over-all length of 2.250”. This over-all length gives the A1 projectile a jump of 0.132” to the lands of a Colt 5.56mm NATO chamber.

M855A1 is loaded in Lake City brass. The brass cases have the annealing iris still visible. The headstamp for this lot reads: ”LC - 21” along with the NATO cross (however, M855A1 is not a NATO load). The case-head stamp exhibits the octal station identifiers used on Lake City SCAMP machinery. The primer pocket has four “stab” crimps and a minimal amount of sealant. The case mouth has a generous amount of asphalt sealant and is crimped into a cannelure on the bullet.

Lake City M855A1 ammunition is charged with the St. Marks Powder SMP-842, which is a flattened ball powder. Sampled powder charges had an average weight of 26.4 grains.

The M855A1 bullet is considered a 62 grain round, however, sampled bullets had an average weight of 62.6 grains. The M855A1 projectile is constructed from three different components; a solid copper core, an exposed steel penetrator and a reverse-drawn copper jacket that holds the other two components together. Since this bullet does not have a lead core, the only thing that fragments upon terminal impact is the copper jacket.

It has been reported that with early lots of M855A1, it was possible to “spin” the steel penetrator inside the copper jacket with your fingers. This did not occur with any of the current rounds that I sampled.

The M855A1 projectile has a lower specific gravity than conventional lead-core, copper jacketed bullets and is significantly longer than the legacy M855 projectile. The A1 projectiles that I sampled had a nominal length of 1.00”.

According to Ballistic Performance of Rifle Bullets by Bryan Litz the average G1 ballistic coefficient of M855A1 is 0.291 and the average G7 ballistic coefficient is 0.149. The same reference states that M855A1 has a nominal gyroscopic stability factor of 1.41 when fired from a barrel with a 1:8" twist and 1.85 when fired from a barrel with a 1:7" twist.

Velocity

I chronographed the Lake City M855A1 ammunition from a semi-automatic AR-15 with a chrome-lined, NATO chambered, 20” Colt A4 barrel with a 1:7” twist.

Chronographing was conducted using an Oehler 35-P chronograph with “proof screen” technology. The Oehler 35-P chronograph is actually two chronographs in one package that takes two separate chronograph readings for each shot fired and then utilizes its onboard computer to analyze the data to determine if there is any statistically significant abnormality in the readings. If the readings are suspect, the chronograph “flags” the shot to let you know that the data is invalid. There was no invalid data flagged during this testing.

The velocities stated below are the muzzle velocities as calculated from the instrumental velocities using Oehler’s Ballistic Explorer software program. The strings of fire consisted of 10 rounds over the chronograph.

Each round was single-loaded and cycled into the chamber from a magazine fitted with a single-load follower. The bolt locked-back after each shot allowing the chamber to cool in between each shot. This technique was used to mitigate the possible influence of “chamber-soak” on velocity data. Each new shot was fired in a consistent manner after hitting the bolt release. Atmospheric conditions were monitored and recorded using a Kestrel 4000 Pocket Weather Tracker.

Atmospheric conditions

Temperature: 76 degrees F
Humidity: 47%
Barometric pressure: 30.09 inches of Hg
Elevation: 950 feet above sea level

The muzzle velocity for the 10-shot string of the Lake City M855A1 ammunition fired from the 20” Colt barrel was 3,131 FPS with a standard deviation of 18 FPS and a coefficient of variation of 0.59%.

For those of you who might not be familiar with the coefficient of variation (CV), it is the standard deviation, divided by the mean (average) muzzle velocity and then multiplied by 100 and expressed as a percentage. It allows for the comparison of the uniformity of velocity between loads in different velocity spectrums; e.g. 77 grain loads running around 2,650 fps compared to 55 grain loads running around 3,250 fps.

For comparison, the mil-spec for M193 allows for a coefficient of variation of approximately 1.2%, while one of my best 77 grain OTM hand-loads, with a muzzle velocity of 2639 PFS and a standard deviation of 4 FPS, has a coefficient of variation of 0.15%.

I also chronographed the Lake City M855A1 ammunition from three different 14.5” barrels in the same manner as described above for the 20” Colt barrel. Chronographing of the 14.5” barrels was conducted immediately after the chronographing for the 20” barrel.

A 10-shot string of the Lake City M855A1 fired from a 14.5” Hodge Defense barrel had a muzzle velocity of 2939 FPS with a standard deviation of 23 FPS.

A 10-shot string of the M855A1 fired from a 14.5” Colt M4A1 SOCOM barrel had a muzzle velocity of 2949 FPS with a standard deviation of 17 FPS.

A 10-shot string of the M855A1 fired from the Bravo Company 14.5" ELW barrel had a muzzle velocity of 2966 FPS with a standard deviation of 19 FPS.

The muzzle velocities for the Lake City M855A1 are summarized in the table below.

For comparison, the next two tables show the muzzle velocities for legacy military 5.56mm ammunition that also uses 62 grain projectiles: M855 and MK318 Mod 0.

Accuracy

I conducted an accuracy (technically, precision) evaluation of the Lake City M855A1 ammunition following my usual protocol. This accuracy evaluation used statistically significant shot-group sizes and every single shot in a fired group was included in the measurements. There was absolutely no use of any group-reduction techniques (e.g. fliers, target movement, Butterfly Shots).

The shooting set-up will be described in detail below. As many of the significant variables as was practicable were controlled for. Also, a control group was fired from the test-rifle used in the evaluation using match-grade, hand-loaded ammunition; in order to demonstrate the capability of the barrel. Pictures of shot-groups are posted for documentation.

Shooting was conducted from a concrete bench-rest from a distance of 100 yards (confirmed with a laser rangefinder.) The barrel used in the evaluation was free-floated. The free-float handguard of the rifle rested in a Sinclair Windage Benchrest, while the stock of the rifle rested in a Protektor bunny-ear rear bag. Sighting was accomplished via a Leupold VARI-X III set at 25x magnification and adjusted to be parallax-free at 100 yards. A mirage shade was used. Wind conditions on the shooting range were continuously monitored using a Wind Probe. The set-up was very similar to that pictured below.

The Wind Probe.

The test vehicle for this accuracy evaluation was one of my semi-automatic precision AR-15s with a 20” stainless-steel Lothar-Walther barrel. The barrel has a 223 Wylde chamber with a 1:8” twist. Prior to firing the Lake City M855A1, I fired a 10-shot control group using match-grade hand-loads topped with the Sierra 77 grain MatchKing (without a cannelure). That group had an extreme spread of 0.56”.

the control group . .

Three 10-shot groups of the Lake City M855A1 ammunition were fired in a row with the resulting extreme spreads:

1.78”
2.65”
1.78”

for a 10-shot group average extreme spread of 2.07”. The three 10-shot groups were over-layed on each other using RSI Shooting Lab to form a 30-shot composite group. The mean radius for the 30-shot composite group was 0.63”.

The smallest 10-shot group . . .

The 30-shot composite group . . .

M855A1 compared to other mil-spec loads . . .

In the category of useless trivia, the M855A1 bullet cuts the cleanest holes in paper targets of any 5.56mm/223 Remington ammunition that I’ve ever tested. It’s like wad-cutters for the AR-15.

I also fired a 10-shot group at 100 yards off of sand-bags from each of the 14.5” barrels that were used in chronographing the M855A1 ammunition.

A 10-shot group fired from the Colt M4A1 SOCOM barrel had an extreme spread of 1.85”.

A 10-shot group fired from the Bravo Company 14.5" ELW barrel had an extreme spread of 2.15”.

A 10-shot group fired from the 14.5" Hodge Defense barrel had an extreme spread of 2.51".

fired cases

left: from a 5.56 Colt M4A1

right: from a 223 Wylde

Lastly, for any Internet Commandos in our viewing audience today, here’s a pic of a sub ¾ MOA group of the Lake City M855A1 ammunition fired at 100 yards. The group has an extreme spread of 0.59”.

…

Posted: 6/22/2022 2:38:10 PM EDT

[#1]

Thank you sir!

Posted: 6/22/2022 2:40:56 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
M855A1 Accuracy and Velocity

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/coming_2nd_quarter_2022_001-2277645.jpg

M855A1 ammunition is manufactured at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant near Independence, Missouri. The lot of Lake City M855A1 ammunition that was evaluated for this article was manufactured in January of 2021. There were no malfunctions of any kind for this ammunition in any of the four barrels that were used in this evaluation.

M855A1 is packaged in kraft boxes with 30 rounds in each box. The rounds are on stripper clips with 10 rounds per clip.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/m855a1_stripper_clip_001_resized-2426382.jpg

The M855A1 cartridge has a nominal over-all length of 2.250”. This over-all length gives the A1 projectile a jump of 0.132” to the lands of a Colt 5.56mm NATO chamber. For a new 223 Wylde chamber, the jump is only 0.021”.

M855A1 is loaded in Lake City brass. The brass cases have the annealing iris still visible. The headstamp for this lot reads:”LC 21” along with the NATO cross. The case-head stamp exhibits the octal station identifiers used on Lake City SCAMP machinery. The primer pocket has four “stab” crimps and a minimal amount of sealant. The case mouth has a generous amount of asphalt sealant and is crimped into a cannelure on the bullet.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/m855a1_cartridge_004-2423081.jpg

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/m855a1_headstamp_001-2423084.jpg

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/lake_city_scamp_octal__numbering_03_resi-2209035.jpg

Lake City M855A1 ammunition is charged with the St. Marks Powder SMP-842, which is a flattened ball powder. Sampled powder charges had an average weight of 26.4 grains.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/m855_powder_022-2423083.jpg

The M855A1 bullet is considered a 62 grain round, however, sampled bullets had an average weight of 62.6 grains. The M855A1 projectile is constructed from three different components; a solid copper core, an exposed steel penetrator and a reverse-drawn copper jacket that holds the other two components together. Since this bullet does not have a lead core, the only thing that fragments upon terminal impact is the copper jacket.

It has been reported that with early lots of M855A1, it was possible to “spin” the steel penetrator inside the copper jacket with your fingers. This was not the case with any of the current rounds that I sampled.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/m855a1_projectile_components_003-2423082.jpg

The M855A1 projectile has a lower specific gravity than conventional lead-core, copper jacketed bullets and is significantly longer than the legacy M855 projectile. The A1 projectile has a nominal length of 1.00”.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/m855a1_compared_to_other_62_grain_bullet-2294007.jpg

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/m855a1_vs_77_smk_003_resized-2423091.jpg

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/m855a1_specific_gravity_004-2423090.jpg

Velocity

I chronographed the Lake City M855A1 ammunition from a semi-automatic AR-15 with a chrome-lined, NATO chambered, 20” Colt A4 barrel with a 1:7” twist.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/colt_a4_barrel_004_resized_b-2426802.jpg

Chronographing was conducted using an Oehler 35-P chronograph with “proof screen” technology. The Oehler 35P chronograph is actually two chronographs in one package that takes two separate chronograph readings for each shot fired and then utilizes its onboard computer to analyze the data to determine if there is any statistically significant abnormality in the readings. If the readings are suspect, the chronograph “flags” the shot to let you know that the data is invalid. There was no invalid data flagged during this testing.

The velocities stated below are the muzzle velocities as calculated from the instrumental velocities using Oehler’s Ballistic Explorer software program. The strings of fire consisted of 10 rounds over the chronograph.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/oehler_chronograph_32-1336391.jpg

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/oehler_computer_02-1336390.jpg

Each round was single-loaded and cycled into the chamber from a magazine fitted with a single-load follower. The bolt locked-back after each shot allowing the chamber to cool in between each shot. This technique was used to mitigate the possible influence of “chamber-soak” on velocity data. Each new shot was fired in a consistent manner after hitting the bolt release. Atmospheric conditions were monitored and recorded using a Kestrel 4000 Pocket Weather Tracker.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/kestrel_4000_21-1336387.jpg

Atmospheric conditions

Temperature: 76 degrees F
Humidity: 47%
Barometric pressure: 30.09 inches of Hg
Elevation: 950 feet above sea level

The muzzle velocity for the 10-shot string of the Lake City M855A1 ammunition fired from the 20” Colt barrel was 3131 FPS with a standard deviation of 18 FPS and a coefficient of variation of 0.59%.

For those of you who might not be familiar with the coefficient of variation (CV), it is the standard deviation, divided by the mean (average) muzzle velocity and then multiplied by 100 and expressed as a percentage. It allows for the comparison of the uniformity of velocity between loads in different velocity spectrums; e.g. 77 grain loads running around 2,650 fps compared to 55 grain loads running around 3,250 fps.

For comparison, the mil-spec for M193 allows for a coefficient of variation of approximately 1.2%, while one of my best 77 grain OTM hand-loads, with a muzzle velocity of 2639 PFS and a standard deviation of 4 FPS, has a coefficient of variation of 0.15%.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/stnadard_deviation_of_4_fps_01-1336393.jpg

I also chronographed the Lake City M855A1 ammunition from three different 14.5” barrels in the same manner as described above for the 20” Colt barrel. Chronographing of the 14.5” barrels was conducted immediately after the chronographing for the 20” barrel.

A 10-shot string of the Lake City M855A1 fired from a 14.5” Hodge Defense barrel had a muzzle velocity of 2939 FPS with a standard deviation of 23 FPS.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/hodge_barrel_004-2277644.jpg

A 10-shot string of the M855A1 fired from a 14.5” Colt M4A1 SOCOM barrel had a muzzle velocity of 2949 FPS with a standard deviation of 17 FPS.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/colt_m4a1_socom_barrel_040-2277643.jpg

A 10-shot string of the M855A1 fired from a 14.5” Bravo Company ELW barrel had a muzzle velocity of 2966 FPS with a standard deviation of 19 FPS.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/bcm_elw_barrel_002-2426291.jpg

The muzzle velocities for the Lake City M855A1 are summarized in the table below.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/m855a1_muzzle_velocities_002-2426796.jpg

For comparison, the next two tables show the muzzle velocities for legacy military 5.56mm ammunition that also uses 62 grain projectiles: M855 and MK318 Mod 0.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/IMI_m855_muzzle_velocities-2423077.jpg

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/mk318_chronograph_data_white_box_vs_brow-2423073.jpg

Accuracy

I conducted an accuracy (technically, precision) evaluation of the Lake City M855A1 ammunition following my usual protocol. This accuracy evaluation used statistically significant shot-group sizes and every single shot in a fired group was included in the measurements. There was absolutely no use of any group-reduction techniques (e.g. fliers, target movement, Butterfly Shots).

The shooting set-up will be described in detail below. As many of the significant variables as was practicable were controlled for. Also, a control group was fired from the test-rifle used in the evaluation using match-grade, hand-loaded ammunition; in order to demonstrate the capability of the barrel. Pictures of shot-groups are posted for documentation.

All shooting was conducted from a concrete bench-rest from a distance of 100 yards (confirmed with a laser rangefinder.) The barrel used in the evaluation was free-floated. The free-float handguards of the rifle rested in a Sinclair Windage Benchrest, while the stock of the rifle rested in a Protektor bunny-ear rear bag. Sighting was accomplished via a Leupold VARI-X III set at 25x magnification and adjusted to be parallax-free at 100 yards. A mirage shade was used. Wind conditions on the shooting range were continuously monitored using a Wind Probe. The set-up was very similar to that pictured below.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/benchrest_krieger_rifle_02_JPG-1287996-1336381.jpg

The Wind Probe.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/wind_probe_25_resized-1336395.jpg

The test vehicle for this accuracy evaluation was one of my semi-automatic precision AR-15s with a 20” stainless-steel Lothar-Walther barrel. The barrel has a 223 Wylde chamber with a 1.8” twist. Prior to firing the Lake City M855A1, I fired a 10-shot control group using match-grade hand-loads topped with the Sierra 77 grain MatchKing (without a canelure). That group had an extreme spread of 0.56”.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/lothar_walther_barrel_21_resized-1336364.jpg

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/lothar_barrel_crown_02_resized-1297385-1336365.jpg

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/lothar_walther_barrel_free_floated_05-12-1336366.jpg

the control group . .

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/77_smk_10_shot_group_lothar_walther_barr-2423064.jpg

Three 10-shot groups of the Lake City M855A1 ammunition were fired in a row with the resulting extreme spreads:

1.78”
2.65”
1.78”

for a 10-shot group average extreme spread of 2.07”. The three 10-shot groups were over-layed on each other using RSI Shooting Lab to form a 30-shot composite group. The mean radius for the 30-shot composite group was 0.62”.

The smallest 10-shot group . . .

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/M855A1_10_shot_group_at_100_yards_001-2423067.jpg

The 30-shot composite group . . .

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/m855a1_30_shot_composite_group_002-2423079.jpg

In the category of useless trivia, the M855A1 bullet cuts the cleanest holes in paper targets of any 5.56mm/223 Remington that I’ve ever tested. It’s like wad-cutters for the AR-15.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/m855a1_bullets_holes_001-2423080.jpg

I also fired a 10-shot group at 100 yards from each of the 14.5” barrels that were used in chrongraphing the M855A1 ammunition.

A 10-shot group fired from the 14.5” Colt M4A1 SOCOM barrel had an extreme spread of 1.85”.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/m855a1_colt_m4a1_10_shot_group_at_100_ya-2423069.jpg

A 10-shot group fired from the 14.5” Bravo Company ELW barrel had an extreme spread of 2.15”.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/M855a1_bcm_elw_10_shot_group_at_100_yard-2423068.jpg

A 10-shot group fired from the 14.5" Hodge Defense barrel had an extreme spread of 2.51".

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/m855a1_hodge_defense_barrel_10_shot_grou-2426936.jpg

Lastly, for any Internet Commandos in our viewing audience today, here’s a pic of a sub ¾ MOA group of the Lake City M855A1 ammunition fired at 100 yards. The group has an extreme spread of 0.59”.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/M855a1_internet_commando_group-2423071.jpg

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/molon_sig_with_gray_arfcom_background_00-1833489.jpg

…

View Quote

Radical. Good work.

...what CPR did you pay for the M855A1?

Posted: 6/22/2022 2:42:55 PM EDT

[#3]

Good post!

For what it’s worth I was at 1.7 moa from my Douglas barreled mk12.

Seems a bit more accurate than m885 for me.

Posted: 6/22/2022 2:44:28 PM EDT

[#4]

Nice work!

Posted: 6/22/2022 2:45:01 PM EDT

[#5]

Attached File

Posted: 6/22/2022 2:45:06 PM EDT

[#6]

Great job!

Posted: 6/22/2022 2:45:13 PM EDT

[#7]

Excellent report as always
Thank you

Posted: 6/22/2022 2:54:37 PM EDT

[#8]

Very nice thanks OP!

Posted: 6/22/2022 2:58:52 PM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:

Radical. Good work.

...what CPR did you pay for the M855A1?

View Quote

Pretty sure cost of M855A1 is measure in RPR.

Retirements per Round

Posted: 6/22/2022 3:03:03 PM EDT

[#10]

Fantastic write up.

Posted: 6/22/2022 3:18:32 PM EDT

[#11]

So where does one buy this ammo?

Posted: 6/22/2022 3:20:49 PM EDT

[#12]

Nicely done.

It would seem all the hype about Hodge being designed around M855A1 and producing faster velocities than other barrels is completely false. Not only that but the Colt SOCOM barrel remains the standard bearer in the accuracy department for a chrome lined 5.56 barrel.

Posted: 6/22/2022 3:22:06 PM EDT

[#13]

Awesome post!

Posted: 6/22/2022 3:28:53 PM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:
Excellent report as always
Thank you

View Quote

This, again

Posted: 6/22/2022 3:34:25 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
So where does one buy this ammo?

View Quote

My question as well.

Posted: 6/22/2022 3:40:10 PM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:

My question as well.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
So where does one buy this ammo?

My question as well.

I'd be happy enough to be able to buy component bullets.

Posted: 6/22/2022 3:45:32 PM EDT

[#17]

Excellent write up.

I'd imagine that inceased BC of the new projectile will translate into better long range performance, assuming that the core doesn't throw a monkey wrench into the works.

Posted: 6/22/2022 3:48:27 PM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
So where does one buy this ammo?

View Quote

Off the back of a truck, or gun broker.

Posted: 6/22/2022 3:48:46 PM EDT

[#19]

So, the take away from this is M855A1 is sub MOA! BRB, gonna tell my friends.

Posted: 6/22/2022 3:53:27 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
I'd imagine that inceased BC of the new projectile . . .

View Quote

Per Ballistic Performance of Rifle Bullets by Bryan Litz the G1 ballistic coefficient for legacy M855 is 0.300. Per the same reference the ballistic coefficient of M855A1 is 0.291.

...

Posted: 6/22/2022 4:04:09 PM EDT

[#21]

Great info as always Molon.

Gotta say those perfect bullet holes would make qualifications real easy to score. I have never seen any rifle rounds like that.

Posted: 6/22/2022 4:05:02 PM EDT

[#22]

Gut-dang! Another great test. Thank you!

Trivia fact: the GI M855A1 copper-and-steel projo is roughly the same length as a 77 Match King. I substitute the 69-grain Tipped Match King for my ROTC Cadets to practice for the All-Army when we don't have access to Army ammo over the summer (closer in weight than the 77).

Attached File

Posted: 6/22/2022 4:14:51 PM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:
Excellent write up.

I'd imagine that inceased BC of the new projectile will translate into better long range performance, assuming that the core doesn't throw a monkey wrench into the works.

View Quote

A couple years ago at the All Army Small Arms Championship, I shot a 192-6x with an FN M4A1 on the Modified Army NMC match at 500y. For rack-grade, 'service' ammunition, it is quite accurate enough.

ETA: I had almost zero wind, and a FANTASTIC guy on the spotting scope!

Posted: 6/22/2022 4:15:12 PM EDT

[#24]

Recently got 1.75 MOA with Ramshot Exterminator.

I have early versions and yes, tips do spin.

Posted: 6/22/2022 4:20:13 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
Great info as always Molon.

Gotta say those perfect bullet holes would make qualifications real easy to score. I have never seen any rifle rounds like that.

View Quote

I've scored many thousands of rounds of 855A1, and yes, it makes it very easy to score. Never had to call for a plug.

The Speer 55g GDSP also makes quite nice holes.

Posted: 6/22/2022 4:21:32 PM EDT

[#26]

I sure appreciate the work you put into these posts. Thank you.

Posted: 6/22/2022 4:25:17 PM EDT

[#27]

Very nice write up.

Posted: 6/22/2022 6:14:26 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
I substitute the 69-grain Tipped Match King for my ROTC Cadets to practice

View Quote

I'll still plan to test the Sierra 64 grain Game Changer at some point.

....

Posted: 6/22/2022 6:20:55 PM EDT

[#29]

Just a side note, at one time Widener's reloading sold IMI .224" 62g 100% lead-cored bullets, I don't know if they still have it. It is said they don't have the steel-core, so it is more accurate because there is no wobble because of the steel-core. Not sure is this is hype.

Posted: 6/22/2022 6:23:18 PM EDT

[#30]

Posted: 6/22/2022 6:25:05 PM EDT

[#31]

I've felt the introduction of M855A1 improved my qualification scores. Perhaps only a psychological difference, or perhaps accepting my eyeballs were no longer sufficient to take a gamble on the 300m target.

Posted: 6/22/2022 6:27:15 PM EDT

[#32]

Nice writeup!

Posted: 6/22/2022 6:43:51 PM EDT

[#33]

I've read that the exposed hardened tip on the m855A1 is hard on feed ramps. I don't know how many rounds it would take to cause significant damage. Can anyone comment on this?

Posted: 6/22/2022 6:51:38 PM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:
I've read that the exposed hardened tip on the m855A1 is hard on feed ramps. I don't know how many rounds it would take to cause significant damage. Can anyone comment on this?

View Quote

Just use Gen 3 pmags or the latest GI mags.

Posted: 6/22/2022 6:55:20 PM EDT

[#35]

Excellent data Molon, thank you!

Posted: 6/22/2022 7:03:10 PM EDT

[#36]

Very good accuracy for an issued "ball" load. Thanks.

Posted: 6/22/2022 7:29:47 PM EDT

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:
I sure appreciate the work you put into these posts. Thank you.

View Quote

Same, thank you.

Posted: 6/22/2022 7:34:12 PM EDT

[#38]

Great post, thank you very much for taking the time to do it.

Posted: 6/22/2022 7:47:06 PM EDT

[#39]

Outstanding info OP.

Posted: 6/22/2022 7:49:43 PM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:
I'll still plan to test the Sierra 64 grain Game Changer at some point.
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28568/m855a1_vs_sierra_64_grain_gamechanger_00-2427233.jpg
....

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Quite a few guys tell me those fly closer to M855A1 flight curves. I haven't seen any available since Wu-flu.

Posted: 6/22/2022 8:11:52 PM EDT

[#41]

Of course I must ask, where a regular fella such as myself, could procure such things?

Posted: 6/22/2022 8:24:25 PM EDT

[#42]

I wish the guys that do these would put the chrono a little farther out so the bullet can build up a bit more speed and we can the actual velocities real world style.

Posted: 6/22/2022 8:28:47 PM EDT

[#43]

Thank you!

Posted: 6/22/2022 8:37:10 PM EDT

[#44]

Your contributions make the site much much better. Thanks.

The avatar had me thrown for a loop for a second @wookie1562 has almost the same one.

Posted: 6/22/2022 8:37:41 PM EDT

[#45]

Quote History

Quoted:
I wish the guys that do these would put the chrono a little farther out so the bullet can build up a bit more speed and we can the actual velocities real world style.

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Build up speed? Do tell.

Posted: 6/22/2022 8:40:20 PM EDT

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted: I wish the guys that do these would put the chrono a little farther out so the bullet can build up a bit more speed and we can the actual velocities real world style.

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Come again?