On your last .223 accuracy test you almost drilled a bumble bee. I thought that was impressive even though you probably had no idea it was there. Keep up the great work!
The difference I find is often on the box. .223 rem will have 24” barrel velocity and 5.56mm NATO will have a 16” or 20” barrel velocity. Not always. Some also seem to be loaded for NATO new or m4 chamber with the .226“ and more freebore. And some seem set up for 5.56 a1 .2245” and original freebore which is closer to .223 rem specs. ( so much confusion available)
The reloader would want the heads, brass, powder, primer and chamber specs to determine differences in the bullets. That would be quite a task to undertake on a windy day out on the range! Then again with the pockets in Pauls shooting jacket....:))
You have to appreciate someone who has 600k plus subs without shilling for anyone, getting handed guns, ammo, or optics, doesn't blow stuff up or act a fool. None of the usual stuff that drives clicks. That is entertaining at times, don't get me wrong, but the fact that Paul is where he is by providing entertaining and informative content without BS or clickbait, is truly awesome. I mean, he makes chronograph testing enjoyable for goodness sake. He should have 1M plus subs though, so let's get out there and get spreading the word and share.
@@TNaizel yeah, In gun Jesus I Trust, but it’s a different circumstance. I trust Ian for amazing, encyclopaedic knowledge of (mostly) historical firearms, their designers and manufacture, quirks and foibles. I truly trust Paul for unbiased, experienced, knowledgeable, fun instruction on firearm and ammunition safety, use, comparisons and general life instructions. The two men, and their channels complement each other beautifully.
I have to be regularly tested by the federal government on my ability to instruct (for my job) and maintain an instructor certificate, and I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Paul has completed at least one or two courses on human behavior, effective communication, the teaching process, and/or the learning process. Either that, or comments on UA-cam have turned him this way. His presentation style is extremely effective and mimics what the best and most successful instructors in my line of work do.
@@christingey5281 I can assure you that they do. 1) Without them, I’d go to jail for performing the tasks I perform at my job. I’d also be wasting the money of my clients, because the certifications I’m endorsing them for would be invalid, and would be caught by an independent examiner. 2) The standards I’m held to are consistent, publicly available, not based on my opinion, and are fair for every client. 3) The standards are based off of decades of studies that have resulted in a decrease of about 2,000 deaths per year, to less than 200.
@@LL-fi4rr I'm sorry if you took that the wrong way. I guess it is one thing to complain about and ridicule the federal government, but some things only the guv'ment can and should provide and it should be done right. Proper and effective instruction is needed and appreciated.
Paul Harrell, is someone you could have a conversation with about anything, in a calm, polite, informative manner, and feel good about the whole discussion. A rarity in todays times.
8:49 little sky buddy playing a *dangerous* game. Nopes out in time, fly away sky buddy. Fly away. 10:05 Bumble Buddy comes in to help make fruit and honey. Bumble buddy comes within a whisker of vanishing in a puff of pollen. Fly away Bumble Buddy. Fly away.
Those flies had no idea just how close they came to meeting their end. So, if you're reincarnated as a fly, just remember: When flying about Paul's range, stay out of the center of the target and you'll be fine. Probably.
Just like a Marine, more questions than answers... seriously, enjoy your content Paul. New to shooting/ owning my 2 ND. So thankful for trainers/devotees/Patriots/regular (people my age/mentality) still teaching. Learning a great deal from your experience. I imagine you are/were one hell of a trainer. Thank you again for your service
Every bottle neck cartridge case gets annealed in the manufacturing process. It is just simply required when brass is shaped so heavily as it work hardens. So the 5.56 ammo is not "heat treated" it is just that with civilian ammo the manufacturers tumble the cases or even the finished cartridges after the heat treating in order to make them look "pretty". This is not required in the military 5.56 standard and left out also in order to save costs. As far as I am aware it is even required for military ammo to look a bit dull so they aren't so shiny and reflective and cause sun glare.
I watched your video when it was first released and it definitely interested me in the IMI. I have sent bought quite a bit of 55gr 556 and I'm shooting it out of a 16in 556 1/8 twist rifle...I am so glad you made this video Paul, because it is a tack driver out of my rifle, it really does perform remarkably well. Thank you Paul I don't know if I would have ever bought in this ammo if it hadn't been for your video review.
Paul added, with a classic Shatneresque pause, 'I'm not sure why that bumblebee keeps circling my target.' As he covers his bullet holes with more skittles flavored stickers.
Really cool comparison that I was thinking about but couldn’t find any good articles tackling the subject. I’m enjoying going through a few hundred of your videos while I’m off work for a few days. Cheers!
I recently sighted in my AR pistol with the IMI stuff. Everyone claims it's better than the ammo from Lake City. It was more accurate than Armscor, (from a bench rest, 2.5" groups at 25 yards vs. 3-4 inches with the Armscor - not making any great claims about my marksmanship, btw) but I couldn't find any Federal to compare it to at the time (although I did find some afterward). Glad you did this video.
BTW, the 223 ammo was heat treated just like the 5.56, it's just polished off in a tumbler after loading to remove the color bands. Looks better for the people who don't know any better.
Paul reminds me of a guy named Greg, from the YT channel Greg's airplanes. Super knowledgeable, articulate and can talk for hours without boring you all the while teaching you stuff you thought you knew but didn't. Greg taught me more about WW2 fighters than I ever thought I would even care to know. Paul is kinda like the gun version of Greg.
I agree. The annealing is a military spec and the military is happy to see the evidence. The civilian market is more likely to view pretty ammo as a sign of quality and so the rounds are tumble polished.
I find 223 and 5.56 to be so loud I don’t like being around them. I admire the modularity of the AR platform but have never had any desire to have one. I will also admit to only recently picked up any SLRs. Boy you can go through ammo. Given the current situation when I get out shooting I seem to take my cap and ball toys.
Honestly you are one of favorite gun channels. Its so refreshing to watch a gun channel where you know your stuff. You know you know your stuff we know you your stuff instead some channels where the you tuber had no military training unlike your self however they played to many call of duty games watched to many films put a fancy assault vest and helmet on and think they are SAS or something.
Here we're using Remington Chome-oxide Green on a red marten hair brush that fits my hand better. For some woodworm holes, we'll use our remarkable versatile but useless Taurus Judge with a .410 7/16oz bird shot load. I can't stress enough to stand close to the 8x10' picture to hit the frame. Now we'll let this dry for about...15 hours, so we'll go back to our dutch oven.
@Timothy Mckee Dont buy it. If nobody bought ammo for a month and stick the opportunits with too much stock the price would drop. But people will go on being stupid. So they can pay through the nose.
@Timothy Mckee The people keeping your prices high right now are opportunistic resellers who have gotten into the supply chain. Quit buying from them and let the normal suppy chain take back over. If everybody refuses to buy it at the current price point, then the price will come down. Part of the supply and demand cycle. The manufacturers were making a profit at the old price point. They do not need the resellers to make money. But the resellers are preying on fear. To keep the prices up. While they mark up the ammo 200 or 300 percent. It is called PRICE GOUGING. If this were happening to food or gasoline during a disaster. People would turn them in. Instead there are far too many people living in fear. So if you like making some opportunistic azzhole rich because you are afraid keep paying.
I would say that the .223 was seated a bit deeper for bolt-action rifles versus the 5.56mm being out further for semi-auto rifles. The 5.56mm rifles tend to have a longer leade to aid functionality versus the .223 rifles having a shorter leade to aid accuracy. Leade is the portion of the rifling that isn't fully rifled, it's sort of shallow. Shorter leade, the bullet engages a tiny bit quicker, and that aids accuracy. Longer leade, it engages a fraction slower, but in a semi-auto rifle, that little "jump" helps run ammo that might not be as consistent. And that's likely why IMI packaged those differently, for different market segments. I'm sure someone with a gunsmithing degree can explain it better, but that's my understanding of the difference.
Paul: "There's no replacement for shot placement" Paul: Shooting off-hand at 100 yards 5:45 Rumor has it, Paul is blacklisted from "Shoot Out the Star" and other carnival games involving guns.
There is less free bore in a .223 Remington chamber, hence the bullet seating depth. Harrell was more accurate with the Federal ammunition because of the higher velocities, but neither the M193 nor XM193 are truly 5.56 NATO. Firing either in a (SAAMI) .223 Remington chamber would generate no more than 55,000 PSI, but doing the same with M855 (SS109) will lead to a spike of over 70,000 PSI
@@cottonballs185 Not necessarily keep in mind that NATO and SAAMI psi readings are done differently, one is on the case the other is on the neck. If you measure both exactly the same (I have, cause I have the tool for it) the only difference is when comparing one powder to a different powder. Or one load to a different load. Otherwise there are no pressure difference. Unless you are shooting the NATO tracer round, .223 vs 5.56 isnt important. Some .223 loads will be higher pressure than 5.56 and some 5.56 loads will be higher pressure than .223, but most all will be within safety specs, unless the barrel itself is out of spec.
Whoohoo! New vid from Uncle Paul! Strap in and enjoy the ride! I'm betting on the Federal XM193 working better - let's find out! And as usual, worth the trip! That bumblebee had a death wish, didn't she? :) And as I thought, The XM193 comes out on top. I can live with that. (glances over at ammo-can full of Federal XM-193 and smiles)
These are the sorts of videos that I really appreciate Paul making. I know that the concept may not seem all that interesting to many shooters, but I'm having to shoot whatever I can find on the shelf these days. At the current prices, anything that helps me decide if a company is making quality ammo with decent performance is very helpful.
Great video as always paul. I will say though, im from Ohio originally, but I spent alot of time and lived in skamania county Washington, and there is nowhere else in the united states where rifle cracks sound better. I miss those morning of hearing rifle round bangs sweep across the columbia gorge. Not living there anymore, it brings up tears watching this video right now. I miss it out there so very much.
Might also be worth noting that your A2 might simply prefer one loading over the other two. Swapping out the rifle might well turn in a different result with respect to which ammunition shot more accurately. Regardless, I'd be happy as heck to be able to drop a hundred-yard iron sight group that good with *any* ammo reliably. Thank you for the good presentation!
Would have been interesting to compare the bullet seat depth on the federal 5.56 to that on the IMI 5.56. If it were also longer than the .233 load, that might explain why both shot better in a 5.56 chamber than the .223 load.
In 2007 I bought a DPMS AR, the instructions that came with it stated specifically not to use any IMI ammunition. Since that time of purchase I did buy about 400 rounds Of IMI 5.55mm at Cabela's in Boise, ID when it was on sale dirt cheap several years ago. The DPMS was rated for 5.56mm, I fired a couple of boxes through my DPMS without any problems. Accuracy at 50 yards seemed OK, no problems were encountered. One thing I will do I learned from this video is to check the headspace for correct overall length..!!
My more "budget" AR has never shot a group smaller than 3 MOA with any kind of ammo. Bought a bunch of IMI 77 gr in 2020 for a different rifle, shot some in my budget AR last week and it shot 3 different 5 shot groups at 1/2 MOA. Surprised the heck out of me
@@boomerisadog3899 yea but I've shot plenty of 69 gr and 73 he rounds and never had any good groups. I think I've shot Hornady black 77 gr thru that gun before too and no luck. So idk
Both the 223 & 556 cases were annealed. The 223 cases are typically tumbled afterward to get rid of the heat mark. The military ammo is required to have the annealed heat treat visible. You know, so the govt knows you actually did it.
Great video and observations of build between Mil-Spec and Commercial ammunition. Being your AR is of a 5.56mm chamber dimension, it will safely digest anything of these two types (.223/5.56) you care to put through it without issue other than accuracy differences you've shown here. However the differences between caliber designations only truly show when one attempts to fire a 5.56mm through a rifle chambered for .223 Remington. Because 5.56mm chambers are slightly larger, with a longer throat (runout) area between the chamber and bore. The 5.56mm ammunitions projectile Ogive is set farther forward than a typical .223 round. Inversely the chamber throat of a .223 Remington chambered gun will be slightly shorter. So when you place a 5.56mm into the .223 chamber the projectiles Ogive will contact the bore of the barrel before lock-up. And it is because of this that the pressure on firing will spike. This normally results in the primer being blown leaving a hole the size of the bolt faces firing pin hole in the primer. The piece of the blown primer will normally be blown backwards through the bolt face ending up lodged inside the bolt body. The effect of this damage is cumulative on the guns service life. The pressure of 55,000 PSI being vented back against the bolt face is like a blow-torch. This will result in severe erosion of the firing pin hole leading to the eventual need to replace the bolt itself (very expensive). Also the deposited primer pieces can and will cause malfunctions such as light strikes to primers. I base these observations on 42 years as a gunsmith, 12 of which was at Weatherby Inc. I have personally serviced well over 200 Weatherby .223 rifles for this very thing of blown primers because the owners were attempting to use, at that time cheaper surplus 5.56mm ammunition through their .223 rifles. The point begs repeating, shoot only the ammunition your firearm was made for.
@DitzyDoo Or just buy a rifle with a 5.56 or .223 Wylde chamber, and never need to worry about the (practically speaking) negligible difference between 5.56 and .223 :)
That's funny, because CZ say its safe to shoot 556 in any of their 223 chambered guns. But they only make the things right? Also funny that you cant buy separate 556 dies. If you reload its all meaningless anyway if you set your seat depth correctly. But stop over exaggerating the differences. In Europe they are all tested to the same pressure anyway.
Suggestion for video topic: Selecting after market optics and sights. I think we would all like to hear what Paul has to say on the topic, and I can see it being done with not too much ammo usage (a good thing in a time of shortage).
I’ve never seen paul shoot with an optic on, that’s not his style. I also have never seen him talk about something he isn’t well experienced with that’s not his style either. in short i wouldn’t be too hopeful
No better UA-camr to watch perform a comparison of three technically identical metrics of the technically exact same cartridge and caliber ammunition, than Paul Harrell.
Hi Paul, just an idea for another video: I know you like the iron sights but can you do a comparison with different sights on the AR15? Iron sights vs Red Dot vs ACOG vs 1-8x Scope - accuracy and speed difference. Greetings from Austria :)
To be honest most of those have alot of variables as in if the sights are actually good quality sights or if there just cheap and the speed of on target shooting is mostly down to training with that particular rifle
@@specialperson170 I thought of a reasonable price / performance ratio. Using a 2000$ scope on a 1000$ rifle would be a bit excessive for most people. On the other side most 50$ red dot sights also cant be trusted.
@@kenycharles8600 I can send some money to his patreon if he makes the video, but tbh i dont think money is the issue here because he can sell the optics after testing. Stuff like Vortex optics has great resale value.
Anecdote: Bushmaster Varminter, Wylde chamber. Owned for 11 years. Fired many types/ brands of .223 and 5.56 ammo. Bought 200 rounds of IMI 5.56 55grn, FMJ from Cabela's. Fired several of these IMI rounds, odd sound, last round fired. Bolt was jammed, Had to "mortar" it open, which pulled the case (unfired) off the bullet, which was stuck in the rifle, and also exited a spent, loose primer and the powder charge from the unfired stuck round. The bullet was easily tapped out with a cleaning rod using very little force. Contacted an IMI high mucky muck and they REPLACED the ammo, free of charge. Contacted local police and they took the remainder of the ammo for safe destruction and issued me a letter stating such. Cabela's then refunded me the purchase price of the ammo. The replacement ammo from IMI has been fine, no misfires and seemed to have been a bit more accurate than the IMI ammo in this video...Anyway...
@@ScottKenny1978 Yep..IMI AND Cabela's came through..I told the police about the blown primer problem and left it up to his judgement as to how he wanted to dispose of the ammo, even if he wanted to fire it personally or through his department rifles...
Paul's a genuine nice guy - he could have taken that bee out! I've seen that IMI ammo in various calibers floating around - cool to see it getting tested!
Thanks for the video! I didn't record the velocity numbers for comparison, but the Federal seemed to be more consistent in velocity. For people who own a bolt-action .223 Remington rifle, the nice thing about this video is that we know that we aren't sacrificing any power by buying .223 Remington ammunition with a plan to use it across all platforms. We can't use the 5.56 NATO in those bolt-action rifles, and the loss of accuracy shooting the .223 Remington through an AR platform isn't that bad. For many of us, ammunition purchase today is about defending against groups of attackers if that circumstance arrives. The IMI of either kind will hit "minute of thug" at the expected self-defense ranges. If I see the IMI at a decent price, I may get some.
On the Briefcase Gun video you showed us your pet deer now you demonstrated how confident your pet insects are in the accuracy of your shooting. I am impressed. Thank you for an excellent video. But you are going to catch a lot of grief for touching on this subject even though you clearly explained what you are trying to do I am sure some people will misconstrue your intentions. You can't fix stupid.
Very good demonstration. The two big differences in the observed precision of the 223 vs the 5.56 can be attributed to both the annealing of the 5.56 case and bullet seating depth. The annealing prepares the metal so that the 5.56 should get a more consistent crimp (note: hand loaders need better equipment or superior technique to get consistent annealing results). The longer OAL of the 5.56 puts the nose of the bullet closer to the lands of the rifling, that couple millimeters can really affect precision. Put those two things together with good control on the powder charge and you get the difference in precision between the 223 and 5.56 and probably better QC gets the Federal ammo a bump above the IMI. Really good hand loaders can do even better. Does that make difference in practical hunting or self defense???? Sometimes....maybe!
@@ScottKenny1978 I also used the 1911 in the service. I already have one of those as well. Im not a giant fan of the Beretta either but I agree with the adage of using what you know. I know the Beretta very, VERY well.
The rifle I used was a Colt AR15A2 chambered in 5.56 Nato with a 1/7 twist.
I recall you referring to it as your "M16A2" platform in previous videos. This video it is an AR15A2. Why is that?
On your last .223 accuracy test you almost drilled a bumble bee. I thought that was impressive even though you probably had no idea it was there.
Keep up the great work!
That's a rough twist rate for 55 grain.
The difference I find is often on the box. .223 rem will have 24” barrel velocity and 5.56mm NATO will have a 16” or 20” barrel velocity. Not always. Some also seem to be loaded for NATO new or m4 chamber with the .226“ and more freebore. And some seem set up for 5.56 a1 .2245” and original freebore which is closer to .223 rem specs. ( so much confusion available)
The reloader would want the heads, brass, powder, primer and chamber specs to determine differences in the bullets. That would be quite a task to undertake on a windy day out on the range! Then again with the pockets in Pauls shooting jacket....:))
You have to appreciate someone who has 600k plus subs without shilling for anyone, getting handed guns, ammo, or optics, doesn't blow stuff up or act a fool. None of the usual stuff that drives clicks. That is entertaining at times, don't get me wrong, but the fact that Paul is where he is by providing entertaining and informative content without BS or clickbait, is truly awesome. I mean, he makes chronograph testing enjoyable for goodness sake. He should have 1M plus subs though, so let's get out there and get spreading the word and share.
@Bulla Crustulum You don't trust Gun Jesus?
@@TNaizel yeah, In gun Jesus I Trust, but it’s a different circumstance. I trust Ian for amazing, encyclopaedic knowledge of (mostly) historical firearms, their designers and manufacture, quirks and foibles.
I truly trust Paul for unbiased, experienced, knowledgeable, fun instruction on firearm and ammunition safety, use, comparisons and general life instructions. The two men, and their channels complement each other beautifully.
@@andrewallason4530 well put.
The only 2 channels I watch regularly.
I like Paul's videos for the same reason I like Project Farm:
The testing is usually very thorough and you can watch how they reach their conclusions.
@@andrewallason4530 Yeah, Ian is very good at breaking down the information.
If you zoom in on that bee, you'll see it was smoking a cigarette, then it wasn't.
that is the best comment i have ever read lol. i loved it. and it was true!!
Was the failure to knock the ashes off without hitting the cigarette the ammo or Paul?
@@jonnporter6081 Paul. Smoking is bad for your teeth, and he was making a point.
The bee survived, but it'll never reproduce.
If you zoom in even closer you’ll see he shit himself too
Paul: “Today we are going to compare two boxes of the exact same ammo to each other.”
Me: “hell ya, Im in”
And we're gonna shoot em all
And then do it again!
You had my interest, but now you have my attention.
😂😂😂
Step one: read out numbers.
Me: AWW HELL YEAH!
Had to drop what I was doing and watch the newest video! I can get married some other day.
Yeah, I postponed my funeral so that I could watch the video.
If she's really "the one", she will totally understand.
@@DANO-4899 -- If she's really 'the one' she will want to watch also!
@@gregb6469 good point.
Does she have ammo?
That fly at 9:03 was feeling lucky.
HOLY HELL THE BEE AT 10:07 NEARLY SAW GOD.
Few seconds away from liveleak
That was close lol
@@williamsxd2004 So close he beed himself.
That fly was no dummy. He knew he was safe sitting outside the 9 ring.
@What About the Groid Attack on the Whities? Don't shoot bees :( Asian giant hornets are open season, though!
I have to be regularly tested by the federal government on my ability to instruct (for my job) and maintain an instructor certificate, and I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Paul has completed at least one or two courses on human behavior, effective communication, the teaching process, and/or the learning process. Either that, or comments on UA-cam have turned him this way. His presentation style is extremely effective and mimics what the best and most successful instructors in my line of work do.
Thanks that means a lot. I had some VERY GOOD instructors at community college.
Don't let me lie but afaik Paul was an Instructor for a federal agency at some point.
Nice comment, but as an employee of the federal government, I am not sure those certificates mean much.
@@christingey5281 I can assure you that they do.
1) Without them, I’d go to jail for performing the tasks I perform at my job. I’d also be wasting the money of my clients, because the certifications I’m endorsing them for would be invalid, and would be caught by an independent examiner.
2) The standards I’m held to are consistent, publicly available, not based on my opinion, and are fair for every client.
3) The standards are based off of decades of studies that have resulted in a decrease of about 2,000 deaths per year, to less than 200.
@@LL-fi4rr I'm sorry if you took that the wrong way. I guess it is one thing to complain about and ridicule the federal government, but some things only the guv'ment can and should provide and it should be done right. Proper and effective instruction is needed and appreciated.
Paul Harrell, is someone you could have a conversation with about anything,
in a calm, polite, informative manner, and feel good about the whole discussion.
A rarity in todays times.
Paul focusses the camera on the target then shoots from 200 yards away. Says it's only 100 so we don't feel so bad. Thanks Paul.
8:49 little sky buddy playing a *dangerous* game. Nopes out in time, fly away sky buddy. Fly away. 10:05 Bumble Buddy comes in to help make fruit and honey. Bumble buddy comes within a whisker of vanishing in a puff of pollen. Fly away Bumble Buddy. Fly away.
Hahahahahahahahaha!
{applause}
The air moving around the bullet probably pushed the bee out of the way.... otherwise it would have hit him🤣
I gone done commenting on the first bee just in time to see the second one, that sucker almost bought the farm!
Right! I saw that as well.... I'm pretty sure that bumblebee bow has PTSD 😂😂
"That low shot was just me, I couldn't help shooting the stinger off that bumble bee." "He'll be feeling that in the morning."
That bumble bee almost got nailed on that last low shot. LMAO!
He survived, but he'll never sting anyone again.
I had to rewind to be sure that I had seen what I thought I had seen. That's one lucky bumble bee.
Paul let the bee live
That bee told his friends, "I ain't scared. I'm going to buzz the white part." Then he said to himself , " I did it & I'm out-a-here".
@Persona Non Grata Horse flies are too easy. I prefer no see ums for the greater challenge.
@@terryboyer1342 Personally, I consider anything bigger than a flea to be unworthy of shooting.
@@wsg4847 I only consider my rifles sighted in if I can headshot amoebas at 100 yards.
@@TNASTY6688846993 Do you aim for the left eye or the right eye?
@@wsg4847 yes
UA-cam should promote channels like this, not shadow ban them
Back at the hive: "Pour me another one, Buzz."
"Make it a tall one."
@Timothy Mckee I see you're a bee of culture as well 😂😂
10:07 Paul almost shoots the nuts off a honey bee at 100yds
Did...in fact...remove just the bee's nuts.
😆👍👍
Paul wanted to show mercy so he only shot one ball off.
10:07 That bee is one lucky bastard, I tell you what...
Those flies had no idea just how close they came to meeting their end. So, if you're reincarnated as a fly, just remember: When flying about Paul's range, stay out of the center of the target and you'll be fine. Probably.
Flyer would take on a whole new meaning.
Sorry, I had to say it.
They're hanging around to see if he breaks out a meat target.
Paul was intentionally missing to avoid harming the flies.
Unless Paul's reviewing the Taurus Judge again for some reason. 😝🤣
Unless he's just being "me." Better idea: Stay well clear of the entire target.
You have no idea how many arguments I have resolved with these videos. Thank you Paul keep up the good work.
No chyt.
Just like a Marine, more questions than answers... seriously, enjoy your content Paul. New to shooting/ owning my 2 ND. So thankful for trainers/devotees/Patriots/regular (people my age/mentality) still teaching. Learning a great deal from your experience. I imagine you are/were one hell of a trainer. Thank you again for your service
Aww, no meat target. Oh well it was still a thousand times better than any other gun-tuber video I’ve seen this week.
The meat target at 10:07 lol
Swipe right more often lol
Check out HRFUNK.
He does some really good work.
I wish half the car review channels put in just half the amount of work reviewing cars as Paul does reviewing ammo.
That 2nd bee just missed bee-ing hit.
Oof
Someone on the Internet: Asks a question
Paul: I am going to do an intense scientific analysis of this.
I read that in Paul's voice.
Said Paul from a lake that time...
Every bottle neck cartridge case gets annealed in the manufacturing process. It is just simply required when brass is shaped so heavily as it work hardens. So the 5.56 ammo is not "heat treated" it is just that with civilian ammo the manufacturers tumble the cases or even the finished cartridges after the heat treating in order to make them look "pretty". This is not required in the military 5.56 standard and left out also in order to save costs. As far as I am aware it is even required for military ammo to look a bit dull so they aren't so shiny and reflective and cause sun glare.
Thanks for making this one Brother. The IMI 556 is my main stock and it's been very consistent in all my years shooting with it.
Man, Paul has got some eagle vision reading that chrono. And I've always thought Federal Ammo was the good stuff.
@Great White chronographs won't always agree with each other and altitude, pressure and temperature affect chronograph readings
@Great White It could also be manufacturers just being stingy with the powder during riot season.
how can u see that..
@@Bello.. I don't know where I heard this quote ... je je je...
The chrono is actually only 7-10 yds away. The wide angle of the camera lens makes it look much further.
As an instructor......Paul Harrell is without a doubt one of the sources of “actual “ no bias firearm information I have found. Great!!!
After a long hard day I get to sit down in my recliner and watch a Paul Harrell video. This made my evening :-)
I watched your video when it was first released and it definitely interested me in the IMI. I have sent bought quite a bit of 55gr 556 and I'm shooting it out of a 16in 556 1/8 twist rifle...I am so glad you made this video Paul, because it is a tack driver out of my rifle, it really does perform remarkably well. Thank you Paul I don't know if I would have ever bought in this ammo if it hadn't been for your video review.
Impressive shooting as always Paul!
Watching Paul on a Saturday, reading Paul on Sunday. Another straightforward video thank you Paul.
Paul added, with a classic Shatneresque pause, 'I'm not sure why that bumblebee keeps circling my target.'
As he covers his bullet holes with more skittles flavored stickers.
Really cool comparison that I was thinking about but couldn’t find any good articles tackling the subject. I’m enjoying going through a few hundred of your videos while I’m off work for a few days. Cheers!
I recently sighted in my AR pistol with the IMI stuff. Everyone claims it's better than the ammo from Lake City. It was more accurate than Armscor, (from a bench rest, 2.5" groups at 25 yards vs. 3-4 inches with the Armscor - not making any great claims about my marksmanship, btw) but I couldn't find any Federal to compare it to at the time (although I did find some afterward). Glad you did this video.
Paul, thanks for the awesome videos! Also thanks for any viewers who helped procure ammunition for the testing in these interesting times.
BTW, the 223 ammo was heat treated just like the 5.56, it's just polished off in a tumbler after loading to remove the color bands. Looks better for the people who don't know any better.
I did not know this. Thanks.
Almost nailing that bee with the 223 was worth the price of admission for me at 10:08 ...Paul you're an amazing shot!
Federal had very low deviation in speed from shot to shot. That probably also helped with consistency in accuracy.
Came here to make similar comment, see someone beat me to it.
@@spudgamer6049 great minds think alike! Cheers!
Paul reminds me of a guy named Greg, from the YT channel Greg's airplanes. Super knowledgeable, articulate and can talk for hours without boring you all the while teaching you stuff you thought you knew but didn't. Greg taught me more about WW2 fighters than I ever thought I would even care to know. Paul is kinda like the gun version of Greg.
Agreed . Both great channels
Paul's track record means...he drops a video, it gets a like.
Then I sit back, relax and enjoy being right.
Mr. Bee almost got a taste of Paul’s forbidden pasty flowers
I'm almost certain that both imi ammos would have annealed cases. The difference is that the 223 cases were polished after annealing.
I agree. The annealing is a military spec and the military is happy to see the evidence. The civilian market is more likely to view pretty ammo as a sign of quality and so the rounds are tumble polished.
lol @ that bumble bee, almost took the target temperature challenge.
When Paul gives a positive ammo review, bet the farm none will be available for the next 3 months....
I find 223 and 5.56 to be so loud I don’t like being around them. I admire the modularity of the AR platform but have never had any desire to have one. I will also admit to only recently picked up any SLRs. Boy you can go through ammo. Given the current situation when I get out shooting I seem to take my cap and ball toys.
@@gotsloco1810 Need to double up on earpro with .223/5.56 usually. It is a small caliber round but at high pressure it makes a big bang.
Honestly you are one of favorite gun channels. Its so refreshing to watch a gun channel where you know your stuff. You know you know your stuff we know you your stuff instead some channels where the you tuber had no military training unlike your self however they played to many call of duty games watched to many films put a fancy assault vest and helmet on and think they are SAS or something.
I don't have this ammo. I don't even have a 5.56, but I would watch Paul talk about paint drying. So, here I am.
Here we're using Remington Chome-oxide Green on a red marten hair brush that fits my hand better.
For some woodworm holes, we'll use our remarkable versatile but useless Taurus Judge with a .410 7/16oz bird shot load. I can't stress enough to stand close to the 8x10' picture to hit the frame. Now we'll let this dry for about...15 hours, so we'll go back to our dutch oven.
If you did have a 5.56, you wouldn't be able to buy ammo for it now anyway.
The Chieftain / Tank Jesus made that video a year or so ago...
ua-cam.com/video/jIPem1EMw2s/v-deo.html
@Timothy Mckee Dont buy it.
If nobody bought ammo for a month and stick the opportunits with too much stock the price would drop.
But people will go on being stupid. So they can pay through the nose.
@Timothy Mckee The people keeping your prices high right now are opportunistic resellers who have gotten into the supply chain. Quit buying from them and let the normal suppy chain take back over.
If everybody refuses to buy it at the current price point, then the price will come down.
Part of the supply and demand cycle.
The manufacturers were making a profit at the old price point.
They do not need the resellers to make money.
But the resellers are preying on fear. To keep the prices up. While they mark up the ammo 200 or 300 percent.
It is called PRICE GOUGING. If this were happening to food or gasoline during a disaster. People would turn them in.
Instead there are far too many people living in fear.
So if you like making some opportunistic azzhole rich because you are afraid keep paying.
Great video. Thanks Paul !
I would say that the .223 was seated a bit deeper for bolt-action rifles versus the 5.56mm being out further for semi-auto rifles. The 5.56mm rifles tend to have a longer leade to aid functionality versus the .223 rifles having a shorter leade to aid accuracy. Leade is the portion of the rifling that isn't fully rifled, it's sort of shallow. Shorter leade, the bullet engages a tiny bit quicker, and that aids accuracy. Longer leade, it engages a fraction slower, but in a semi-auto rifle, that little "jump" helps run ammo that might not be as consistent. And that's likely why IMI packaged those differently, for different market segments. I'm sure someone with a gunsmithing degree can explain it better, but that's my understanding of the difference.
A good start. Also bullet shape / longer overall length of some 556 jams bullet in 223 throat which can cause dangerous pressure spike .
Thanks for making the IMI 223, IMI 5.56 and Federal 5.56 video.
That was the luckiest bee on earth. I'm pretty sure he's got a smooth spot on his rear end now.
All bees are female. At least the ones you see flying around in the wild.
@@Just_here_for_fun sexist
Paul: "There's no replacement for shot placement"
Paul: Shooting off-hand at 100 yards 5:45
Rumor has it, Paul is blacklisted from "Shoot Out the Star" and other carnival games involving guns.
Paul : " We don't debate difference between 5.56 and 223!"
People in comments : " Ha .. but WE definitely will ! "
There is less free bore in a .223 Remington chamber, hence the bullet seating depth. Harrell was more accurate with the Federal ammunition because of the higher velocities, but neither the M193 nor XM193 are truly 5.56 NATO. Firing either in a (SAAMI) .223 Remington chamber would generate no more than 55,000 PSI, but doing the same with M855 (SS109) will lead to a spike of over 70,000 PSI
Personally, I've always liked peach
pie a lot better than apple pie
@@cottonballs185 Not necessarily keep in mind that NATO and SAAMI psi readings are done differently, one is on the case the other is on the neck.
If you measure both exactly the same (I have, cause I have the tool for it) the only difference is when comparing one powder to a different powder. Or one load to a different load. Otherwise there are no pressure difference.
Unless you are shooting the NATO tracer round, .223 vs 5.56 isnt important. Some .223 loads will be higher pressure than 5.56 and some 5.56 loads will be higher pressure than .223, but most all will be within safety specs, unless the barrel itself is out of spec.
@@takingbacktoxic7898 The CIP measures chamber pressure differently, but 5.56 NATO chambers have more free bore
Glad to see some IMI ammo tested. It's been easier to find during the ammo shortage.
I've never claimed to be a sharp shooter or a marksman but my 100yd groups never turn out like the federal group through irons ..
That’s because you’re not Paul Harrell.
I wish I was as accurate at 25 yards as he is at 100 😂
@@dr.floridamanphd Paul is what you call "a professional". You shouldn't be trying this at home. 🤣👍
I can't even SEE the target at 100 yards! heheheh...myopic senior citizen...grin...Great video, Paul
Superb video, as usual from you Paul...thank you.
That low one was just me trying to hit that bee at one hundred yards! Paul frowns!
thanks paul for the video and thank you for the 556 federal ammo. keep up the good work!!
Whoohoo! New vid from Uncle Paul! Strap in and enjoy the ride! I'm betting on the Federal XM193 working better - let's find out!
And as usual, worth the trip! That bumblebee had a death wish, didn't she? :) And as I thought, The XM193 comes out on top. I can live with that. (glances over at ammo-can full of Federal XM-193 and smiles)
These are the sorts of videos that I really appreciate Paul making. I know that the concept may not seem all that interesting to many shooters, but I'm having to shoot whatever I can find on the shelf these days. At the current prices, anything that helps me decide if a company is making quality ammo with decent performance is very helpful.
What timing! I was just watching the Thanksgiving special when notification for this popped up. Thanks Paul.
Dude shot iron sights with that federal XM193 like a boss
excellent content from Paul, as always.
5.56 = sealed primer, heat treated case, tight crimp on projectile and 62k psi
.223 55k psi
Planning on storing? Buy 5.56. Planning on shooting soon? Buy .223.
You’re welcome.
Good Saturday just got better!!!!!
Just got back from my FFL!!!
And did anything good come home with you?
@@Salieri47
Oh yes......
Great video as always paul. I will say though, im from Ohio originally, but I spent alot of time and lived in skamania county Washington, and there is nowhere else in the united states where rifle cracks sound better. I miss those morning of hearing rifle round bangs sweep across the columbia gorge. Not living there anymore, it brings up tears watching this video right now. I miss it out there so very much.
Might also be worth noting that your A2 might simply prefer one loading over the other two. Swapping out the rifle might well turn in a different result with respect to which ammunition shot more accurately. Regardless, I'd be happy as heck to be able to drop a hundred-yard iron sight group that good with *any* ammo reliably. Thank you for the good presentation!
Would have been interesting to compare the bullet seat depth on the federal 5.56 to that on the IMI 5.56. If it were also longer than the .233 load, that might explain why both shot better in a 5.56 chamber than the .223 load.
In 2007 I bought a DPMS AR, the instructions that came with it stated specifically not to use any IMI ammunition. Since that time of purchase I did buy about 400 rounds Of IMI 5.55mm at Cabela's in Boise, ID when it was on sale dirt cheap several years ago. The DPMS was rated for 5.56mm, I fired a couple of boxes through my DPMS without any problems. Accuracy at 50 yards seemed OK, no problems were encountered. One thing I will do I learned from this video is to check the headspace for correct overall length..!!
My more "budget" AR has never shot a group smaller than 3 MOA with any kind of ammo. Bought a bunch of IMI 77 gr in 2020 for a different rifle, shot some in my budget AR last week and it shot 3 different 5 shot groups at 1/2 MOA. Surprised the heck out of me
That is my exact experience as well
Does it have a 1 in 7 twist?
If it's 1/7 twist and carbine gas length 16" barrel 77 and 62 are better for that twist.
@@boomerisadog3899 yea but I've shot plenty of 69 gr and 73 he rounds and never had any good groups. I think I've shot Hornady black 77 gr thru that gun before too and no luck. So idk
@@georgiashooter3739 Maybe, the depth they set the projectile at just works well with the head space on your rifle?
Both the 223 & 556 cases were annealed. The 223 cases are typically tumbled afterward to get rid of the heat mark. The military ammo is required to have the annealed heat treat visible. You know, so the govt knows you actually did it.
Great video and observations of build between Mil-Spec and Commercial ammunition. Being your AR is of a 5.56mm chamber dimension, it will safely digest anything of these two types (.223/5.56) you care to put through it without issue other than accuracy differences you've shown here.
However the differences between caliber designations only truly show when one attempts to fire a 5.56mm through a rifle chambered for .223 Remington. Because 5.56mm chambers are slightly larger, with a longer throat (runout) area between the chamber and bore. The 5.56mm ammunitions projectile Ogive is set farther forward than a typical .223 round.
Inversely the chamber throat of a .223 Remington chambered gun will be slightly shorter. So when you place a 5.56mm into the .223 chamber the projectiles Ogive will contact the bore of the barrel before lock-up. And it is because of this that the pressure on firing will spike. This normally results in the primer being blown leaving a hole the size of the bolt faces firing pin hole in the primer. The piece of the blown primer will normally be blown backwards through the bolt face ending up lodged inside the bolt body.
The effect of this damage is cumulative on the guns service life. The pressure of 55,000 PSI being vented back against the bolt face is like a blow-torch. This will result in severe erosion of the firing pin hole leading to the eventual need to replace the bolt itself (very expensive). Also the deposited primer pieces can and will cause malfunctions such as light strikes to primers.
I base these observations on 42 years as a gunsmith, 12 of which was at Weatherby Inc. I have personally serviced well over 200 Weatherby .223 rifles for this very thing of blown primers because the owners were attempting to use, at that time cheaper surplus 5.56mm ammunition through their .223 rifles. The point begs repeating, shoot only the ammunition your firearm was made for.
@DitzyDoo Or just buy a rifle with a 5.56 or .223 Wylde chamber, and never need to worry about the (practically speaking) negligible difference between 5.56 and .223 :)
@@felsinferguson1125 exactly, which is why my rifle is .223 Wylde chambered to accommodate either without issue.
That's funny, because CZ say its safe to shoot 556 in any of their 223 chambered guns. But they only make the things right? Also funny that you cant buy separate 556 dies. If you reload its all meaningless anyway if you set your seat depth correctly. But stop over exaggerating the differences. In Europe they are all tested to the same pressure anyway.
Thank You, Sir, well said! Professional opinions/observations are always great to hear.
@@johnjanoscrat8000 thank you for your comment.
Good, practical information. Thanks for sharing, Paul.
That bee does not know how lucky it is.....
Well that was fun ... love watching our guy Paul.
Yes I actually needed this review
No insects were harmed in the making of this UA-cam.
Suggestion for video topic: Selecting after market optics and sights. I think we would all like to hear what Paul has to say on the topic, and I can see it being done with not too much ammo usage (a good thing in a time of shortage).
I’ve never seen paul shoot with an optic on, that’s not his style. I also have never seen him talk about something he isn’t well experienced with that’s not his style either. in short i wouldn’t be too hopeful
How wonderful: a new Paul Harrell video _and_ a new bottle of whiskey.
Tedious chronograph testing to me is a very peaceful way to enjoy the day !
One lucky bee at the 10:07 mark. Thanks for the video Paul.
Disappointed it was not raining. Just can't have a Paul video without rain or snow.
Was I only the one thinking that bee was going to get thumbed tacked? That bee was playing with fire. Great video as always Paul.
10:23
"And the one shot thats really low...that was just BEE!"
No better UA-camr to watch perform a comparison of three technically identical metrics of the technically exact same cartridge and caliber ammunition, than Paul Harrell.
If you would stop trying to kill the insects flying around the target you might get a tighter group. Hahaha
Thank for a great presentation and analysis!
"tedious chronograph testing" lol that's our favorite part!!!
You and me both.
As always, very informative, but I'm sure it will raise more questions than it answered.
Thanks Mr. Harrell!
Hi Paul, just an idea for another video: I know you like the iron sights but can you do a comparison with different sights on the AR15? Iron sights vs Red Dot vs ACOG vs 1-8x Scope - accuracy and speed difference. Greetings from Austria :)
To be honest most of those have alot of variables as in if the sights are actually good quality sights or if there just cheap and the speed of on target shooting is mostly down to training with that particular rifle
@@specialperson170 I thought of a reasonable price / performance ratio. Using a 2000$ scope on a 1000$ rifle would be a bit excessive for most people. On the other side most 50$ red dot sights also cant be trusted.
Send him some 😆
@@kenycharles8600 I can send some money to his patreon if he makes the video, but tbh i dont think money is the issue here because he can sell the optics after testing. Stuff like Vortex optics has great resale value.
Anecdote: Bushmaster Varminter, Wylde chamber. Owned for 11 years. Fired many types/ brands of .223 and 5.56 ammo. Bought 200 rounds of IMI 5.56 55grn, FMJ from Cabela's. Fired several of these IMI rounds, odd sound, last round fired. Bolt was jammed, Had to "mortar" it open, which pulled the case (unfired) off the bullet, which was stuck in the rifle, and also exited a spent, loose primer and the powder charge from the unfired stuck round. The bullet was easily tapped out with a cleaning rod using very little force. Contacted an IMI high mucky muck and they REPLACED the ammo, free of charge. Contacted local police and they took the remainder of the ammo for safe destruction and issued me a letter stating such. Cabela's then refunded me the purchase price of the ammo. The replacement ammo from IMI has been fine, no misfires and seemed to have been a bit more accurate than the IMI ammo in this video...Anyway...
Good on IMI for replacement, at least. (Wonder how the local police "disposed of" the ammo?)
@@ScottKenny1978 Yep..IMI AND Cabela's came through..I told the police about the blown primer problem and left it up to his judgement as to how he wanted to dispose of the ammo, even if he wanted to fire it personally or through his department rifles...
@@dv270salto7 were I a reloader, I would have pulled the bullets, dumped the powder, and reloaded with known good charges.
Will "Paul Harrel's book of Caveats" be released in time for Christmas?
That would be a great book if only he had the time to write it.
Is there yet a Paul Harrel video in existence without the word 'caveat' used at least once? (The phrase 'ad nauseum' is a close 2nd place!)
Paul's a genuine nice guy - he could have taken that bee out! I've seen that IMI ammo in various calibers floating around - cool to see it getting tested!
I was hoping Paul was going to say that 3082 is a lot more than 3081 with his trademark sense of humor just to tweak the comment commandos.
Thanks for the video!
I didn't record the velocity numbers for comparison, but the Federal seemed to be more consistent in velocity.
For people who own a bolt-action .223 Remington rifle, the nice thing about this video is that we know that we aren't sacrificing any power by buying .223 Remington ammunition with a plan to use it across all platforms. We can't use the 5.56 NATO in those bolt-action rifles, and the loss of accuracy shooting the .223 Remington through an AR platform isn't that bad. For many of us, ammunition purchase today is about defending against groups of attackers if that circumstance arrives. The IMI of either kind will hit "minute of thug" at the expected self-defense ranges. If I see the IMI at a decent price, I may get some.
How many rounds do you need to test ammo? I have some Winchester 62gr. OTM and some IMI 62gr. M855 I could possible send for you to try out.
Very generous of you, if you do, thank you in advance.
How's the IMI 62 gr M855 green tip shoot? I have a case.
@@scottstewart5784 Paul has a comparison video between 55 and 62 green tip. Very informative.
On the Briefcase Gun video you showed us your pet deer now you demonstrated how confident your pet insects are in the accuracy of your shooting. I am impressed. Thank you for an excellent video. But you are going to catch a lot of grief for touching on this subject even though you clearly explained what you are trying to do I am sure some people will misconstrue your intentions. You can't fix stupid.
"We are not talking about 5.56mm vs .223"... But, umm, maybe, ummm *touching fingers together* can we, Papa?
Very good demonstration. The two big differences in the observed precision of the 223 vs the 5.56 can be attributed to both the annealing of the 5.56 case and bullet seating depth. The annealing prepares the metal so that the 5.56 should get a more consistent crimp (note: hand loaders need better equipment or superior technique to get consistent annealing results). The longer OAL of the 5.56 puts the nose of the bullet closer to the lands of the rifling, that couple millimeters can really affect precision. Put those two things together with good control on the powder charge and you get the difference in precision between the 223 and 5.56 and probably better QC gets the Federal ammo a bump above the IMI. Really good hand loaders can do even better. Does that make difference in practical hunting or self defense???? Sometimes....maybe!
I used the M9 Beretta in the service but I have never owned one. I may buy a 92fs because of him. I have a Colt AR15A2 already.
I also used the Beretta in service, but that's also why I *won't* own one as a civilian.
@@ScottKenny1978 I also used the 1911 in the service. I already have one of those as well. Im not a giant fan of the Beretta either but I agree with the adage of using what you know. I know the Beretta very, VERY well.
Awesome, ty for the share Paul