Cor-Bon ".223" [Archive] - M4Carbine.net Forums

Dionysusigma

11-30-10, 19:23

".223" in quotes because for the hair-splitters out there, .223 =/= 5.56x45. ;)

A local store has this in stock for ~$330 per case of 840. After talking to the staff about it (whom I've known for years, having worked there in the past, and have come to trust) they say it's rebranded Winchester Q3131, and that it's loaded hot. As in, blown-primer, case-neck-split hot.

What I'm wondering is this:
1) Is this a decent price?
2) Has anyone used this, and what did you think?
- 2a) Is it really as hot as they made it out to be?

For what it's worth, it'll be run through a 1:7 20" bbl w/ rifle-length gas system, and (if I ever get around to actually ordering it) a 1:7 14.5" bbl w/ midlength gas.

Belmont31R

11-30-10, 19:36

What load is it specifically?

Ive shot the 77 grain SMK load, and gotten good results with it. Its also loaded with Lapua brass which is the best brass on the market. People will fight for it at the range.

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/d5a0932f.jpg

Dionysusigma

11-30-10, 20:09

The store label said 55gr.

Belmont31R

11-30-10, 20:16

I havent shot that load but I cant imagine Corbon would put something out that splits cases and pops primers like that.

Maybe Molon has some info on the 55 grain load....

Dionysusigma

12-01-10, 02:53

I dunno... Cor-Bon isn't exactly known for weak loads. :sarcastic:

GermanSynergy

12-01-10, 09:19

Are you shooting it from a true 5.56 chamber, or .223? Could be the reason you're getting popped primers.

I dunno... Cor-Bon isn't exactly known for weak loads. :sarcastic:

Dionysusigma

12-01-10, 11:14

I haven't purchased any of it yet--I'm trying to get more input before I buy a case of ammo that could potentially hurt my rifles.

I'm fairly certain these were 5.56 chambers, as the rifles used that were doing it were BCM, Noveske, and LWRC.

Pal

12-01-10, 11:20

Thats not that great of a deal. You can buy 1000 rounds for that price elsewhere. Probably shipping included for that price.

mike_556

12-01-10, 11:25

I poked around corbon's site and could only find 55gr MPG (unleaded bullets for kali?? :sarcastic:) listed--same one? How about just getting a box of 20 instead of an ammo can load of 840 rds and trying it out?

mike_556

12-01-10, 11:33

Let me also add that Palmetto State Armory has Federal XM193F for $280/1K plus $12 shipping I believe.........:)

Dionysusigma

12-02-10, 14:43

Well, just bought a "small" box (140rds) for T&E. I figure my rifle will be able to handle it, and will report back with a small review.

The only place I think I've seen it online is here: http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_info.php/pName/140rds-223-corbon-55gr-fmj-bulk-pack-ammo , but the box I purchased looks quite different, measuring about 4x4x3.5", thin corrugated cardboard, white outside and brown inside, with black printing. I guess the website's picture is out of date, since it says 125 rounds as opposed to the description's 140.

Initial impressions:

-Loose-packed box, marked
"223 Rem 55gr FMJ
Velocity 3000fps Energy 1099ft/lbs
140 Rounds"

- Brass is clean (no annealing "rainbow" present)

- Seems as though 60% has visible cannelure on the bullet, 40% doesn't. Caliper measurements are close enough among five of them, randomly selected, to suggest that some have them, some don't, as opposed to different seating depths

- Primers look to be the same--no "some brass, some nickel" that I've seen on several reloads (even within the same box of Wal-Mart purchased Remington brand) but there is some variation in hue from matching the case, to an almost "rose gold" color

- Head stamps all say "WINCHESTER 223 REM"

- No response from any part to a rare earth magnet

Initial impression rating: B- due to inconsistencies in appearance from round to round

markm

12-02-10, 18:58

I bought some of the Corbon .223 a year or so back. I was getting several pierced primers even though it didn't chrono extraordinarily fast.

Ned Christiansen

12-03-10, 07:59

I saw some go through a class this summer, two guys using it, that translates to about 2000 rounds..... no problems reported. I do know they had 5.56 chambers.

I've had very good results personally with CorBon rifle ammo. The 77 grain SMK load gives any premium factory load a run for its money.

ST911

12-03-10, 10:12

".223" in quotes because for the hair-splitters out there, .223 =/= 5.56x45. ;)

It isn't hair splitting. .223 isn't 5.56.

A local store has this in stock for ~$330 per case of 840. After talking to the staff about it (whom I've known for years, having worked there in the past, and have come to trust) they say it's rebranded Winchester Q3131,

Ask them to source the info. They can't. It's nonsense.

and that it's loaded hot. As in, blown-primer, case-neck-split hot.

A year or two ago, I got a good bulk buy on the Corbon .223 FMJ. It was accurate, but lightly impulsed. Some other users nearby reported stoppages consistent with light ammo in guns near functional threshold for one reason or another. That's not an indictment of the load, just the reality of the ammo and/or combination.

Corbon is known for hot loads. I would not consider their .223 ball load, or several others in the .223 line, one of them. I've had good experience with their 55gr BK, which is extremely accurate, but also is a light shooter.

Dionysusigma

12-06-10, 20:07

Welp, burned the box of 140 tonight for T&E. Accuracy is about the same as XM193.

But boy howdy, the guys at the shop were right. A full 40-50% of the cases cracked at the neck or shoulder, with about ten of them having multiple ruptures. No case head separation, nor popped primers, but found 10-20 with pierced primers. Louder overall, too. :blink:

I think I'll stick with Federal XM193 or similar from here on out...

markm

12-06-10, 20:18

but found 10-20 with pierced primers.

FINALLY!!! Someone else who had the same experience as I did. I fired my Corbon through a known good gun too.... before the chamber conspiracy theororists start. :p

ST911

12-06-10, 21:52