Need .223 Ammo opinions

[masterswimmer]

I'm in the process of building a .223/5.56, therefore I've never had the need to buy ammo. Obviously that's now changed. I'd like some input on decent quality range ammo. Our range only goes out to 200 yds so that would be the outside ballistic limit I need at this time.

We're not allowed to shoot any green tip/steel core rounds at club steel. Also no tracer or incendiary ammo is permitted. So no recommendations of those is needed.

Federal has a rebate being offered for case quantities at this time.

Help me out.....

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

I picked up a case of PMC bronze for my son to plink with. Seemed to be decently accurate....when they shot. Had more duds than I could believe. Out of the 15 boxes or so already shots I've prob got at least 8-9.

 

[Curmudgeon]

Plinking? I've never had trouble with those Federal 55 grain rounds.

Something more than plinking? I'd want to know what twist rate your barrel has first. But theres some nice 72 grain match ammo out there.

 

[togmaster]

Buy the Federal or whatever is cheapest. I like the Federal.

 

[Blimey]

The big green boxes of Fiocchi that can often be had for 250 rounds for $69 at dicks/field & stream (at least until dicks stops carrying guns) work well.

 

[masterswimmer]

The big green boxes of Fiocchi that can often be had for 250 rounds for $69 at dicks/field & stream (at least until dicks stops carrying guns) work well.

Thanks for taking the time, but i wouldn't take anything from Dicks if they offered it up for free.

 

[masterswimmer]

Plinking? I've never had trouble with those Federal 55 grain rounds.

Something more than plinking? I'd want to know what twist rate your barrel has first. But theres some nice 72 grain match ammo out there.

1:7

 

[2WheelGnnr]

what??? someone say "Free" and "Ammo" in the same sentence ?!

 

[@thewheels]

For plinking, I'm not picky with brand but I've honestly had good luck with everything I have tried.
I buy a few boxes of something and do a couple test runs. If it works in my guns and it's accurate enough for me to reliably ring the gongs, then I buy several more boxes or even a case.
At this point, I probably have at least 20 or so different brands/types to plink with. Bad for my OCD but on the other hand, I like options.

 

[JamieZ]

By far some of the best manufactured ammo out there is Black Hills. Your twist rate leads me to believe you should use ammo in the 65 grain and above range. You might find some 60 grainers that shoot well. I have a 8 twist and I am able to shoot 53 grain V-max boat tails accurately but normally only shoot 60 up to 65 grain loads, reloaded ammunition. Years and years ago when I first bought my first 223 I was buying Black Hills,,,,top quality,,you cant beat it!!

 

[masterswimmer]

@JamieZ thnx for the details. I'll definitely be picking up a box or two of Black Hills for comparison.

@@thewheels i like the idea of variety to test the waters. Stock up more after running some through the paces.

 

[Podmonkey]

For target shooting or plinking out to 300 yards 55gr shoots the flattest and is usually the cheapest too. For plinking Federal/Lake City XM193 is fine and there are some good deals on it lately. I also like Agulia and Fiocchi 223 as well. Shoots tighter than the XM193. If I want something a little more precise I also like the
Hornady "American Gunner" 55gr HP Match:

It's not true match ammo but it groups tighter than most bulk 55gr bulk types. I pick them up whenever I see one on a good sale. I once snapped up two cans when I saw them in an Academy Sports @ $99 per 247 rnd can. You'll see em on sale for $120 every now and again at most retailers, but I wouldn't pay the full retail price for it.
The very best retail stuff is Black Hills but its expensive.

 

[Podmonkey]

You have a 1:7 barrel so 77gr will shoot very well for you. Out of my rifle the IMI and Hornady 75gr OTMs do better than 1 MOA @200 yards.

 

[Calculon]

 

[@thewheels]

View attachment 37435

Cool chart - can't recall seeing that one before.

 

[Podmonkey]

Cool chart - can't recall seeing that one before.

I disagree with its conclusion

 

[@thewheels]

I disagree with its conclusion

The chart itself or the written summary?

 

[Podmonkey]

The summary.

 

[@thewheels]

The summary.

ah, I quit reading it at the 1st sentence.

 

[Calculon]

I use it as a general guideline. Most of my barrels are 223 wylde 1:8 so they shoot everything with slightly heavier weights (62+) performing better. I do have a 1:9 that i picked up on the cheap to see if I could get any better groups out of 55grain at 100 yds. So far no good.

I have more testing to do.