Has anyone loaded tracer bullets in 223/5.56mm .only comment if you have done this not looking for stupid comments so many like to throw out . Tried using IMR 4198 at 20.0 gr behind a 23.8 gr 224 dia pulled tracer slug that was pulled and picked up at a gun show . Ignition not consistent on tracer . Question : Should I increase my powder charge or go to a faster burning powder ? Any Ideas ?
Loading tracers
- Thread starter katt
- Start date
I have m856 and have read a lot of threads and all have said some do not ignite. I use h335 as it is the closest to WC-844 military powder that would have been used. I thought that there are two 5.56 tracers 55gr and 64gr and if i read this correctly you have 23.8gr. I think 22-23 gr is used and I used 23 with good results.
What I have read
Advice?
-Use them after wet weather
-using them on steel or hard targets is....interesting
-Use them at long range only (they won't light till about 50-75yds depending on the specific tracer type)
-Use the Army ammunition manual for load data (TM-43-0001-27) to determine seating depth, power charge,etc.
-Win 748, Ball(C)2 and H335 are all good tracer lighting powders in the .223.
-Expect 10%+ to not light.
-Don't expect stellar accuracy. Steadily losing weight from the rear of the bullet while it's flying doesn't do much for accuracy.
As to why he has them, probably because they're fun. They set things on fire. We're all basically here because we like things that go "boom" and break things at a distance. Setting things on fire from a distance is yet another extension of that theme.
What I have read
Advice?
-Use them after wet weather
-using them on steel or hard targets is....interesting
-Use them at long range only (they won't light till about 50-75yds depending on the specific tracer type)
-Use the Army ammunition manual for load data (TM-43-0001-27) to determine seating depth, power charge,etc.
-Win 748, Ball(C)2 and H335 are all good tracer lighting powders in the .223.
-Expect 10%+ to not light.
-Don't expect stellar accuracy. Steadily losing weight from the rear of the bullet while it's flying doesn't do much for accuracy.
As to why he has them, probably because they're fun. They set things on fire. We're all basically here because we like things that go "boom" and break things at a distance. Setting things on fire from a distance is yet another extension of that theme.
gewehr76
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
If you shoot at distances of less than 300 yards, you won't see them lit. 223 rem or 5.56 if fired from 20 inch barrel going at 3200fps. that's fast for human eye to see. Also shooting tracers during day light also reduces visibility of the tracer element. Increase distance and shoot during darker time this will help with visibility.
Tracers designed to be used as an aid to indicate targets at far distances and to correct or walk fire on target (full auto). just to keep that in mind.
Tracers designed to be used as an aid to indicate targets at far distances and to correct or walk fire on target (full auto). just to keep that in mind.
20.0 gr of 4198 is a max load for a 63 grain bullet. Not that it makes much difference. Just load for the bullet weight. An M855 should be 62 grains. Lots of data on Hodgdon's site.
The trace element not lighting isn't unusual on pulled milsurp. Isn't about the distance or load(It's not the fire from the powder that lights 'em.) though. It's about the age of the trace element. Or if it's even still on the bullet. All the videos of trace being fired and appearing to fly all over from hitting things is not the bullet bouncing. It's the trace element coming off. Tends to do that when not being fired too.
The trace element not lighting isn't unusual on pulled milsurp. Isn't about the distance or load(It's not the fire from the powder that lights 'em.) though. It's about the age of the trace element. Or if it's even still on the bullet. All the videos of trace being fired and appearing to fly all over from hitting things is not the bullet bouncing. It's the trace element coming off. Tends to do that when not being fired too.
You mean "in" the bullet. As usual, you haven't got the first clue what you are talking about. Never fails to amuse me that someone with such a high post count is so ignorant of how guns and ammunition work.
The trace is inside the back end of the bullet and is covered with a thin copper disk. Trace doesn't fall out of or off the bullets in flight. When you see trace flying all over the place, thats because it bounced off the ground and is .... flying all over the place.
I am interested, if you think that the burning powder doesn't ignite the tracer, then what does?
#1bcshooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- North Of The DMZ (US border)
Wow 22k post and no trader rating. I smell a troll. Someone who has no idea what their talking about. Like my girlfriends sister.
Go search some of his posts. He is consistently waaaaaaaay out in left field with comments. "Hasn't got a clue" is being generous.
boltonscouter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- parts unknown
LOL ...... another gem from Sunray. Some people just don't learn.
In answer to the OP ....... a nice fast ball powder (WC735) loaded hot and watch for the burn after 100 yards. And yes.... burn is contained in the hollow rear of the bullet sealed in by a thin metal disc ... almost a heavy foil.
In answer to the OP ....... a nice fast ball powder (WC735) loaded hot and watch for the burn after 100 yards. And yes.... burn is contained in the hollow rear of the bullet sealed in by a thin metal disc ... almost a heavy foil.
sorry a bit off topic OP, i have some surplus x39 tracers and they don't ignite at all. i was thinking about pulling them bullets and loading them in those new 2014 non corrosive Chinese ammo. has anyone ever done this with success"?
Why on earth would the manufacturer recommend a load for some old or out of date equipment being reused by civilians for fun? They'd have to be completely insane to do something like that.
I was wondering this too... The disk is actually pretty sturdy. I can see why it'd take a lot of oomphf to get past it and ignight them.
Because many manufacturer's provide loading data .... I had numerous reloading books by different bullet mfg's. They probably don't even give a bean it's prohibited by the explosives act for "civilians" to transport traces unless licensed (not referring to PAL license). Did you even try?
Correction: explosives reg .. not act.
