.223 ammo recommendations

[Cobra642]

I recently purchased a Bushmaster M4A3 as a birthday present to myself and had a question for the experts. I haven't used a .223 round much since basic training in 1981 and don't know much about commercially available rounds.
My questions are:

1) What's a good brand/type of ammo for zeroing and basic range shooting, and

2) What's a good brand/type for having on hand for the next suburban neighborhood insurrection, or for that matter

3) What are brands/types to stay away from.

Thanks in advance.

[Pete]

There are some very good weapons/ammo guys who will come along in a bit and give the complete breakdown and a few links.

Not all weapons should fire the 5.56mm while anything that can fire the 5.56mm can fire the .223 round. The 5.56mm is usually loaded to produce higher pressures and a faster round. Check your weapon to be sure it's chambered for 5.56mm Nato or .223 Remington. Bushmasters should be all chambered for the 5.56mm.

Once you get into the 5.56mm you have 55 grain and 62 grain rounds. You'll find other terms like "green tip" British SS 109. Makers include Wolf, Silver Bear (?), Hornady, Remington, Winchester, Federal just to name a few.

I'm not too picky and will shoot the cheapest I can find as I just mainly plink out to 200 meters. Missfires? Only missfires I ever had was with some Egyption 8mm Mauser. Mixed lots and bulk packed.

The M4 has a short barrel and fails to get max pressure/speed out of standard military rounds.

[The Reaper]

Cobra:

You might get a better response if you read the rules, stickies, intros, etc., and introduced yourself in the proper place before asking for help. We have other Snake pilots here who might like to know you.

You might also acquaint yourself with the "Search" button in the upper right-hand corner of the board and check to see if it has been asked before.

Have a nice day.

TR

[Pete]

http://www.thegunzone.com/556v223.html

and

http://www.winchester.com/lawenforce...spx?storyid=11

Pete
Just a plinker with a 5.56mm Chamber

[Cobra642]

Pete,

Thanks for the links. That cleared a lot of things up.

I guess I should change my question to what 5.56 mm ammo is recommended?

[The Reaper]

Originally Posted by Cobra642

Pete,

Thanks for the links. That cleared a lot of things up.

I guess I should change my question to what 5.56 mm ammo is recommended?

Depends on your barrel twist and intended purpose.

TR

[Pete]

Hey Cobra;

you might be able to kill some time here

http://www.ammo-oracle.com/body.htm#diff

I just peeked in there but there are a number of links to other areas.

Pete the Plinker

One day I'll tell the story on how I out-shot the Ranger while sitting in the middle of nowhere in Kuwait. He still says I took advantage of his lack of knowledge with the M16.

[Cobra642]

Barrel is a 1 in 9 twist.

Purpose; in no particular order:

1) recreational shooting; plinking.

2) personal defense on mountain property, ie. small brown bear, mountain lion, lunatic mountain fringe element. This would probably include lethality inside 100 yards and reliability. I'm very open to other suggestions.



Pete, Thanks for the link.

[The Reaper]

Any load approximating the issue M193 such as the Winchester Q3131A or Federal American Eagle would be my generic choice.

Look for a 55 grain bullet with a cannelure.

If you want a more expensive precision round, the 62-69 grain match HPs should shoot well in your rifle.

For light game, I would take any of the heavier bullets in a bonded version.

For varmints, the lighter bullets.

For two legged game, the M193 clones should do just fine.

Avoid Wolf and unknown foreign surplus. Others may have a different opinion, this has been discussed here several times if you want to look it up.

I also enjoy the .22 conversion kit for plinking and CB cap use.

TR

[Cobra642]

Thanks again. That info and the link Pete provided was just what I was looking for.

[JGarcia]

After having read this thread and its links, I wonder if it is possible for our Company Commander or his representative to order M193 ammunition when we are deployed?

[Gold Eagle]

Originally Posted by The Reaper

Any load approximating the issue M193 such as the Winchester Q3131A or Federal American Eagle would be my generic choice.

Look for a 55 grain bullet with a cannelure.

If you want a more expensive precision round, the 62-69 grain match HPs should shoot well in your rifle.

For light game, I would take any of the heavier bullets in a bonded version.

For varmints, the lighter bullets.

For two legged game, the M193 clones should do just fine.

Avoid Wolf and unknown foreign surplus. Others may have a different opinion, this has been discussed here several times if you want to look it up.

I also enjoy the .22 conversion kit for plinking and CB cap use.

TR

T R what 22 conversion do you recommend at this time? Thanks

[The Reaper]

I have the Ciener and the Spikes.

The Ciener runs well, but is the most difficult company to deal with I have ever encountered.

My Spikes does not run, even after being returned to the factory. Other who have them love theirs.

TR