This is from a new box of Q3131 I just opened.




Note the rim on the case in the middle; it's like the base die squished it.  Also note the primer crimp and how the crimp die was WAY off center.

Yes, I'm taking this back to where I bought it.  No telling what else goofed up with this round!

I was expecting to see mixed NATO and non-NATO headstamps, but this is really odd!

The base grooves are machined, it's defective.

So I surmised.  Must have been some oddness in how that particular case wound its way through the machines.  I took the box back and got a new one-same lot-and inspected EVERY ONE of the rounds in it.

This box had been one of six I bought because it was there and (of course) I wanted it.  Can't get enough of that 5.56mm goodness!  But that's the very first time in three DECADES that I've seen anything like that.  The worst factory defect I'd seen before this was a torn case neck.

Advice: always check ALL your ammo before heading to the range!

I bought some Q3131 2005 production recently and had problems.

Is yours 2005 too?

Mine would not feed properly at all into my rifle.

oh snap

Quoted: I bought some Q3131 2005 production recently and had problems. Is yours 2005 too? Mine would not feed properly at all into my rifle.

This all has '05 headstamps, a mix of NATO and non-NATO.  It is all the same lot number though.  I haven't tried it yet-too busy getting ready for the new semester.  I'll report what I find.

Never seen anything like it, but I have seen much worse issued to me by the Army.


-K