Ammo markings...help with identification

[ctx350]

I saw some "5.56 Nato" surplus ammo at a gun show today. The ammo is $140 for 1000 rounds, loose in an ammo can.

The top of the brass is stamped "5.56x45 NPA 99". The primer is also packed with some green stuff.

Can anyone tell me what this is and if it looks like a decent deal?

Sorry I can't post a pic and my limited ammo knowledge.

[Epinephrine]

Im not sure what the markings are, but any 5.56 that is below $180 per 1000 rounds is either South African, South American, or really really old 1980's Us military surplus. All those ammos are fine to shoot but usually arnt great in the accuracy department as current Xm193 surplus.

[pit dog-1]

I saw some "5.56 Nato" surplus ammo at a gun show today. The ammo is $140 for 1000 rounds, loose in an ammo can.

The top of the brass is stamped "5.56x45 NPA 99". The primer is also packed with some green stuff.

Can anyone tell me what this is and if it looks like a decent deal?

Sorry I can't post a pic and my limited ammo knowledge.

The NPA-99 is made by Olympic
a member here said he liked it. I think it was ( Krupski)
for 149$ I say get it

[JE3146]

Im not sure what the markings are, but any 5.56 that is below $180 per 1000 rounds is either South African, South American, or really really old 1980's Us military surplus. All those ammos are fine to shoot but usually arnt great in the accuracy department as current Xm193 surplus.

South African has skyrocketed in price... so no..

NPA-99 is Olympic... some people have problems with the case neck being too long in length and it having difficulties of chambering. It's hit and miss.

As for Krupski.. it amazes me how he can reccomend ammo like Olympic ammo, then degrade wolf. I'd take hypothetical extractor wear over possible kaboom anyday.... my .02$

[ctx350]

I picked some up and the guy also threw in a Portuegese Battle pack (200 rnds) for my WASR and sold me a AR-15 mag for 5 bucks. The mag is black, with no markings and was wrapped in an oily paper. The black mag looks cool in my Bushy M-4.

Hopefully the 5.56 turns out to be decent plinking ammo. I will definately be on the lookout for any FTF, FTE's and other difficulties. It might be a while before I can shoot any of it (too much snow), but I will report back with my results.

Thanks

[Epinephrine]

As for Krupski.. it amazes me how he can reccomend ammo like Olympic ammo, then degrade wolf. I'd take hypothetical extractor wear over possible kaboom anyday.... my .02$

Well I think both are shit, but thats my .02$ :D

No extractor wear or kaboom for me! :shiton:

[JE3146]

notice I said "hypothetical"... and not proven... my extractor works just dandy :)

[Epinephrine]

I know what you said, and I still think both are shit. I dont care if Wolf wears extractors or not, that shit isnt going to see my wallet! :D

[ctx350]

Looks like the shit got my wallet!!!

I am going to reserve judgement until I fire some, but the reviews I saw from a lot of others concerning Olympic ammo have lowered my expectations.

At least I can shoot it out of my Saiga if my Bushmaster rejects it.

[JE3146]

should work fine, just... wear eye protection :)

[Epinephrine]

It should be fine.

There are isolated cases of crap like that. Just like there have been problems with some lots of Q3131, mostly made in 1999 (soft brass has been reported resulting in extraction problems and buildup of brass flakes under the extractor); also the powder is burning at a faster rate than is typical and can cause problems if you gas port is not drilled to spec. Others have reported inconsistancy and overpressure problems (blowing primers).

Ammo is generally fine. What you normally have to worry about are reloads. Cuz then stuff like this can happen:

http://www.fulton-armory.com/Kaboom.jpg