20" AR-15 Chrono Results

[.455_Hunter]

FYI.

Here is some 55 gr. FMJ velocity results for my new 20" Stag-4L (lefty full size AR clone):

Winchester White Box 5.56mm (Q3131- 2007)

Avg. Velocity = 3296 fps, Avg. Energy = 1326 fpe

PMC Bronze .223

Avg. Velocity = 3016 fps, Avg. Energy = 1111 fpe

Federal LC 5.56mm (XM193-2007)

Avg. Velocity = 3245 fps, Avg. Energy = 1286 fpe

Wolf Military Classic (polymer coating)

Avg. Velocity = 3131 fps, Avg. Energy = 1196 fpe

Main surprise for me was that the Wolf was hotter than the PMC.

Please commment.

 

[wcwhitey]

Thanks for the numbers, makes a good reference. I am surprised to see the Wolf hotter as well. PMC has been very spotty over the years. Good test!

 

[ForneyRider]

Saw the federal stuff at Wal-Mart 200 rounds for 76$.

Is LC for Lake City the military supplier?

 

[cbrgator]

Saw the federal stuff at Wal-Mart 200 rounds for 76$.

For how many rounds?

 

[ForneyRider]

What twist is your barrel?

 

[.455_Hunter]

The Federal stuff is Lake City 2007 production 5.56mm M193 that for some reason was rejected by Uncle Sam.

I doubt the Wal Mart bulk pack Federal .223 will be loaded as hot.

Stag 4L- 1/9" twist, non-chrome chamber/barrel

 

[ForneyRider]

200.

Same markings as you have listed. LC XM-193.

 

[NG VI]

Neat! You don't happen to have a 16" as well do you? If so, and if you have time, could you put up some info on loads from that length?

I too was surprised that the Wolf was hotter than the PMC, I always heard that Wolf .223 was loaded a little light. Not that I know any better, M855 from a 20" is all I know to compare it to.

 

[orvpark]

Great INFO!

 

[.455_Hunter]

No 16" here...

I never really warmed-up to the M4. As an company grade CSS officer, I preferred to have a M9 on my hip and a real M16A2 available at the CP for use in emergencies. To me, the M4 was just as annoying to carry as an M16A2, so why give-up the superior handling/shooting characteristics? I really like the sight radius on the 20" barrel (my service pre-dates the whole Aimpoint/ACOG thing- I doubt my unit even has them now...). Of course, I was not in a Mechanized Infantry Company getting in and out of a Bradley all day long, so my perception is skewed.

Shooting a real M4 (14.5") left-handed with the short collapsing stock is not pleasant in my mind. Too much blast from the short barrel and the stock puts my face even closer to the nasty things coming out of the ejection port. I still managed to shoot expert, but is was not fun.

I will have to stop by Walmart and check out the Federal bulk stuff.

One point to note is that the max/min velocity for the Wolf over 5 shots was 3161/3103 fps. Not too bad for cheap ammo.

 

[cbrgator]

The Federal stuff is Lake City 2007 production 5.56mm M193 that for some reason was rejected by Uncle Sam.

Might there be a reliability issue or something? Price seems decent enouugh but I can get proven ammo for that price. Is it worth it?

 

[dispatch55126]

I shot both Federal Brown Box ('08) and Wolf Black Box yesterday. While the Federal pulled tight groups, it would not lock the bolt back when empty. The Wolf opened the groupings slightly but locked the bolt back every time.

Neither type of ammo had any kind of cycling problem otherwise. I took it to be that the Federal was slightly underpowered.

 

[Bartkowski]

Quote:
Saw the federal stuff at Wal-Mart 200 rounds for 76$.

For how many rounds?

It looks like 200.