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12/10/2003 4:40:50 PM EDT
Hi guys I am going to a gunshow this weekend and looking to score some 5.56 military rounds. Can anyone give me sometips of what not to get,what to look for,and so on. Thanks Jimmi
12/10/2003 4:58:11 PM EDT
[#1]
Winchester Q3131A and Federal XM-193 are US Military spec M-193 ammo.  As for actual military ammo I would advise you to check the ammunition FAQ section (the ammo oracle).  Ammo with the LC headstamp is US military.  Alot of European ammo manufacturers make SS109 ammunition, wihick has a half-assed steel core.  US standard is the M855, which SS109 may not meet for consistancy/velocity/accuracy reasons.  Ammo with the Green tip is the steel core to differentiate it from M193 type ammo.  Some ammunition thatis SS109 may not have the green tip, such as that made in Bosnia.  I hope some of this helps.....
12/10/2003 5:23:11 PM EDT
[#2]
Thanks for the help. What are the grain for them  or what is best for my 1/7 twist? which is the heavier?
12/10/2003 9:55:37 PM EDT
[#3]
Please read the FAQ (see the first post at the top of this forum).  This is a FAQ (frequently asked question), which is answered in detail there.

-Troy
12/11/2003 6:38:28 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
Thanks for the help. What are the grain for them  or what is best for my 1/7 twist? which is the heavier?
View Quote


Most folks use the 55grain bullets, that is what the XM193 and the Q3131Q have.
12/11/2003 1:15:06 PM EDT
[#5]
You might want to check this out:

[url]http://www.dealerease.net/catalog/subcategory.asp?scid=11&ret_id=373508[/url]

12/11/2003 2:14:13 PM EDT
[#6]
Thanks for the answers. Iam going to the gunshoe here this sunday and I see they always have  military ammo. How do I tell its good and not reloads or that I am geting ripped off. I read the Ammo Orical a great read. I have heard to watch the primers to see if they are reloads . Basicly I want to get some ammo cheaper and want to know what to look for and not get reloaded crap for the price of good military ammo. Thanks Jimmi
12/11/2003 2:31:43 PM EDT
[#7]
Hey Jimmi

I wouldn't worry too much about that, I doubt anyone would try to sell you reloads as new ammo, but just in case, primers wont necessarily tell the story. If the primers are silver colored, they are reloads if looking at Q3131A or XM193, both come from the factory with brass colored primers, however, you can certainly get brass colored primers for reloading, I have 1000's.
You cant tell with bullet or primer sealer either. Some Q3131A comes with sealant and some doesn't, I wish they would be more consistant but they aren't.

Watch out for the Q3131 without the A, there is a lot out there that isn't so good but I cannot remember which it is.

There are no problems with the XM193 as far as I know as far as bad lots.

Have fun at the show!
12/11/2003 2:47:13 PM EDT
[#8]
There was one (1) lot of Q3131 circa 1998 which a few folks had problems with.  I shot some of it from several folks who'd had trouble and couldn't duplicate their problems.

Avoid the Winchester ammo marked .223.

-- Chuck
12/11/2003 2:48:13 PM EDT
[#9]
Oh, yeah, you're unlikely to find good ammo at a gun show on Sunday.  The good stuff is gone the first hour on Saturday morning.

-- Chuck
12/11/2003 2:57:48 PM EDT
[#10]
Excellent point, Chuck!

I've never found any ammo deals on Sunday, that's why I'll be waiting in line this Saturday morning. I can't wait!!  [bounce]

There's a 1911 in my future

[banana]
12/11/2003 5:49:11 PM EDT
[#11]
LOL Chuck well this gun show is only Sunday. I will get there early to get some ammo. Thanks guys. Jimmi
12/11/2003 5:57:28 PM EDT
[#12]
You might be able to find some RA556M855 if you look around.  It's current military production M855 in the Winchester Ranger box.

It's supposed to be L.E. only but I've bought Ranger ammo at the venders tables before.  I haven't been to a gun show in a while, so I'm not sure if it's out there.

If you do find it, it won't be cheap.
12/11/2003 5:57:32 PM EDT
[#13]
What show are you going to?
12/11/2003 6:02:00 PM EDT
[#14]
I will be going to the Kane county gun show. this Sun I think it opens at 7:30. You from around there?
12/12/2003 4:55:56 AM EDT
[#15]
I used to live in Dundee, went to the Kane Co. show all the time.  I'm further south now, in Will County.

You might want to check to see if anyone wants to go to the show with you, look in the Hometown board and see if anyone's going.
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