Gunbroker Ammo-BEWARE

General Firearms Reloading & Ammunition
1

I wanted to bring this to peoples’ attention since the supply of ammo has become all but scarce.

Currently there is alot of M855 ammo for sale. Be aware that not all M855 is the same. In fact the U.S designated M855 is the only true M855 round.

Currently there are several auctions with British Radway Green SS109/M855 as well as some stuff from the UAE. The British ammo is well known to cause cycling issues with the M4 and with the M16 (rifle).

The UAE ammo also caused issues and I think there were a few carbines that were blown up by the ammo. Below is an excerpt from the official ammo notice that was sent out.

SUBJ: NAVY AND MARINE CORPS AMMO INFO NOTICE 051-05. IN/CONJUNCTION WITH THE RELEASE OF UK (UNITED KINGDOM)/5.56MM, AMMUNITION FOR TRAINING USE ONLY THIS AIN SUPERSEDES AIN 041-05 (171935ZMAY05) THIS AIN APPLIES TO THE US MARINE CORPS ONLY. REQUEST FOLLOWING INFORMATION BE GIVEN THE WIDEST DISSEMINATION. THE ARMY HAS PURCHASED UNITED KINGDOM 5.56MM AMMUNITION PRODUCED BETWEEN 1997-2001 AND ARE THE UK’S NATO STANDARDIZED 5.56MM AMMUNTION. THIS AMMUNITION IS RELEASED FOR TRAINING USE ONLY IN THE M16A2 RIFLE, M4/M4A1 CARBINES AND M249 SQUAD AUTOMATIC WEAPON (SAW). UK AMMUNITION SHOULD NOT BE ISSUED TO UNITS FOR USE IN COMBAT SITUATIONS. THERE ARE THREE UK CONFIGURATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN AUTHORIZED AS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH THREE US CONFIGURATIONS.

2

What about the Czech made Sellier and Bellot SS109 penetrator ammo? It’s always been considered quality ammo right? Is it related to m855?

3

Thanks, I have indeed seen that UAE version and wondered why I had never seen it before.

4

Thanks for the heads up to everybody here IG.

5

The only amendment to the OP is that IMI M855 I believe is true “mil spec” for the US and truly great ammo and has been approved in the past, I love the stuff

6

Thanks. Fortunately I’m set on ammo for the moment … but note to self, avoid this!

7

As far as I know true M855 is U.S made. I am well aware if the IMI stuff and have a few cases if it.

8

Thanks for posting this IG. I tried to put this in one of the threads about the Swedish ammo with the ss109 bullet, but i could not articulate it as well as you did.

IMI is said to be made by the company that produces whinchester ammo. I think its ohlin, but that may be a rumor. Israel also has a lot of m16/m4 variants still in use, and that is more than likely why it works so great.

9

Thank for the warning. I have been looking on gunbroker for awhile now. I dont really have too much experience with ammo.

10

Good post. I have a ton of Radway Green ss109 marked 92, and while it is good accurate stuff, my middy armalite chokes on it without fail.

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11

Thanks.

12

Thanks. I’ll spread the word.

13

Good info, thanks for the heads up!

14

The blowing up part is new to me, all I heard was a tendency to cause stuck cases in the chamber - lots of mortaring practice.

15

What are people’s opinions on Romanian Hot Shot? I have access to a good amount of it and wonder if I should buy some. I bought about 100 rounds to try out before I buy more and haven’t had a chance to shoot any of it yet.

Thoughts?

16

Thanks I have been looking for more ammo 223. I was in my LGS and they are now selling 223 for $1 per round with a limit of 60. This is really getting crazy. :fie:

17

good info, thanks

18

Does the Radway SS109 cycle better in piston guns?

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19

Thanks for the save IG…I dang near had the CC out to buy the crap you warned about. Thank you!

20

I don’t own a piston gun, but I would assume that it would since they usually have larger ports.