5.56 case marking question

[GonzoGeezer]

I just bought some loose ammo for my AR and can find no clear reference on the Web on decoding the case markings. Evenly spaced are

M193 8 (or B) and 0 (or O).

I figure M193 means NATO spec, 55gr ball, but what about the other two?

Does anyone know how to decode this or can point me to a reference to search?

Thanks.

[Sliebl]

I would surmise that it's actually an 0 8 datecode, for 2008.

Found this: http://www.arizonashooting.com/v3/vi...6317&view=next

I hope that helps.

[GonzoGeezer]

I would surmise that it's actually an 0 8 datecode, for 2008.

I found such references as well. But what confused me is the spacing. I'm new to this stuff (exclusively a handgun guy until today!).

Looking at the cartridge, orienting the M193 at the top, the headstamp shows


M193

0 8

So your conclusion is that even though there is a large space between the two digits, they should be read a 08? Seems reasonable.

Any others who can confirm Sliebl's hypothesis?

Thanks.

[Sliebl]

Gonzo,
Can you post a picture of the headstamp?

I reload Lake City brass, from various sources, and see the following two markings, for example:

LC 10 (across the bottom of the headstamp)

or

L C
1 0 (4 letters all spaced equally on the 4 quadrants of the headstamp)

That's where my hypothesis comes from. I could be off base, but the headstamps that I have seen read this way, sort of like the lettering on a quarter. Read left to right on the top, and left to right on the bottom.

I'm also curious if others read this the same way.

[GonzoGeezer]

not my best work, but you can see what I'm trying to describe.


Thanks.

[weeds]

It's Centurion M193. Have (or had) half a case of it. Few dinged cases, one unusable due to a majorly defective neck, but it's all shot fine for me. Works during slow fire and rapid mag dumps, so it has my approval.

[GonzoGeezer]

Thanks for the information. Much appreciated! Now I just need a little warmth to make trudging across range a little easier to try this stuff out.

[Sliebl]

Thanks for the information. Much appreciated! Now I just need a little warmth to make trudging across range a little easier to try this stuff out.

Did you work up a recipe yet? Do tell.
I'm using 69gr Sierra HPBT bullets ahead of 24gr H335 powder with good results out of my Colt AR.

[GonzoGeezer]

Nothing to give away, yet. Reloading is on the list of things to start doing. I just got this AR and need to shoot up the ammo I got with the gun first. Then find a good source of a good product, then maybe look to reloading. I've always been a handgunner, but now I'm starting to enjoy this black gun stuff. So everything is new and I had and will have questions going forward.

This site is a great resource and I appreciate your kind assistance.

Stay Safe.

[Suburban]

It's Centurion M193. Have (or had) half a case of it. Few dinged cases, one unusable due to a majorly defective neck, but it's all shot fine for me. Works during slow fire and rapid mag dumps, so it has my approval.

Yup, I bought 500 rounds from AIM, maybe a year ago.

Any word on whether the cases are 5.56mm or actually .223Rem. The guys at AR15.com with chronys found that the Centurion stuff was not as hot as most M193.

I haven't started to reload the Centurion brass yet.