556 ammo, what is it.

[BISHOP]

Years ago I bought a case of what was supposed to be tracers.
I was told that they have been "damaged"

Basically none of them trace out of the gun, no matter what size barrel.

What they DO do is.... after fireing they won't do a thing until they hit something, then they trace. I have caused a handful of fires because of these sticking in the ground and then shooting fire from the hole.

Today I noticed that the tops are attracted to a magnet.
No idea of bullet weight.

The shells are basic looking (no heat marks at the neck), the primer is set in with 3 stake marks and is waterproof with red sealer.
The headstamp is HP 5.56 88
The bullets are painted red at the tip.

I have reciently heard of "no-show" tracers....


BISHOP

[AK-J]

How far out are you shooting them? Some tracers don't light up until after they've flown a 100+ yards.

[BigDuke6]

Not sure, but sometimes that stuff has to get some air time before it ignites. try shooting farther away?

also, found this.

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Ammo_Cross_Sections/index.htm

[Skip]

HP is Austria Hertegernber

[nitewatcherXX]

I bought some a couple of years ago. Made in the 60's. They were sold as "dead tracers" due to the age of the chemical in the tracer. About 30% or so traced. They all went bang tho' Maybe thats what you have? Expired tracers?

[BISHOP]

I have shot these things into the air. No trace.

I am talking about almost ALL will trace once they hit something, or bounce off something.

[nitewatcherXX]

sounds like something has to scratch the tracer chemical. Scratch a few with your finger nail or something. Then try it. Almost sounds like they have oxidation or something coating the tracer chemical?

[Schuetzenman]

Yes some tracer rounds need to go 100 to 200 yards before they trace visibly. As stated the HP is an Austrian made round, no telling what they had as a standard for when should the trace start.

[5.56NATO]

I have seen old US issue 556 tracers act the same. it's likely an age thing.