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 is it.
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.
Conclusion:
1. Military ammo isn't as accurate as many believe.
2. Anyone that says they routinely shoot sub-MOA groups with iron sights and military ammo has a problem with truthfulness.
3. Some military ammo shoots better than others.
4. Military ammo is not "more accurate" when shot from a bench-rest quality rifle.
5. Nothing will match well-developed handloads.
And take one more look at group #8. That's what a fine target AR will do.
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 is it.
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.
Conclusion:
1. Military ammo isn't as accurate as many believe.
2. Anyone that says they routinely shoot sub-MOA groups with iron sights and military ammo has a problem with truthfulness.
3. Some military ammo shoots better than others.
4. Military ammo is not "more accurate" when shot from a bench-rest quality rifle.
5. Nothing will match well-developed handloads.
And take one more look at group #8. That's what a fine target AR will do.
