Quoted: Is Q3131A grade 1 or grade 2? Is it better, worse, or equal to XM193?
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lets assume for the moment that Q3131A,
Q3131 (the new, USA-produced version), and XM193 are identical, M193-spec cartridges.
Q3131A is grade 2.
Q3131 is grade 2.
XM193 is grade 2.
notes:
1) no grade 1 of the above M193 ammo is available directly to non-mil end users. the military gets the cream of the production from Federal and IMI. in the boxes of grade 2 ammo will be a mix of grade 1 and grade 2 stuff; my experience has been that there is more grade 1 stuff in a given case of Q3131/Q3131A than in a case of XM193. note that i base this on a visual inspection only, in terms of slightly dented cases or other, easy to recognize issues (gooped primer sealant, etc).
2) how you rank the above M193 rounds is personal preference. i happen to like Q3131 and Q3131A "better" than XM193, if only because my AR's have seen more rounds of it and they are very reliable with it. moreover, as noted above i think there is a lot of grade 1 stuff in a case of Q. that said, i also have a few cases of XM193 and would not hesitate to use it as well. but, all else being equal, i would go with the Q. maybe it's because the Q rounds are nice and shiny.
3) M193-rounds such as the above have good terminal ballistics from many different types of barrels (lengths and twists). however, absolute accuracy is below what can be attained with other, more specifically designed rounds. for example, BH 75gr OTM (Hornady projectile) and SMK 77gr (a la Mk262mod1) will be much more accurate (than garden variety M193 rounds) when paired with the right barrel and trigger man. this may not be important in your application, or it may be. only you can decide.
4) for more info, read the
oracle and
this EXCELLENT summary postar-jedi