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7/12/2012 1:00:46 PM EDT
Allright so ive allways wandered what kind of ammo is in a 5.56 cal gun when its carried on the frontline by someone in the military.
7/12/2012 2:03:23 PM EDT
[#1]
M855 is the general issue round.
They are changing over to M855A1(lead free waste of money)
Special forces units get things like MK262, and Brown tip SOST (TSX load, forget the designation)
Also Mk318 62gr OTM
7/12/2012 3:00:53 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
M855 is the general issue round.
They are changing over to M855A1(lead free waste of money)
Special forces units get things like MK262, and Brown tip SOST (TSX load, forget the designation)
Also Mk318 62gr OTM


Is the m855a1 the crap that they are loading up to TEST pressures to get some accuracy? Which is that new 77 grain round?
7/12/2012 3:14:07 PM EDT
[#3]
yes, M855A1 is the high pressure round.
It also has a 6" or 8" accuracy requirement, which is a joke. Granted most will not be that bad, but why such a low standard?
It cost a ton of money to research/test/impliment this new round for very little to no gain over traditional M855.
Usually military weapons/ammo dont chage unless there is a significant leap forward. m855A1 apparently is marginally better in a few areas, and maybe poorer in others.
Doc Roberts posted some very good information on the round over on M4C and maybe here somewhere.

The 77gr SMK round is the Mk262 by Black Hills
7/12/2012 6:22:30 PM EDT
[#4]
Yes, stay away from that 855a1. I even doubt other NATO memebers will adopt it.
7/12/2012 6:43:33 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Allright so ive allways wandered what kind of ammo is in a 5.56 cal gun when its carried on the frontline by someone in the military.


Hi, I've found this to be some good knowledge...hope it helps.
http://www.razoreye.net/mirror/ammo-oracle/AR15_com_Ammo_Oracle_Mirror.htm#chamb
7/13/2012 12:11:08 AM EDT
[#6]
Back in my day it was strictly M193.





Yeah, I'm old.


 
7/13/2012 2:31:18 AM EDT
[#7]
Used M855A1 and its accurate enough. Also the stopping power is good.
7/13/2012 8:32:41 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Used M855A1 and its accurate enough. Also the stopping power is good.


But from what I read, they had to over pressure the rounds to produce reasonable accuracy. I think it was 60000 psi instead of the normal 55000? psi for a 556 round. 60000 psi is going to be hard on the rifles with more malfunctions and bread downs.
7/13/2012 7:01:42 PM EDT
[#9]
Is there anywhere to purchase the M855A1?  I checked my normal places and they don't carry it.
7/13/2012 7:36:27 PM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Is there anywhere to purchase the M855A1?  I checked my normal places and they don't carry it.


No, not yet at least.
7/14/2012 4:54:01 AM EDT
[#11]
It is not available, and most likely will remain that way. There has been talk and guesses that it will get an "armor piercing" designation by the ATF and thus illegal for civ sale. That and as currently manufactured it's expensive.  .70-1.00 dollar a round is a best guess as to cost. for that money there are much better defensive rounds and anything more then .40 cents a round is kinds silly for plinking ammo.


Quoted:
Quoted:
Used M855A1 and its accurate enough. Also the stopping power is good.


But from what I read, they had to over pressure the rounds to produce reasonable accuracy. I think it was 60000 psi instead of the normal 55000? psi for a 556 round. 60000 psi is going to be hard on the rifles with more malfunctions and bread downs.


Im not sure what exactly you ment but higher fps generally equates to lower accuracy. flatter trajectory yes, accuracy, usually no.  I've read that they wanted flatter trajectory, hence the high pressure.  Easier shooting maybe (less skill needed) but I would say flat trajectory has nothing to do with accuracy.  Someone else might, but they'd be wrong. Know your dope
7/15/2012 7:08:26 AM EDT
[#12]
30rds with me all the time in the weapon and 210 with me when I go out traveling.  M855A1  Good stuff.

Higher pressure does not matter to me as neither the ammo or the weapon are my property, but both work.

7/16/2012 11:26:34 AM EDT
[#13]
Like I have written previously, M855A1 does work better than M855 "greentip" by many metrics and holds promise IF the issues are finally fully addressed:

–– Fix SCAMP production difficulties
–– Reduce cost
–– Manage pressure induced problems
–– Fix continuing propellant fouling and flash issues
–– Tighten contract accuracy requirements
–– Stop claiming M855A1 has the same trajectory as M855 "greentip"
–– Fully explain to taxpayers and Congress why readily available, less expensive, combat proven COTS/GOTS improved ammo options have not being pursued by the Army

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