Another Unscientific AAC Ammo Comparison

[vegashelipilot]

Our club precision matches are on a "summer break" here in Las Vegas, so I thought it would be a good time to test some of this Palmetto State AAC ammo against IMI 77 grain Razorcore. I've been using IMI exclusively for the past few years in gas-gun precision matches. Its been consistent and reliable, I've won matches with it, but its expensive - usually hovering around $1.00/round (right now its on sale for $0.83). Also, I'm not loving all of the case head swipe when shooting it suppressed, despite my attempts to tune it out. So here we go...

Ammos tested:
IMI 77 gr Razorcore HPBT Match ($0.83 / round)
AAC 75 gr BTHP Match w/ Cannelure ($0.60 / round)
AAC 77 gr OTM ($0.62 / round)

Rifle Specs:
16" Rainier Match barrel, 1/8 twist
Omega 300 suppressor

100 Yard 5-shot Groups, ranked in order:
1. AAC 75 grain BTHP Match - 0.547" (0.522 MOA)
2. AAC 77 grain OTM - 0.618" (0.590 MOA)
3. IMI 77 grain Razorcore - 0.730" (0.698 MOA)

Chrono performance:

1. AAC 77 grain OTM
Avg: 2593 fps
SD: 14.7
ES: 54.8

2. IMI 77 grain Razorcore
Avg: 2711 fps
SD: 16.7
ES: 58.1

3. AAC 75 grain BTHP Match
Avg: 2690
SD: 19.8
ES: 68.5

My Thoughts:

Along with the groups, I shot a couple boxes of each ammo at 1, 2 and 3 MOA plates at 551 yards to see how it performed at distance. Winds were generally calm. Despite the cheapest ammo (AAC 75 gr) grouping the best for me today, at distance it was not great, and I really struggled to make consistent impacts on even the 3 MOA plate. I will not be purchasing any more of the AAC 75 gr. But the AAC 77 gr OTM was a different story: I was ringing steel just as consistently as with the IMI Razorcore. It is quite a bit slower than the IMI, but no case head swipe on any of the brass.

The true test will be shooting a few matches with it, but long-story-short, I'm placing a larger order of the AAC 77 grain OTM today. At $0.62/round I really hope it continues to perform like it did for me today.

*Oh side note: the reason the chrono data on the IMI was only 13 rounds, my Garmin Xero didn't save my first session for some reason, and I only had 13 rounds left. But this was comparable to many previous sessions I had saved for the ammo.

 

[Tictacticaltimmy]

Interesting... With the 77OTM I had great results at 100M but big vertical dispersion at around 500M. I don't have a chrono but took this to mean it had a big velocity spread. Some other chrono testing I've seen shows a big velocity spread for this load. The 77SMK from AAC had much less vertical dispersion.

I wonder if they have managed to tighten up the velocity spread the newest batches? Or perhaps it just shifts from lot to lot....

By the way, what pistol grip is that?

 

[PBWalsh]

Interesting results, my IMI 77 SMK was slower than AAC 77 OTM and produced a higher ES/SD. Accuracy is around the same. Barrel is a Black River Tactical 16” CHF Optimum. My older results with the AAC 75 BTHP was not awesome, the 77SMK appears to be a more consistently performing bullet.

IMI 77 SMK has historically been a slower loading for me A 12.5” barrel I once had only did about 2450 with the IMI. I’ll be shooting the rest of my IMI 77 SMK at the shorter ranges for the next DMR match in July. AAC 77 OTM is the current match loading for me.

 

[NHR]

Interesting results, my IMI 77 SMK was slower than AAC 77 OTM and produced a higher ES/SD. Accuracy is around the same. Barrel is a Black River Tactical 16” CHF Optimum. My older results with the AAC 75 BTHP was not awesome, the 77SMK appears to be a more consistently performing bullet.

IMI 77 SMK has historically been a slower loading for me A 12.5” barrel I once had only did about 2450 with the IMI. I’ll be shooting the rest of my IMI 77 SMK at the shorter ranges for the next DMR match in July. AAC 77 OTM is the current match loading for me. View attachment 8438940

That seems really slow for the IMI. I only have older lots from 2019-2021 but my last chrono was 2764 AVG from a 16" AR and 2560 AVG from a 12.5" AR. Measured with magneto speed.

ETA: the 16" barrel is Sionics, 12.5" is BRT

 

[PBWalsh]

That seems really slow for the IMI. I only have older lots from 2019-2021 but my last chrono was 2764 AVG from a 16" AR and 2560 AVG from a 12.5" AR. Measured with magneto speed.

ETA: the 16" barrel is Sionics, 12.5" is BRT

Could've been a slow barrel. 12.5" midlength from Triarc. But IMI is still showing slower velocities in the current barrel.

 

[vegashelipilot]

Interesting... With the 77OTM I had great results at 100M but big vertical dispersion at around 500M. I don't have a chrono but took this to mean it had a big velocity spread. Some other chrono testing I've seen shows a big velocity spread for this load. The 77SMK from AAC had much less vertical dispersion.

I wonder if they have managed to tighten up the velocity spread the newest batches? Or perhaps it just shifts from lot to lot....

By the way, what pistol grip is that?

Grip is from Anarchy Outdoors.

 

[tucaz]

good data from all. thanks. i’ll throw mine down here too, from a garmin xero. 3000feet and 90 degrees

AAC 77gr OTM
16” LWRC IC 2558fps
16” FN with M4-2000 can, 2705fps

IMI 77gr
16” LWRC IC 2680fps

AAC 75gr saber black
11.5” caracal 816 2498fps

 

[Maggot]

Lets add some more mpm scoemtofoc data. 100 yds, shot thes today out of a Remington 700 with a PVA 26" Osprey. It was pretty gusty and I didnt really take as much time as I should have but he 4 groups are tpp to bottom, ACC 77gr OTM, Norma 77 grain BTHP. Black Hills 77gr BTHP, and Remington SMK 77 grain Match.

ACC was clearly the best today and the Remington not bad, everything under MOA but I need to do this again on a quiet day. Did manage to ring a 4" gong at 400 yds, so MOA at 400.

 

[mudholestomper]

Thanks for sharing, everyone! It’s always interesting to see how ammo differs between lots and guns with the same barrel length.

As a side bar, I’m going to put 100 rounds through each of these tomorrow. I’m starting at 50, as both need to be sighted in and the bull barrel target gun is a brand new build.

I’m just ready to get out of the house, get some fresh air, and work on my FUNdamentals.

Once they’re dialed in, I’ve got 100 rounds of AAC 77gr to try out. Based on y’all’s results, if I’m not shooting small groups, it’s my fault. The guns are capable and so is the ammo.

 

[TonyAngel]

And we can get results with AAC ammo that gets us excited because we feel like we struck gold at that price and we'll order more. Then we're left scratching our heads wondering why this shipment doesn't shoot as well as the last. No consistency.

Pfft, this thread has me hopeful again. Going to order 500 rounds to see what I get.

 

[fedupflyer]

And we can get results with AAC ammo that gets us excited because we feel like we struck gold at that price and we'll order more. Then we're left scratching our heads wondering why this shipment doesn't shoot as well as the last. No consistency.

Pfft, this thread has me hopeful again. Going to order 500 rounds to see what I get.

Just got in a order of the 77g OTM for a class next month.
Hope they are the same because I am shooting .6 MOA with stuff I bought last fall.
Be a few weeks till I can get to the range to find out.

 

[JerkyFreak]

2700+fps from a reasonably short barrel AR with 77gr bullets;, that is hot! Probably won't reuse those cases much. I would expect max to be around 2710 with an average around 2680.

Then again, if you don't reload, who cares about the cases. The 77 OTM seems to be the winner cost and down-range precision.

 

[vegashelipilot]

So I just learned AAC is now selling 2 different versions of the 77 OTMs - one labeled 2700 fps and one labeled 2550 fps. There has been talk floating around IG this week that recent lots of 2700 stuff is actually down in the 2500 range, too. I have 600 rounds in the mail and will test it out once it arrives.

Either way, I should probably add an update to this thread since its been almost a year since I posted this:

I used AAC in a few matches but then went back to IMI because it was just much more consistent from lot to lot. I'm still buying AAC to practice with. At $0.50 / round (todays prices) its a steal.

 

[TonyAngel]

So I just learned AAC is now selling 2 different versions of the 77 OTMs - one labeled 2700 fps and one labeled 2550 fps. There has been talk floating around IG this week that recent lots of 2700 stuff is actually down in the 2500 range, too. I have 600 rounds in the mail and will test it out once it arrives.

Either way, I should probably add an update to this thread since its been almost a year since I posted this:

I used AAC in a few matches but then went back to IMI because it was just much more consistent from lot to lot. I'm still buying AAC to practice with. At $0.50 / round (todays prices) its a steal.

Ohhhh. I was wondering why they had two separate entries for 77gr otm. I didn't compare the velocities between the two.

Shoot, now I have to go and check on exactly what I ordered.

 

[TonyAngel]

So, I went and checked PSA's website and sure enough, the .50 a round stuff is rated at 2550. The stuff rated at 2700 is out of stock and the 2550 is what I ordered.

Now, that's some downright bullsh!t.

EDIT - today must be my lucky day. First I woke up to an email from the ATF saying that I can pick up my silencer and now, when I checked the order status on this slow ammo, it looks like the order didn't go through. Must have failed to hit the button. Woohoo!!

 

[Docsherm]

This is good to know info. I just did some DOPE development for two of my rifles (18" SPR and a 13.9) on Sunday for a match coming up. I need to go and check what type of AAC 77 gr OTM I have.

 

[bfoosh006]

Jamin has said the lower speed is a result of a different propellant currently be used.

Same brand, just not as optimum as the previous used one.

I am curious if any of you guys have a dramatic change in POI , left or right ?

 

[TonyAngel]

Jamin has said the lower speed is a result of a different propellant currently be used.

Same brand, just not as optimum as the previous used one.

I am curious if any of you guys have a dramatic change in POI , left or right ?

Yes. With most ammo that I find consistent enough to keep buying, I usually only have to adjust elevation by a tenth or maybe two, if any, between lots. With the AAC stuff, the POI tends to shift a good bit and accuracy varies.

With one of their selling points being that Hornady makes the projectiles, it's kind of soured me on Hornady too.

 

[RUTGERS95]

I think wolf steel case is better than the AAC ammo to be honest. It's more consistent, similar to better accuracy and per reports, won't make my boom stick go boom

 

[TonyAngel]

I guess the AAC stuff is hit or miss, as it is with so many things. I run the AAC 110gr Sabre Blade out of my 300BO and it shoots dang good.

My Ruger American Ranch in 7.62x39 will shoot most steel cased hollow points to 1.5 MOA and fmj to between 2 and 2.5 MOA, but the AAC steel cased gets me shot gun patterns.

 

[Docsherm]

I know that I have not had an issue with the AAC 77 gr OTM This one:

https://palmettostatearmory.com/aac-5-56-nato-ammo-77-grain-otm-20rds-v2.html

I was hitting 12 inch steel steel with my Noveske 18 inch SPR out to 900 Meters on Sunday. I have not seen any accuracy issues at all. The two guys with me were shooing the same ammo and they too had no issues at all. All Three of us got the ammo at completely different times (I just got mine and the oldest batch used was about 18 months ago. So I would say it was all consistent.

 

[TonyAngel]

I know that I have not had an issue with the AAC 77 gr OTM This one:

https://palmettostatearmory.com/aac-5-56-nato-ammo-77-grain-otm-20rds-v2.html

I was hitting 12 inch steel steel with my Noveske 18 inch SPR out to 900 Meters on Sunday. I have not seen any accuracy issues at all. The two guys with me were shooing the same ammo and they too had no issues at all. All Three of us got the ammo at completely different times (I just got mine and the oldest batch used was about 18 months ago. So I would say it was all consistent.

I really don't doubt it. That's my whole point. When I first tried it out, some time ago, it shot great. I ordered more to confirm, it shot great. I then placed an order to restock and what I got left me scratching my head. I mean, really tearing my hair out. I thought something was wrong with my rig. Changed the scope. Then the mount. Swapped bolts. Had a barrel inspection done. Stripped the upper and put it back together again.

All I'm saying is that you just can't know what you’re going to get.

Since what I described above happened, I've ordered 200 or 300 rounds at a time. If I hit the jackpot, great. If not, I relegate it to short range drills. I'm not going to be ordering a case at a time any more though.

I followed the link posted and that went to the stuff spec's at 2550. I don't think that stuff was around 18 months ago, although I could be wrong. I'm talking about the stuff spec's at 2700.

 

[Ernest 5.56]

All I'm saying is that you just can't know what you’re going to get.

Seems to be a theme with that company. Getting product out the door is the top priority.

 

[sheepdog697]

Their 77gr stuff shot a little over 1moa for me out of my JP (10 rd group). The JP holds about a .75moa 10rd group with handloads and very similar with 77gr norma. Its honestly not bad for positional practice, and saves my reloading time.

Ive used some of the 168gr otm stuff for them and it seems to be a little above 1moa with occasional flyers here or there. Again, good for the price

 

[Texascbr]

I’m sitting on stacks of the 77OTM. Any way to tell from the box which velocity was sent. I don’t want to open each case and chrono.

 

[bfoosh006]

So... the lower velocities ... has this carried over to the AAC 75gr Hornady BTHP load ? Currently that load says 2700fps.

BTW... $9.99 / 20 at this moment.

For that matter .... have any of the AAC Sierra loaded 5.56 been effected ? ( Slower )... or the 5.56 AAC Barnes loads ?

Looks like the AAC 77gr OTM is back up to $10.99 / 20

 

[houndog]

Most recent stuff I've been shooting has been getting 1.25-1.5" five shot groups out of my LaRue upper with a 1-8x scope. I seem to recall the older stuff doing a little better - maybe 1-1.25" out of the same set up. Of course my recent outings have been in terrible conditions wind blowing at 12-15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, so that may account for at least some of the difference.

Honestly, less concerned with a slight loss of accuracy or even a slight loss of velocity, except that I have doped out older versions of this ammo to 400-500 yards. I think I read on another thread that drop in velocity was also changing POI 8" at 400 yards and over a foot at 500 yards. That's a problem.

 

[sheepdog697]

Id like to add i shot this stuff over a year ago. May have changed since...