Looking for M856 tracer ammo, recent production, quality 1st manufacturer - no reloads or tumbled stuff. I'd like to match it up with my IMI M855. Anybody know a source??

Quoted: Looking for M856 tracer ammo, recent production, quality 1st manufacturer - no reloads or tumbled stuff. I'd like to match it up with my IMI M855. Anybody know a source??

I picked up a box from a dealer at the York Gunshow a few months back.

I don't often see it online, just at shows.

I wish I could remember where I got mine from; probably someone on gunbroker.com.  I would try the ammoman (eric).

I just shot about 50 rounds of M856 last weekend, every one of them showed well and it wasn't completely dark out yet.  My rounds are LC marked with orange tips.

For my 1:9 twist 20" HBAR, the rounds flew straight and accurate for at least 1/4 mile which was to the other side of the canyon wall.  Most of them ricocheted;  one shot went over the wall, it flew straight.  I guess there was some discussion as to whether this long bullet would work in anything other than a 1:7 but it works for me.  Unlike my Glock 9mm where the tracers I shot would literally make nearly 90 degree turns in mid-air after about 500 yards.

I don't recommend red M196, tracer is very faint and a couple didn't show at all.  Orange is better.

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tracers (reloaded)

Troy - you mean '95 isn't considered 'Recent production'?  Its less than 10 years old!

Troy likes his ammo to have been made yesterday.

MrPink (I'll be Mr. Purple)

A few months back I found a good amount of Q3270 (I believe that is the correct number Q3269=M855 and Q3270=M856) at Cabela's in Owatonna, MN.  Problem was price, 9.99 per 20.  I don't know what it usually goes for when it's found so I don't know if that's a reasonable price.  I guess it depends on how badly you want it.  Also at that price I didn't buy any so I can't tell you date of manufacture or anything else about it.

There is also the issue of shipping unless you have a Cabela's near you that would be willing to work with you.  I don't know if they do it but you could always check.

I'll IM you the phone number and you can decide.

Cabelas always have tracers online and in their stores.  Not very expensive, but not very good either.

Quoted: MrPink (I'll be Mr. Purple) A few months back I found a good amount of Q3270 (I believe that is the correct number Q3269=M855 and Q3270=M856) at Cabela's in Owatonna, MN.  Problem was price, 9.99 per 20.  I don't know what it usually goes for when it's found so I don't know if that's a reasonable price.  I guess it depends on how badly you want it.  Also at that price I didn't buy any so I can't tell you date of manufacture or anything else about it. There is also the issue of shipping unless you have a Cabela's near you that would be willing to work with you.  I don't know if they do it but you could always check. I'll IM you the phone number and you can decide.

I still have a few boxes of LC-89 and a couple WCC still in the sealed brown military box, along with 2 boxes of 196 Talon.  Shot a box of orange 2yr ago, nice and bright, 196 lit well also, these shot last year and 1/2 box couple month ago.

You want 856, buy the orange tips from Ammunition Store or Pats, and load them yourself. Definitely cost you a whole lot less, unless you do not reload, then find a friend to help-do it for you.