The RA556B is part of the FBI’s multi-award carbine ammunition contract, along with Federal Cartridge’s XM556FBIT3. Both loads were judged to meet the contract criteria, and numerous other Federal LE agencies are authorized to purchase this ammunition.
The FBI awarded a multi-award contract for 5.56mm NATO carbine ammunition, designated as RA556B, to both Federal Cartridge and Winchester. This contract is notable for several reasons:
First true 5.56mm pressure loading: The FBI mandated a true 5.56mm pressure loading, unlike the typical anemic .223 pressure loadings commonly marketed to law enforcement agencies. This results in approximately 200 fps (feet per second) more velocity, enhancing performance in short-barreled weapons and improving function in dirty or dusty conditions. Stripper clip packaging: The contract requires ammunition to be packaged on stripper clips, facilitating rapid magazine loading. Barrier-blind performance: Both Federal Cartridge’s 62 gr Trophy Bonded Bear Claw (TBBC) bonded JSP load (XM556FBIT3) and Winchester’s 64 gr solid base bonded JSP load (Q3313 on stripper clips/RA556B in 20 rd boxes) offer outstanding terminal performance, even after defeating intermediate barriers like vehicle windshields. Multi-award contract: This is the first multi-award contract for the FBI’s carbine ammunition, with both Federal Cartridge and Winchester meeting the contract criteria. Authorized for other LE agencies: Numerous other Federal law enforcement agencies are authorized to purchase ammunition off this contract.
Contract Details
Award value: Up to $97 million Ammunition specifications: 5.56mm NATO, 62 gr (Federal) or 64 gr (Winchester) solid base bonded JSP, packaged on stripper clips Contract duration: Not specified
Implications
The FBI RA556B contract sets a new standard for law enforcement carbine ammunition, emphasizing performance, reliability, and ease of use. The multi-award nature of the contract allows multiple suppliers to meet the FBI’s requirements, promoting competition and innovation in the industry.
I suppose you guys will want to correct that as well. According to the above, what I said is correct, which is that this load is in use by the FBI. I didn't say anything about exclusivity.
"I am your retribution." - Donald Trump, speech at CPAC, March 4, 2023
December 18, 2024, 07:47 PM
Black92LX
Got a line on a place to get any currently?
———————————————— The world's not perfect, but it's not that bad. If we got each other, and that's all we have. I will be your brother, and I'll hold your hand. You should know I'll be there for you!
December 18, 2024, 08:18 PM
parabellum
I acquired a small quantity from a forum member, and added to it with a few hundred rounds from SG Ammo last December. The ammo from SGA was "diverted" into the commercial market after being rejected by government purchasers due to sloppily applied (and in some cases, absent) primer sealant, which, as you can see in the video below, has no effect on the ballistic performance of the cartridge. When Winchester reclassifies ammunition for any reason, they apply a "Z" prefix to the standard SKU, so the ammo from SGA was ZRA556B.
Unfortunately, it seems this ammunition appears infrequently on the commercial market these days.
When it
December 19, 2024, 09:03 AM
pbslinger
I shrug off hits from ammo with misappled primer sealant like swatting flies.
December 19, 2024, 01:51 PM
Bigbuck5
quote:
Originally posted by Black92LX: Got a line on a place to get any currently?
*edited*This message has been edited. Last edited by: parabellum,
December 19, 2024, 01:55 PM
RogueJSK
Careful, that's a blatant scam website. Has all the hallmarks and red flags of these type of typical gun/ammo-related scam sites, which have been popping up like flies lately.
Bad English grammar. Only accepts electronic payments and cryptocurrency. Broken links and pages. Newly registered and with zero online footprint. Good prices and suspicious stock levels for unobtainable items. No info on the business itself. Etc.
December 19, 2024, 04:50 PM
Bigbuck5
quote:
Originally posted by RogueJSK: Careful, that's a blatant scam website. Has all the hallmarks and red flags of these type of typical gun/ammo-related scam sites, which have been popping up like flies lately.
Bad English grammar. Only accepts electronic payments and cryptocurrency. Broken links and pages. Newly registered and with zero online footprint. Good prices and suspicious stock levels for unobtainable items. No info on the business itself. Etc.
My apologies, I just did a quick search while doing something else at the same time.