I compare velocity out of my 16" guns with IMI and LC M193 ammo and my loads are close in velocity which should mean close in pressure.
MK262 is the only standard I know of that runs 5.56 pressure. It runs around 2750 fps in an 18" barrel. Armedferret says he's getting 2740 fps in his 16" gun with the 77 smk and you said you see about the same. To me that is "really hot".
You may have missed the part where I said "no pressure signs"....flat primers or a light ejector swipe would be "hot", popped primers or barbs sticking off the head from the ejector is "really hot". If there ain't signs of pressure, it ain't a hot load.
