.223 Silver Bear 55gr FMJ, 700 Rd Tin #179.50. .223 Brown Bear 62gr HP, 500rd Case in quantity #114.95 www.jgsales.com
Cheap Training Ammo
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At the risk of hijacking gunner69's thread, I'd like to understand the pros and cons of lacquered steel cases vs polymer steel cases vs zinc/nickel steel cases. I've seen them all from Wolf, Barnaul, and Silver/Brown bear.
I assume that the purpose of these coatings is to prevent the cases from rusting and/or to assist feeding, but I don't really care for the thought of putting lacquer or plastic in my XCR's chamber.
I assume that the purpose of these coatings is to prevent the cases from rusting and/or to assist feeding, but I don't really care for the thought of putting lacquer or plastic in my XCR's chamber.
They guy I buy ammo from has a full auto M16 that he fires the shellacked stuff in (it’s the least expensive he can get).
He says no problems with it melting even in full auto.
I got some 62 gr. Silver Bear steel case ammo from him. It shoots fine, a problem twice with feeding from an open bolt that’s released. No problem if you put the magazine with bolt closed then cycle with the charging lever (at least so far, possibly statistical
stuff).
The ammo cycled fine, though I had it up on 4 as the gun is new and less sure about the quality of this (ammo guy says the stuff he sells as .223 meets tighter specs and is more consistent than the 5.56mm NATO with its wider specs (though higher overall pressure allowed).
Not experience to say one way or the other, but he seems to know his stuff.
Accuracy was decent, and I suspect its me more than it. I am working on getting a scope mounted so I can be tighter than I can with the EOtech.
He says no problems with it melting even in full auto.
I got some 62 gr. Silver Bear steel case ammo from him. It shoots fine, a problem twice with feeding from an open bolt that’s released. No problem if you put the magazine with bolt closed then cycle with the charging lever (at least so far, possibly statistical
stuff).
The ammo cycled fine, though I had it up on 4 as the gun is new and less sure about the quality of this (ammo guy says the stuff he sells as .223 meets tighter specs and is more consistent than the 5.56mm NATO with its wider specs (though higher overall pressure allowed).
Not experience to say one way or the other, but he seems to know his stuff.
Accuracy was decent, and I suspect its me more than it. I am working on getting a scope mounted so I can be tighter than I can with the EOtech.
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Its down to preference. Wolf etc won't group as tightly and there are some, myself included that don't like steel cased ammo as it might increase throat erosion. I find that polymer coated is a little more dirty but that might just be me. One thng is certain though, most of these cheaper rounds use less powder so velocities are light and the bullet quality is not as good.
It's cheap and if it works its up to you. Personally though I don't belive in putting 87 octane in a Porsche.
It's cheap and if it works its up to you. Personally though I don't belive in putting 87 octane in a Porsche.
I do prefer the Silver Bear to the Wolf for general plinking. Accuracy isn't great of course; groups 2-3 times the size of those my handloads produce, and I'm not an expert handloader nor an expert shooter. When my gun is clean, it runs on gas setting 2 with no problem. I haven't tried to run it dirty.
I like the zinc plated cases over the lacquer for two reasons: 1) I suspect they have a greater degree of lubricity that will allow them to be extracted easier than lacquer. That is speculation on my part, but they seem to slide over each other easier than lacquer. 2) I find them more aesthetically pleasing... dumb reason, I know.
If I were going to attend one of those high round count training classes, this is the ammo I would take.
I have heard that the zinc plated cases are more susceptible to corrosion, but have never experienced any problem with it. I don't store my ammo out in the rain though.
Overall, I would recommend it on the condition that you do not have high expectations for accuracy.
I like the zinc plated cases over the lacquer for two reasons: 1) I suspect they have a greater degree of lubricity that will allow them to be extracted easier than lacquer. That is speculation on my part, but they seem to slide over each other easier than lacquer. 2) I find them more aesthetically pleasing... dumb reason, I know.
If I were going to attend one of those high round count training classes, this is the ammo I would take.
I have heard that the zinc plated cases are more susceptible to corrosion, but have never experienced any problem with it. I don't store my ammo out in the rain though.
This sounds like a magazine problem to me...
Overall, I would recommend it on the condition that you do not have high expectations for accuracy.
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