Black box American Eagle vs Red box

skatemike77

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Yo men quick question.

Does any one know definitively what the diference is between the two? All i know is i was shooting significantly less accurate with some 55gr 223 black box than the red box stuff.
 
Do you have two boxes, if so what does the label say about the Muzzle Velocity. If the velocity is the same, then so are the two cartridges to a degree. If they are from the same lot, they are the same, if not there could be subtle differences that could account for some variation. The difference you experienced, did you shoot them side by side, or at different times, esp. winter vs. summer.
 
Do you have two boxes, if so what does the label say about the Muzzle Velocity. If the velocity is the same, then so are the two cartridges to a degree. If they are from the same lot, they are the same, if not there could be subtle differences that could account for some variation. The difference you experienced, did you shoot them side by side, or at different times, esp. winter vs. summer.


Good points. No I did not shoot them side by side nor do I still have the boxes to confirm velocity lol. Damit.
 
From what I've observed:

Black box (tactical) is loaded in Lake City stamped brass and has crimped primers. (possibly military overrun/reject/using up the last of a batch of components?)

Red box is loaded in "federal" stamped brass and is not crimped.

This is anecdotal and you may find exceptions to this.
 
From what I've observed:

Black box (tactical) is loaded in Lake City stamped brass and has crimped primers. (possibly military overrun/reject/using up the last of a batch of components?)

Red box is loaded in "federal" stamped brass and is not crimped.

This is anecdotal and you may find exceptions to this.

This could explain the difference. I have a bunch of LC stamped crimped brass from AE 55gr FMJ's and it does appear to be out of spec in length. Perhaps it is rejects with a bit too much variation in component specs.
 
To make things more confusing, my LGS has recently had blue boxed American Eagle.

I think the blue box has proceeds going to fallen police officers?

Like this stuff?

FP_AE_AE9BBL1_9mmLuger_COPS_lg.jpg
 
From what I've observed:

Black box (tactical) is loaded in Lake City stamped brass and has crimped primers. (possibly military overrun/reject/using up the last of a batch of components?)

Red box is loaded in "federal" stamped brass and is not crimped.

This is anecdotal and you may find exceptions to this.

My black box and red box stuff both have the same stampings
 
I have mixed Black, Red, Winchester Made in USA and UMC .223 ammo in the same mag. I usually dump what I buy into a plastic tub with a lid and bring that to the range. They all shoot basically the same when you're running around shooting stuff out to 100yds! None of the budget 55gr stuff is target grade anyways.
 
The black box has harder primers and is inconsistent in bolt action rifles. Red has "friendlier" primers. This comes from personal experience and research.
 
From what I've observed:

Black box (tactical) is loaded in Lake City stamped brass and has crimped primers. (possibly military overrun/reject/using up the last of a batch of components?)

Red box is loaded in "federal" stamped brass and is not crimped.

This is anecdotal and you may find exceptions to this.

Don't know the Black box but the Red Box in 223 also has crimped primers. My hands are still sore from trimming Federal brass. Getting those crimps out even with a trimming machine is literally a pain.
 
There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to box colour.

I remember years ago none of the red box having crimped primers
 
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