5.56/.223 Ballistics

[cbrgator]

Can anybody enlighten me as to the differences in the ballistics between 55gr Federal XM193 and 62gr Prvi Partizan?

Looking for some data on the differences in velocity, energy, terminal ballistics, etc.

 

[gotigers]

This may help http://www.handloads.com/calc/

 

[tednacious]

Are .223 and 5.56 two rounds totally interchangeable?

I see these two listed together all over the place and had always been under the impression that they were interchangeable. But according to this AR-15 uppers site it only goes one way. Apparently you can fire a .223 from a 5.56, but not a 5.56 from a .223. Something about the casing on the 5.56 having a longer taper or something like that. The rounds themselves look pretty much identical to me, so if someone could enlighten the community on the mechanics, many of us would benefit. Should avoid unpleasant surprises, too.

 

[saddlerocker]

Its mainly a pressure thing. 5.56 creates alot more pressure. The 5.56 chamber is a tad larger in the throat area I think.
Alot of Privi is 5.56 so make sure you are ordring the right ammo (M855 is 62gr 5.56 with a steel core bullet)

there is a ridiculous amount of info out there about .223 vs 5.56

But you are correct that 223 is fine in 5.56, but dont shoot 5.56 in a .223 gun.

There is alot of info of m4carbine.net (but the site seems to be down right now)
Also on ar15.com

 

[cbrgator]

Please don't hijack the thread about the differences between .223 and 5.56. I am just looking for any of the ballistic info for the two particular rounds I listed in Post 1. Is there anyone that happens to know that information?

 

[Holo]

This may help http://www.handloads.com/calc/

did you even look at this link?

 

[raz-0]

did you even look at this link?

Odds are if you need to ask the question, you don't know what use that calculator is.

So for the OP, the 62 gr is heavier and doesn't have as high a muzzle velocity. It means more arc due to more time in flight. If you really care about the details, get a chrono, chrono it out of your gun, and plug in the numbers. You can look up the BC of xm193 55gr and ss109 (should be similar to m855 data).

There, you have your best estimate as to real external ballistics for you.

Second best is go get the velocity data form the manufacturers, and plug it in to a calculator.

If you just want generalities, the wind deflection difference of the two is minimal, the 55gr is flatter shooting and is easier to sight in and do holdover for 25-400yd ranges. If shooting a 14.5" barrel, the 62gr penetrator is. IN general, the 62gr penetrator round is less accurate than the 55gr FMJBT.

BEst bang for the buck will be handloads with bulks jacketed soft point varmint bullets with flat bases.

 

[gotigers]

I have used the calculator for many different bullet weights and there drops. It is easy to use. Just input the info you know. The resulting chart will give you energy, drop, etc at distances.

 

[cbrgator]

Just input the info you know. The resulting chart will give you energy, drop, etc at distances.

I don't know any info. That is what I am asking for.

 

[raz-0]

I have used the calculator for many different bullet weights and there drops. It is easy to use. Just input the info you know. The resulting chart will give you energy, drop, etc at distances.

Hey, I know this. There are easier calculators that let you pick your cartridge or projectile and fill in the important bits, but it isn't much easier. Hardest part is getting BCs of factory loaded projectiles.

I'm not sure any explanation that involves actually looking things up and learning will help the OP. It's not like the answer to his question isn't pretty findable with google, bing, etc. heck the specs for both are in wikipedia.

 

[saddlerocker]

Poke around on the left side of this webpage. It has all the ballistics info you could want.
There are also some really good charts on m4carbine.com, but the site is still down for some reason

http://ammo.ar15.com/

 

[raz-0]

I don't know any info. That is what I am asking for.

Seriously, you can find and operate this forum, but you can't google for the missing data?

http://tinyurl.com/428fqdp

 

[Jim Watson]

Company specifications are:
XM193 55 gr FMJ muzzle velocity 3165 fps ballistic coefficient 0.250

Privi P 62 gr FMJ
.223 muzzle velocity 3051 fps (lead core FMJ) ballistic coefficient 0.28
5.56 muzzle veloicty 3116 fps (green tip with steel SS109 penetrator)
I couldn't find a BC for the PPU version but IMI claims 0.307

You can plug those numbers into one of the FREE internet ballistic calculators and get all sorts of data including energy and trajectory.

Terminal ballistics? The key to a .223/5.56 FMJ is how far out it will break up upon impact with an enemy. At home defense ranges, I would expect little difference. If you are shooting FMJ longer ranges at foreigners, don't worry about it, the supply sergeant will give you what you are authorized for.

 

[cbrgator]

Thank you Jim.

 

[gotigers]

This is what i got using the calculator i listed: (sorry the columns are aligned)

http://www.federalpremium.com/resources/xm193.aspx

for Federal XM193, 55gr, 3165fps, .250bc
Range Velocity Impact Drop ToF Energy
0 3165 -2.6 0 0 1223
50 2966 0 0.55 0.05 1074
100 2785 1.62 2.09 0.1 947
150 2612 2.1 4.76 0.16 833
200 2445 1.3 8.71 0.22 730
250 2286 -0.95 14.12 0.28 638
300 2132 -4.87 21.19 0.35 555

there are 2 62gr prvi listed here http://www.ppu-usa.com/remington-rifle-ammunition.html

I used the .223 specs: 62gr, 3042fps, .295bc
Range Velocity Impact Drop ToF Energy
0 3042 -2.6 0 0 1274
50 2878 0 0.59 0.05 1140
100 2727 1.55 2.23 0.11 1024
150 2582 1.92 5.05 0.16 918
200 2442 1 9.17 0.22 821
250 2307 -1.4 14.76 0.29 733
300 2176 -5.44 21.99 0.35 652

I zero using the 50/200 improved battlefield zero. That is what i based the charts off of.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Prvi's charts are based on a 24 inch barrel per their website, as are many MFG's--so you won't see velocity that high in a 16 inch barrel at sea level.

 

[303tom]

This is what i got using the calculator i listed: (sorry the columns are aligned)

http://www.federalpremium.com/resources/xm193.aspx

for Federal XM193, 55gr, 3165fps, .250bc
Range Velocity Impact Drop ToF Energy
0 3165 -2.6 0 0 1223
50 2966 0 0.55 0.05 1074
100 2785 1.62 2.09 0.1 947
150 2612 2.1 4.76 0.16 833
200 2445 1.3 8.71 0.22 730
250 2286 -0.95 14.12 0.28 638
300 2132 -4.87 21.19 0.35 555

there are 2 62gr prvi listed here http://www.ppu-usa.com/remington-rifle-ammunition.html

I used the .223 specs: 62gr, 3042fps, .295bc
Range Velocity Impact Drop ToF Energy
0 3042 -2.6 0 0 1274
50 2878 0 0.59 0.05 1140
100 2727 1.55 2.23 0.11 1024
150 2582 1.92 5.05 0.16 918
200 2442 1 9.17 0.22 821
250 2307 -1.4 14.76 0.29 733
300 2176 -5.44 21.99 0.35 652

I zero using the 50/200 improved battlefield zero. That is what i based the charts off of.

Looks the same to me ! Plus or minus.