Marking tracers

[Blalock]

I am going to buy 500 rounds of Freedom Munitions remanufactured tracer rounds in 5.56. The price is right but they are not marked with painted tips. I occasionally shoot at a place where there are large stockpiles of mulch. Obviously if I accidently shot a tracer into a 400 foot long mulch pile it could be disasterous. I want to mark the tips with paint but I'm not sure what kind of paint would be the best to do so. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[hairba111]

It's your ammo mark it anyway you like.

 

[guthook]

The standard for the M856 (5.56x45 64gr tracer round) is an orange painted tip.

I asked this question a few years ago about making M855 green tip.

The simplest answer was using a small dish sponge soaked in paint and lightly pressing the tip of the finished round into the sponge, then sitting them upright in a case loading block to dry. If applied too thick, it will run or possibly throw off the balance of the bullet.

 

[BradMacc82]

It's your ammo mark it anyway you like.

^This.

Multiple methods to use for marking, guthook's mentioned method is solid.

Just be sure that whatever method/color you use, is going to be something that sticks in your mind when your loading up.


I personally don't bother with tracers myself, haven't found many that reliably light-off thru a 16" barrel.

 

[Kais]

Red/Orange paint on the tip, or if you have it a different container just for your tracers.

 

[WeaponsCollector]

Permanent marker works good but it can rub off a little.

 

[BlackBart]

Id rob the wife's finger nail paint. Most airframe mechanics have used it to mark "slipmarks" on taper bolts ect, good enough to show you're not going to lose a wing or empennage so it's damn sure good enough to paint the tip of a bullet. Hell, even has it's own brush!

 

[BradMacc82]

Id rob the wife's finger nail paint. Most airframe mechanics have used it to mark "slipmarks" on taper bolts ect, good enough to show you're not going to lose a wing or empennage so it's damn sure good enough to paint the tip of a bullet. Hell, even has it's own brush!

Sparkly too.

 

[mikec]

Tracers have been traditionally either red or orange. (At least in the US) Using green paint or marker wouldn't be a good idea, someone might think they are M855 and fire them and cause issues.

 

[BlackBart]

Sparkly too.

I liked the smell therefore I always painted the slipmarks and would promptly passout and fall overboard.

 

[BradMacc82]

I liked the smell therefore I always painted the slipmarks and would promptly passout and fall overboard.

Going over just gives the guys something to do, especially if you manage to go over the netting too...

 

[BigCity]

Wait, you're a fireman. Try pink...

 

[Blalock]

Thanks to those of you who actually took this seriously. I was actually looking for TYPE of paint. I've done some research and I'm going with red Testors model paint.

 

[Blalock]

Wait, you're a fireman. Try pink...

Pink was a close second though.....

 

[guthook]

A fast-drying enamel paint should do. Whatever you use, make sure it dries hard, not gooey.

 

[BlackBart]

A fast-drying enamel paint should do. Whatever you use, make sure it dries hard, not gooey.

True, hence the use of nail polish on aircraft. Dumb assed tweets would no doubt see the marks and feel the urge to see if it was wet. I'm certain they haven't evolved with time.

 

[guthook]

Most of my tracers have a powdery coat like a primer, but some of my M855 has a thick, green glossy appearance.

Here's a pic of some of my tracers.

 

[Blalock]

Most of my tracers have a powdery coat like a primer, but some of my M855 has a thick, green glossy appearance.

Here's a pic of some of my tracers.

View attachment 60994

Thanks!

 

[guthook]

Thanks!

No problem.

Good luck to you and tell us how they turn out.