5.56 projectile choice.

littlebang556 · Post by **littlebang556** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:05 pm

A recent article in the Australian Target Rifle magazine by Spencer Dunstall went into great depth regarding possible projectile choices for 5.56mm NATO.

My question is, has anyone any thoughts on projectiles of and about 80gn other than the sierra.

This really is an area that needs to be sorted rather promptly so that those of us that "choose" to use the 5.56 can again consider ourselves on a levelish playing field with the 7.62 HBC (soon to be introduced) as the case has been since the introduction of the 80gn sierra.

I personally find it a sad outcome that would allow the advancement of one calibre whilst the other becomes an after thought...as was the case when 155's were introduced.

So let me have it, good or bad, right or wrong...no IDEAS will be discouraged.

Kindest Regards

Robert Alman

Malcolm Hill · Post by **Malcolm Hill** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:55 pm

Rob
I have to agree with you regarding the disadvantage the 155 HBC will inflict on 223 users.The only thing that can be done in the short term is legalising the Hornady Amax 80gn projectile as a step towards bridging the ballistic gap but it still wont match it. The Berger 80gn has a similar B.C. to the new Dyer but is much more expensive and I bet the NRAA wont bring them in and sell them to 223 users at the same price. Maybe they should have looked at where thier new members are coming from before making a decision which will put the 223 behind the eightball with no easy way of resolving the problem.
Regards Malcolm.

Woody_rod · Post by **Woody_rod** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 9:32 am

Rob
I have to agree with you regarding the disadvantage the 155 HBC will inflict on 223 users.The only thing that can be done in the short term is legalising the Hornady Amax 80gn projectile as a step towards bridging the ballistic gap but it still wont match it. The Berger 80gn has a similar B.C. to the new Dyer but is much more expensive and I bet the NRAA wont bring them in and sell them to 223 users at the same price. Maybe they should have looked at where thier new members are coming from before making a decision which will put the 223 behind the eightball with no easy way of resolving the problem.
Regards Malcolm.

The "ballistic gap" is on paper only. I dont believe for a minute that it will make much difference during actual shooting conditions. The differences are too small to make a lot of difference either way. So far, any evidence I have seen is anecdotal at best. Shooters should worry more about things that are important, like reading wind and practicing in prize meetings.

I agree that choices / decisions made on anything to do with the 223 should be very careful and consider that this caliber (particularly in FS) is the big mover in club memberships and entries to PMs.