SD Round for 5.56/.223

[JoeBUtah]

I've been seeing mention of the MK318 Round from Federal; apparently recently adopted by the Marines. It uses a 62 grain bonded bullet.

Haven't been able to find just the projectile from this round. Does anyone know if it's even available? I contacted Federal, but haven't heard back.

Bottom line: I'd like a little heavier round that the 55 gr along with better barrier penetration and expansion. Being a hand loader, I prefer to roll my own. I shoot a 1:9 twist RRA Ar.

Any suggestions for a bullet?

 

[biner626]

Re: SD Round for 5.56/.223

<span style="text-decoration: line-through">Swift makes a bonded 62gr bullet.</span> Not the same bullet.
http://www.primaryarms.com/Federal_T556_5_56_NATO_62_Grain_T556TNB1_R_p/t556tnb1-r.htm

 

[Rob01]

Re: SD Round for 5.56/.223

Look at the 70grn GMX bullet
http://www.hornady.com/store/22-Cal-.224-70-GR-GMX/

They make a 55grn version as well. Being a solid it should penetrate pretty well but is also designed to expand.

 

[insight3b]

Re: SD Round for 5.56/.223

I went with 60gr Nosler Partitions

 

[JoeBUtah]

Re: SD Round for 5.56/.223

Thanks for the input guys.
As a follow up to this discussion, I found this webpage that provides a pretty good source of information on a variety of calibers

 

[Deadshot2]

Re: SD Round for 5.56/.223

You may be interested in the Barnes M/LE Tac-X bullets for .223

Barnes M/LE TAC-X Bullets

Barnes claims this bullet is the best of both worlds, barrier and soft target.

 

[Beef82]

Re: SD Round for 5.56/.223

Barnes 62s are very long, they may or may not stabilize in a 1:9. Out of mine they I got as good a 3" groups at 200 that grew to 10+ at 300. Also pricey. As far as penetration and controlled expansion at almost any range that's long been a Barnes trait.