Norinco 5.56x45 ammo: FMJ replaced with SP

[Slamfire]

I thought I would try replacing the 55gr FMJ bullets with soft point bullets on these factory rounds. I have a supply of Hornady 50gr SP bullets so I used these. The FMJ bullets can be removed somewhat easily with a kinetic bullet puller.

The Norinco ammo is loaded with 25+/-0.2 grains of an unidentified flake propellant. After removing the FMJ bullet I poured the propellant back into the case and seated a 50gr SP bullet. I tried these rounds in my 223 Savage Hog Hunter and Ruger Mini-14 which are completely safe in my particular rifles (can't say these rounds are safe for use in any other rifles ). These chronographed at 3105 fps from my Hog Hunter.

Accuracy is ok. Results as shown.

Ruger Mini-14 with Leupold FX-II 4x28mm

223 Savage Hog Hunter with Bushnell Elite 10x42mm

Leupold Dot reticle (fixed 4x)

Bushnell Mil Dot reticle (fixed 10x)

 

[tony9000]

what makes you think they wont be safe in other rifles?

 

[Ganderite]

This is classic "Mexican Match" ammo. A proven and reliable way to make match or hunting ammo using cheap milsurp ammo.

I have found it beneficial to dump all the powder and then re-throw it. This may be a more accurate powder charge than the milsurp.

I also remove the decapper pin from my sizer and run the pulled cases into it almost all the way (no lube needed). This put a real tight neck on the case and this improves accuracy. Last time I tested this (4 10-shot groups) it cut the group size in half.

I make hunting rounds for my Mini-30 this way. I use 150 gr 30-30 bullets.

 

[Slamfire]

Emptying the powder from the entire box of 20 rounds and weighing each charge exactly would definitely improve accuracy, as would neck sizing the brass.

I make hunting rounds for my 308's using Norinco steel case FMJ ammo that cost only 50 cents per round. I replace the 143.5gr FMJ bullet with a 130gr Hornady SP bullet. Muzzle speed is about 2800 fps with good accuracy. Safe in my 308 rifles only (can't say these rounds are safe for use in any other rifles ).

 

[Slamfire]

...which are completely safe in my particular rifles (can't say these rounds are safe for use in any other rifles )....

what makes you think they wont be safe in other rifles?

Idiot factor?

 

[Ganderite]

Idiot factor?

No. There is a huge variation in guns. For example, some of my 308s were made to shoot surplus 7.62 ammo. They have short throats and tight bores - 0.3065"

Anyone taking loading manual data to load 180 gr bullets might find the result quite dangerous.

The Op is saying that just because his load is safe in his rifle, that is no reason it would be safe in some other rifles.

Every rifle is different and loads need to be worked up (or down) as indicated.

I had a 6.5x55 Start load that was much, much too hot for a given rifle.

 

[saskcop]

This is classic "Mexican Match" ammo. A proven and reliable way to make match or hunting ammo using cheap milsurp ammo.

I have found it beneficial to dump all the powder and then re-throw it. This may be a more accurate powder charge than the milsurp.

I also remove the decapper pin from my sizer and run the pulled cases into it almost all the way (no lube needed). This put a real tight neck on the case and this improves accuracy. Last time I tested this (4 10-shot groups) it cut the group size in half.

I make hunting rounds for my Mini-30 this way. I use 150 gr 30-30 bullets.

I would love to know your loads for this and if you have chronied your loads, etc. Sounds very interesting. Love hunting with the 7.62x39 and 150 grainers make a lot of sense.