Norma .223 tactical vs 5.56 m193

[Shoot313]

I’m new to AR ownership and looking for your personal experience with Norma .223 55gr tactical vs buying 5.56 55gr. I’m curious as to why it’s so expensive? Also, If my gun is sighted in with 5.56 green tip at 100 yds will it pattern the same on paper with the Norma .223?

 

[BugI02]

No. Greentip is 62 grain and the Norma is 55 grain. Even if they were to have the same muzzle velocity they would pattern differently due to terminal ballistic effects. The differences likely would not become apparent until after 150 yards, though

 

[Shoot313]

Thank you, that makes sense. Upon more research I learned Norma is just lake city loaded to .223 specs. In my opinion it’s just overpriced. I originally thought there might be something special about it, besides the price

 

[nipprdog]

I've shot Norma 223 and federal 5.56 55gr XM193 through my ruger 5.56 bolt action. groups were different , but not by much. the big difference was the speed. the federal averaged 3150fps as expected. Norma claims their 223 tactical to be 3240fps. not even close. averaged 2840 for me. 16.5" barrel. fwiw, I prefer 5.56 over 223 just for the extra 300-400 fps.

 

[BugI02]

Thank you, that makes sense. Upon more research I learned Norma is just lake city loaded to .223 specs. In my opinion it’s just overpriced. I originally thought there might be something special about it, besides the price

You might want to research the bullet they use. There are some (slight) advantages if it is longer than a standard 55 grain pill or has a more complex aerodynamic shape - but again that would only become apparent at longer ranges, and a heavy for class projectile like a 77 would have even more benefits so you may be right, it could just be a gimmick

 

[nipprdog]

Thank you, that makes sense. Upon more research I learned Norma is just lake city loaded to .223 specs. In my opinion it’s just overpriced. I originally thought there might be something special about it, besides the price

what price are you seeing on the norma? only place I've seen overcharge for it is rural king and their ridiculous 88 cents per round.

 

[Shoot313]

what price are you seeing on the norma? only place I've seen overcharge for it is rural king and their ridiculous 88 cents per round.

Yes, I saw rural king was high buck so I figured there had to be something great about it. U can find it online for .50 ish a round if u keep an eye out. Which is still overpriced to me.

 

[Robert Richardson]

It's expensive because it has Norma printed on the box.

 

[Shoot313]

It's expensive because it has Norma printed on the box.

Thank you! That was my conclusion, also..

 

[cosermann]

OP, if you're new to the AR platform, there's a lot of information in the "Ammo Oracle" on M193 and M855 kinds of loads (kind of/sort of broadly applicable to FMJ loads in general), their terminal effects, velocity, barrel twist rate effects, etc. here:

:: Ammo Oracle

Firearm Discussion and Resources from AR-15, AK-47, Handguns and more! Buy, Sell, and Trade your Firearms and Gear.

www.ar15.com

Of course, the new hotness are expanding/barrier blind bullets - which are, of course, more expensive. Some more info of those can be found in the rifle ammunition section here:

Best Choices for Self Defense Ammo

 

[Shoot313]

OP, if you're new to the AR platform, there's a lot of information in the "Ammo Oracle" on M193 and M855 kinds of loads (kind of/sort of broadly applicable to FMJ loads in general), their terminal effects, velocity, barrel twist rate effects, etc. here:

:: Ammo Oracle

Firearm Discussion and Resources from AR-15, AK-47, Handguns and more! Buy, Sell, and Trade your Firearms and Gear.

www.ar15.com

Of course, the new hotness are expanding/barrier blind bullets - which are, of course, more expensive. Some more info of those can be found in the rifle ammunition section here:

Best Choices for Self Defense Ammo

Thank you sir, that’s a very informative page.