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Old March 3, 2009, 06:48 PM   #1
DanThaMan
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What grain of 5.56/223 to use?

Again, I'm new to the AR-world. I understand that individual guns tend to "like" certain brands and grains of ammunition. But for those of you who have AR 15s with 16 inch barrels and 1:9 twists rates, what is the best grain/brand of ammo for your rifle?

I am looking to buy some 5.56 in bulk within the next two or three weeks and was wondering what grain is best for a rifle with a 16 inch barrel and 1:9 twist.

Before you say it, I know I will have to sample different types at the range, and I plan on that, but I would like to get a general idea of what to sample.
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Old March 3, 2009, 06:52 PM   #2
ar15chase
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I have tried them all. Both of my AR-15's seem to like 55grain ammo the best. I find my carbine with a 16inch barrel to like Winchester the best. Were my rifle with the 20inch barrel, seems to like PMC bronze better. I can put 2 inch groups at 100yrds with either using the ammo they like.
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Old March 3, 2009, 06:56 PM   #3
DanThaMan
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I am fond of 62 grain simply for the additional penetration (although marginal) and resistence to wind. What would a 62 grain perform like in a 16 inch 1:9 twist?
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Old March 3, 2009, 07:00 PM   #4
ar15chase
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Well I havent fired enough 62 grain ammo to give a good answer. But I can tell you that I have fired quiet a bit of 60 grain Hornady Tap ammo with great results. Although they are pricey. I know you have already heared this, but all I can suggest is buy a few boxes, of different brands, and see what kind of results you get. Then buy you bulk ammo. Sorry if thats not enough help to ya. Good luck with you AR. Welcome to the club.
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Old March 3, 2009, 07:02 PM   #5
thinkingman
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Try Black Hills bluebox 60gr Vmax.
Very tight groups and bullet weight is appropriate for your barrel.
$28/50.
Good luck.
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Old March 3, 2009, 07:04 PM   #6
ar15chase
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As I mentioned earlier I like the PMC Bonze. You can get 200rds at thesportsmansguide.com for $89
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Old March 3, 2009, 07:08 PM   #7
LateNightFlight
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Here's a link to a page I've found helpful to ball-park my bullet selections. I say "ball-park" because I've found some ammo that worked well outside the limits suggested by the chart. http://www.ammoland.com/2008/11/29/b...-for-your-gun/

What matters isn't actually the weight, so much as the length of the bullet that will properly stabilize with your rifle's twist. But the bullet weight & length go hand-in-hand, so it's a useful equivalent.
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Old March 3, 2009, 07:38 PM   #8
Spur0701
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The only real "no-no" as far as 5.56 goes is never put anything over 55g though a 1:12 twist.......a lot of people are building "retro" ARs using surplus A1 uppers. The heaver bullets won't stabilize in the slower twist rate and accuracy beyond 100 yards really sucks.
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Old March 3, 2009, 08:27 PM   #9
supergas452M
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My new Daniel Defense M4 Carbine is 1:7 twist chrome lined 16". I hope to be able to shoot up to 74 gr but my plinking ammo will be 55 grain.
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Old March 3, 2009, 08:53 PM   #10
HiBC
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I have a 16 in 1 in 9 twist h-bar.My load is 25 gr Varget and a 69 gr,either Sierra MK or Nosler Competition. I get 2780 fps one windy day I was shooting at a horizontal line,a target edge.I was only trying to verify an elevation at 500 meters,to verify a reticle.I shot 10,and my hand covered it.
This load functions well,and burns clean.
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Old March 3, 2009, 09:02 PM   #11
rantingredneck
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My 16" RRA likes Federal XM193 just fine. I've shot PMC 55 gr. fine in it too. I just picked up some Winchester Q3131 a few weeks ago too.

FYI, www.dsgarms.com recently had Federal XM193 for 405.00 per 1K.......
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Old March 4, 2009, 01:41 AM   #12
longrifles, Inc
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Dan,

If you want plinking ammo then might I suggest COR BON. Pete Pi is a personal friend of mine and he has his own little rendition of the M855 that shoots quite well out of 1-9 barrels.

Affordable too.
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