The 5.56 mill spec is loaded a lot hotter than .223.
This is for fragmentation.
Check out this link for all the info you need on ammo.
www.ammo-oracle.com/I don't know of anybody local with good prices on Lake City XM 193.
There are several places online to get LC ammo.
This is one.
www.miragetechnologies.net/Main.htmYou can also try ammoman.
Another mill spec 5.56 is Winchester Q3131A.
This is great ammo also. This shows up at fun shows frequently and can be found at Galyans and a few other retail stores from time to time. The prices (retail) on this have been pretty high lately.
I have not seen the SA battle packs in a while.
They were priced very well while they were around.
Go to the ammo forum and see if anybody has posted where to find either one at a good price.
There is also 62 grn mill spec ammo called M855 from Israel and SS109 from LC. They are steel core and are also loaded hotter than non mill spec ammo. This ammo is not cheap.
There should be some Q3131A at the next Eastman show.
ARH