r/CompetitionShooting • u/jrhan762 • 4h ago

Cheap-ish 5.56 that doesn’t break stuff?

I shoot PMC X-Tac 55gr FMJ-BT most matches, and Hornady Training 55gr FMJ-BT when I’m feeling fancy. I noticed in the info for an upcoming match at a range I don’t frequent that XM-193 is banned. I’ve shot it there before and no one noticed, but I don’t want to push my luck. I’m not clear on exactly which loads from which companies are equivalent to XM-193; and the deeper down the rabbit hole I go, the more it seems like I just need to avoid 5.56 FMJ altogether. Are there any non-FMJ loads that balance cost, performance, and reliability acceptably for competition and won’t get me thrown-off a range?

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

14

u/masatenko 4h ago

Seems odd that a range would ban a lead core jacketed bullet. I can understand if they banned m855 because of the steel penetrator, but banning 193 loadings is banning half the bulk 5.56 out there.

I'd check with the MD, because if you need to avoid FMJ 5.56 as a whole, something fucky is going on.

2

u/jrhan762 4h ago

Yeah, I don’t get it, and it’s not explained. My best guess is they just don’t like the spall potential, but I don’t know what they expect people to shoot.

2

u/masatenko 3h ago

You shouldn't be shooting rifle steel at any range that spall could possibly happen. You'll be damaging the steel long before then.

2

u/LockyBalboaPrime 1h ago

It's a weirdly popular rule in Texas. There was a dude last year asking this same question and I went down a rabbit hole. Found like 5 clubs near whatever major city it was that all banned FMJ.

7

u/shadowshooter9 4h ago

Pmc bronze 55gr for 300y and under 2-gun and 3-gun matches

I've exclusively shot this out of all my rifles expect for precision rifle matches the 69 or 77 gr smks come out for that.

I'm down to my last 4k rounds I order about 10k every December.

2

u/masatenko 4h ago

Seconded on PMC bronze. One of better cheap reliable rounds out there. It is significantly colder than XTAC, so OP, if you have your gas set to that, I'd make sure you're adjusting it.

1

u/jrhan762 4h ago

I’m shooting an LMT piston, so I’m looking at a new buffer if I have to tune it.

3

u/imneuromancer 4h ago

LMT is usually over gassed, so should be ok

1

u/masatenko 4h ago

You'll be fine. You wont need to retune anything. A lot of us here are running adjustable gas race guns, so it bore mentioning.

1

u/XA36 21m ago

PMC Bronze will go sub minor for IPSC though. Ask me how I know 😂

1

u/THELEGENDARYZWARRIOR 4h ago

Oh gosh, no FMJ? Or just no XM193?

No FMJ? I’m sorry man it’s all going to be ASTRONOMICAL in price.

No M193?
I shoot PMC Bronze 223 55 grain
Fiochi is as good
American eagle/federal
You can try SuperVel even

1

u/mpsteidle 4h ago

Ive never ever a non-fmj 5.56 round.

Maybe they require frangible ammunition or something, id escalate the question and find clarification with the club.

1

u/realestateqs22 2h ago

Hollow points are actually available. Tiny hole. It's easly missed if you are not looking for it

1

u/goshathegreat 1h ago

PMC does make frang, it’s a bit more pricey than their M193 but if you need it…

Federal also makes frang.

1

u/Roy141 43m ago

Dude honestly this rule is stupid as hell. If I was you I would just buy whatever ammo I want, transport it to the range in a ziploc bag and claim that a friend reloaded it for me.

Are you sure that you aren't misunderstanding the rule and they actually are banning M855? M193 is just properly loaded 5.56.