My friend Tman and I went to the range to test various types of 5.56 ammo.

I used my DPMS Sweet Sixteen, with a 16 inch stainless heavy barrel, chrome bolt, Accuwedge, Leupold 6.5 X 20 X 50 scope, etc.

It is a fine shooter as you will see in a moment.

This it is.

I fired 2 rounds to foul the barrel and then shot 8, five-shot groups, at 100 yards, as numbered below.

There were no "called" flyers. Only one group was shot with each ammo type, but I believe it is informative.

Ammo tested was as follows:

#1 - Israeli IMI, 2002 1 1/4 group

#2 - South African M1A3, 1988 1 1/8 group

#3 - Federal Cartridge USGI, 1970 2 1/4 group

#4 - Federal XM193, Lot 23 2 3/4 group

#5 - Malaysian 4-85, M193, Lot 15 2 3/4 group

#6 - Winchester Q3131 3 3/8 group (1 1/2 w/o flyer)

The mystery group between five and six is a group that I shot with my Accuracy International .308

No extra charge.

#7 - Remington 55Gr SP, R223RI 1 7/8 group

#8 - Handloads, Sierra 52 gr HPBT, Between 1/4 & 3/8 group, 25.0 gr, AA-2460.

I am glad I shot the handloads last, as it seemed that the groups were getting larger as I shot.

I feared fouling was the problem, but the last group is what the rifle will usually do with these handloads.