Measured Velocity of 5.56/.223 rounds

T

tire iron

New member
I went out and 'graphed a number of loads from my Bushmaster M4gery (14.5" tube) and my Bushy Dissapator (16" tube).

Here are the results with the calculated ranges for 2700 fps, 2600 fps and 2500 fps. I did not run the program to go any past the 2500 fps range, because that is the "max effective range" if one subscribes to Col. Fackler's research, which I do.

Russian Wolf Brand 55 grain FMJ lot# SHCH69 manufactured in 1999
M4gery - 14.5 inch barrel
  • Muzzle 2901 fps
  • 55 yards 2700 fps
  • 83 yards 2602 fps
  • 113 yards 2500 fps
Dissy - 16 inch barrel
  • Muzzle 2944
  • 67 yards 2700
  • 95 yards 2602
  • 124 yards 2502

Sellier and Bellot lot#4G/Y/16/S/97
M4gery 14.5 inch barrel
  • Muzzle 2964 fps
  • 72 yards 2700 fps
  • 100 yards 2603 fps
  • 130 yards 2500 fps
Dissy 16 inch barrel
  • Muzzle 3077 fps
  • 102 yards 2700 fps
  • 130 yards 2602 fps
  • 160 yards 2499 fps

Maine Cartridge .223 55 grn FMJ "reloaded ammo" manufactured 1999
M4gery 14.5 inch barrel
  • Muzzle 2917 fps
  • 60 yards 2699 fps
  • 88 yards 2601 fps
  • 117 yards 2502 fps
Dissy 16 inch barrel
  • Muzzle 3039 fps
  • 92 yards 2700 fps
  • 121 yards 2599 fps
  • 150 yards 2500 fps

South Africa 55 grn 5.56mm "M1A4" lot#862A89
M4gery 14.5 inch barrel
  • Muzzle 3065 fps
  • 99 yards 2700 fps
  • 127 yards 2601 fps
  • 157 yards 2499 fps
Dissy 16 inch barrel
  • Muzzle 3193 fps
  • 131 yards 2702 fps
  • 160 yards 2600 fps
  • 189 yards 2501 fps

For one, it is clear to me to stick with the South African stuff for "social work". But then again, the "other stuff" I graphed here is only my plinking ammo anyway.

Looking at the results of the SA ammo, to me it is worth the extra 1.5" of barrel to gain another 32 yards.

I ran the program using 3250 fps assuming a 20" tube (I do not own a 20" barreled AR), and the max range there is 207 yards - which to me means that another 4" of tube only gains 18 yards advantage. In other words, I will probably never own a 20" AR. The extra 4" isn't worth the 18 yards.

These velocities are at 4500 ASL, with 12% humidity, 85 degrees F, so YMMV.

cheers

tire iron
 
I had heard Wolf was underpowered. Thanks for verifying that. I think the SA and the S&B are the only ones you listed loaded with true M193 bullets. The Wolf doesn't fragment. Don't know about Maine cartridge but if it's commercial 55 gr it probably isn't constructed like M193 ball and doesn't fragment either. The SA is manufactured by the Denel Group, a NATO-spec ammunition supplier.
 
BigBear,

Actually the S&B stuff is NOT a true M-193 round. It is constructed different. It has a different jacket material and the cannelure is not the same either. Now whether or not it would fragment like M-193 I have no idea. For that reason I use it for training.

And I agree with you, the SA stuff is GREAT!

cheers

tire iron
 
That's good to know, tire iron, especially since the S&B steel case ammo I have is marked M193 on the box. I use it mostly for plinking.

I suppose some ammo makers label 55 gr FMJ as M193 even though it isn't NATO spec. You and I both know that not all 5.56 is the same. I subscribe to Martin Fackler's field research as well. Thanks again.
 
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