M193 Clone

[flop-shank]

I have a 20" 1:12" M16A1 clone and want to assemble a handload that replicates Military 5.56 spec. M193. I previously tried a load utililing 26 grs. of Accurate 2230, a Hornady 55 gr. fmjbt, Winchester brass and non-magnum small rifle primers, but only got 3050 feet per second. M193 should be cruising at 3200 fps. from a 20" gun. I don't think that switching to a magnum primer is the way to go (if for no other reason than that the manual, Modern Reloading, doesn't list it in the data). I'm also thinking that the data is for .223 pressure levels not 5.56, and the case is mega-full with 26 gr. 2230. I think I need a different recipe utilizing a different powder. Does anyone have such a recipe, and if possible a source from which the data came, for an M193 clone?

 

[Spicoli]

Flop is the brass your using civilian or military issue?

 

[snw19_357]

TM 43-0001-27 lists all the military rounds and their specs.

I'm not familiar with Accurate 2230 but H335 is close to WC844. I ran out of that and had to go to WC846 and have had great results. Now that I'm out of that I have to try and figure out if it's BLC(2) or 748 which will duplicate WC846.

The load data you're finding is for .223, not 5.56. You'll just have to work up the loads slowly and carefully until you can get closer to 5.56 velocities.
Is your clone chambered in 5.56 or .223? The lack of free bore in a .223 chamber will show excess pressures if you try running them up to 5.56 velocity.

 

[flop-shank]

Someone I talked to said to try H335 the other day, so I'll explore that route. My barrel is an old pencil barrel SAK I bought in 1991. I don't believe it's marked as far as caliber goes, so I'm not sure, but suspect it's military surplus. I was getting past peak accuracy and the primers were starting to get flat at 3050 fps. so I think I need a slower powder than 2230.

Flop is the brass your using civilian or military issue?

When I worked up the load I used Winchester .223 brass. I have once fired malaysian 5.56 brass, but haven't loaded any of it. I'd prefer to use the Winchester if possible.

Thank you both for your responses.

 

[Spicoli]

There are differences between 5.56 cases and "SAAMI" (commmercial) brass. The 5.56 cartridge has a longer throat, thicker walls and the brass is harder. From what I have garnered is loading a .223 to preform like a 5.56 is most unwise.

 

[flop-shank]

Thanks, bro. I'll just load the .223 brass to 3050 fps. and use them as range ammo. I may just buy factory made M193 for defense and rainy day ammo. I still have several hundred rounds of the Malaysian stuff, so I'm not in any kind of pinch.