Recommendations for a new 14.5" + 1.5" phantom barrel?

[GP3]

I've been using Federal in my pistol, and have had nothing but great performance. With that said -and with break-in in mind- I've been looking into XM193 and XM855 ammo.

The only difference I see is:

-XM193 = 55gr.; boat tail.
-XM855 = 62gr.; green tip.

I have no idea what boat tail or green tip's advantages or disadvantages are.

Both are 556

Any info/advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm new to rifles.

Great forum, btw.

[bigmike82]

Isn't xm855 steel-tipped 'armor piercing'?

I forget the laws on that here in CA, but it may not be legal. It also wouldn't be allowed at many outdoor ranges as it wouldn't pass the magnet test.

[Jicko]

XM855 is NOT considered as AP ammo.

BUT, most range will not let you use anything with a steel core, fire hazard as well as chewing up the targets.

[bigmike82]

But it's got such a cool name..."Steel penetrator". *snickers*

That can't be legal.

[GP3]

Ohhh. I see. Well then, no 855 for me. I don't need anything like that .

Any opinions on the XM193 ammo, or anything else you guys recommend to put through my virgin rifle barrel?

[Jicko]

Ohhh. I see. Well then, no 855 for me. I don't need anything like that .

Any opinions on the XM193 ammo, or anything else you guys recommend to put through my virgin rifle barrel?

XM193.... GREAT AMMO..... very consistant, and hot.... great quality

77gr SMK OTM/HPBT BHA ammo is always good too! $$ tho. Yet, it had been proven that OTM/HPBT MK262 like ammo would have good terminal performance even in 14.5 and 10.5 alike short barrels.

[bigmike82]

Yeah. Lake City XM193 is pretty much THE standard against which factory .223 ammo is measured. It's generally exceedingly reliable and accurate.

[GP3]

You guys are great.

Time to stock up.