AR15.COM :: Ammo Oracle

History and Basic Design of .223 and 5.56 Ammunition.

Performance of .223 and 5.56 Ammunition.

Q. I have my rifle zeroed with M855 ammo. Will any 62gr ammo shoot the same?
Q. Do M193 and M855 shoot to the same point of impact?
Q. Ok, what is all this stuff about rifle twists and different ammo?
Q. OK, that's complex. Simple question: Can I fire M193 ammo in my 1:7 or 1:9 twist barrel?
Q. Can I fire M855/SS-109 in my 1:12 twist barrel?
Q. Will M193 be accurate in a 1:7 or 1:9 twist barrel?
Q. What twist rate do I want for my rifle?
Q. What about XM193 from Federal and Q3131a from Winchester? I have heard that some of these don't meet military specifications, particularly with respect to sealant on the necks and primers?
Q. Holy earache Batman! This Q3131A/Lake City XM193 is really loud and it launches a FIREBALL from my muzzle! Everyone at the range is looking at me now. What gives?
Q. Military ammo has flash retardant, right?
Q. What sort of velocity and ballistics should I expect from military ammo?
Q. Will Military Ammo wear my favorite National Match/Elite Sniper/$5500 accurized AR rifle out faster?
Q. What is Moly? What's it good for?
Q. Moly sounds hella-cool. I'm going to use it will all my rounds from now on!

Terminal Performance of .223 and 5.56 Ammunition.

.223 and 5.56 Ammunition Testing

Selection of .223 and 5.56 Ammunition.

Ammunition recommendations from the authors of the AR15.com Ammo-Oracle.

Purchase and Storage of .223 and 5.56 Ammunition.

Legal questions.

Miscellaneous .223, 5.56 and Other Ammunition Questions.

Everything you ever wanted to know about .223 and 5.56
ammunition or double your money back.*

Since 07/30/2002 black rifle enthusiasts have been getting smarter than you by reading the AR15.com Ammo FAQ.

Credits:
AR15.com, THE online authority on AR-15 topics, Troy, Tatjana, Derek F., Dave G, Dr. Gary Roberts and Tactical Forums, ilikelegs, RBAD, Ammoman, Dr. Martin Fackler, Dr. Hans Ferdinand, Col. Albert Saben, Armalite, The Maryland AR15 Shooters Site, Firearms Tactical, "G.", "The Austrian", BulletProofMe.com, purveyor of fine body armor ("Put the odds in your favor"), and Special Agent "Bob Smith" are graciously thanked for their contributions to this FAQ.

All material contained herein is Copyright Ammo-Oracle (2002, 2003, 2004) unless otherwise noted.
All original authors/artists are credited where possible. Direct attributation requests as well as corrections or other errata to:
Troy Tiscareno or Tatjana von E or Derek F.

*(Double your money back offer restricted to Vietnam and World War II combat Veterans born between 1982 and 1985).

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