Armscor Ammo

[USGI]

I couldn't find that cartridge that had the long case. I'm pretty sure I pulled it down and used the case for reloading. It was "new" ammo made in the Phillipines. I think I found the bullet in a "test" round that I made up. It's copper colored and isn't attracted by a magnet. I've got some of the current Armscor bullets that I've used for reloading and they work OK for me - seem to give better accuracy than plated lead. The current bullets (gold) aren't attracted by a magnet either, so there's no steel in them. - Bob

[Bruce McAskill]

I used the stuff about 6 or 7 years ago and had issues with it. Every time I shot the stuff, it left copper residue in the barrel till the point I had to take it to a gunsmith to see what he could do about it. He was able to clean the barrel up well enough to shoot the carbine again. He stated that he felt there was an issue with the bullet being possibly oversized in some way. I don't know if that was the real issue with the ammo, but it sure made sense at the time. I will add that the carbine I was shooting was an early Universal, possibly with a USGI barrel. I also still have about 200 round of the stuff left. I never shot it again after the incident.

I am not sure if the latest ammo is to spec, so maybe it's better stuff than what I used several years ago.

A real good copper cleaner will remove the copper from the barrel even if left by a slightly oversized bullet. One with added ammonia is best. Used with a bronze brush it will remove the copper fouling. Once done the barrel should be cleaned with regular Hoppies. No need for a gunsmith to clean it. Then take it out and shoot it or sell it and get a good USGI carbine. Universal carbines are not fun.

[imarangemaster]

I have used about 1,000 of the Armscorp .223 55 grn FMJBT projectiles for reloading for my AR. They are very consistent.