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5.56 ammo smell

2.6K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  1911-9mm  
#1 ·
Is it just me or has anyone else noticed the funky odor of the gunpowder used in 5.56 ammo? Personally, I love the smell of "gunpowder in the morning". Except for this one i find it very acrid and pungent. Almost like those ammonia caps that used to be used to wake you up when you werer passed out. Does anyone know what causes this? I'm thinking it might be a preservative in the ammo (in the case of surplus ammo).
 
#3 ·
The 5.56 ammo in we shot in the Army, both M193 and M855, always had a slightly ammonia like smell to it. At least to me.

I got used to it and it sort of smells right when shooting an AR.

Tula on the other hand stinks when fired.
 
#4 ·
Except for this one i find it very acrid and pungent. Almost like those ammonia caps that used to be used to wake you up when you werer passed out. Does anyone know what causes this?
Sounds like you may have some OLD or spoiled Powder. I've always been told if it smells as you stated, it's bad. :eek: