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ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2018 7:36 pm
by NoFlyZone
Hey all,
I hope to have a new Single Shot in .223 coming soon. I don't reload but I want to stock up on some ammo.
I have to admit, I'm new and uninformed when it comes to .223 and 5.56.
I'm not looking for hunting rounds, just some target practice at this point.
Any recommendations on which ammo and brands? Anything I should stay away from?
Thanks in Advance
Dale
Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2018 9:00 pm
by Frontiersman
If it's a single shot, it doesn't make a lot of difference. The best deals I have found are at Walmart. There are several options. The Federal 100 round bulk pack is probably the best price per round. 34.99 when I stopped the other day. There are a few places on the net that are a bit cheaper, but not after shipping. And usually, it's steel cased. I prefer brass.
I've had some trouble getting gecco to cycle my ars reliably, but not an issue for you. If you are not looking for match grade ammo, I honestly have found little difference in performance of the various 55gr offerings.
Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 7:42 pm
by NoFlyZone
Thanks Frontiersman.
That helps me out. I think I would prefer brass cased too, instead of steel.
Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 8:12 pm
by North Country Gal
We shoot a lot of 223 for fun and informal target work. It's our main purpose for shooting 223. We have excellent luck with American Eagle bulk 55 FMJ and, especially, the American Eagle Varmint tip 50 grain ammo which still very affordable. Most of our 223s will do inch to inch and half for 5 shots at 100 yards with the 50 grin VTs and a touch wider with the cheaper 55 FMJs. This is plenty accurate enough for recreational shooting, plus the ammo burns clean. When we are in the mood to push our 223s to their max, we then shoot the high priced varmint factory ammo.
Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 8:34 pm
by GaHenryFan
If I'm not mistaken, the single shot is a 1:9 twist. My 1:9 TC Compass loves 55gr bullets, but I've had good luck with 40 and 69gr too.
Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 8:39 pm
by GaHenryFan
Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 8:40 pm
by CT_Shooter
NoFlyZone wrote:I hope to have a new Single Shot in .223 coming soon. I don't reload but I want to stock up on some ammo.
Check out Target Sports USA. They ship bulk ammo for free.
https://www.targetsportsusa.com/223-rem ... -c-83.aspx
Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 8:45 pm
by tx gunrunner
You know there is a different between .223 and 5.56 just like 308 Winc and 7.62 x 51 are 2 different cartridge too .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_8i430fxOA
Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 9:54 pm
by NoFlyZone
Great info and options. Thanks everyone! I can't wait to get it.
tx gunrunner, yes I did know there is a difference. Thanks for pointing it out. As far as I have read, the Henry is chambered for 5.56 so I should be able to shoot both.
Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 10:14 pm
by JCN
I like to recommend PMC Bronze. It can be found for $6/box of 20 fairly regularly. Check palmetto state armory, cabelas or SG Ammo.
Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2018 8:02 pm
by tx gunrunner
NoFlyZone wrote:Great info and options. Thanks everyone! I can't wait to get it.
tx gunrunner, yes I did know there is a difference. Thanks for pointing it out. As far as I have read, the Henry is chambered for 5.56 so I should be able to shoot both.
Next you need to know the rate of twist to see which weight bullet will stabilize best in that rifle at long yardage .

Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2018 9:32 pm
by NoFlyZone
Thanks gunrunner,
I just checked the Henry site and it says.... Rate of Twist 1:09
Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 12:24 am
by tx gunrunner
NoFlyZone wrote:Thanks gunrunner,
I just checked the Henry site and it says.... Rate of Twist 1:09
That is a great twist and my 1st choice . It should like 62 gr or heavy bullets for long range and hunting . The 55 gr is lightest bullet should not stabilize too good past 75 yds . Check with AR15 guys for the best bullet weight for 1:09 so you get the correct bullet for your gun .
Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 12:26 am
by tx gunrunner
tx gunrunner wrote:NoFlyZone wrote:Thanks gunrunner,
I just checked the Henry site and it says.... Rate of Twist 1:09
That is a great twist and my 1st choice . It should like 62 gr or heavy bullets for long range and hunting . The 55 gr is lightest bullet should stabilize past 75 yds . Check with AR15 guys for the best bullet weight for 1:09 so you get the correct bullet for your gun .
Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 10:44 am
by North Country Gal
The CZs we've been shooting are a 1 in 9 and they do very well with the 55 to 64 grain factory ammo. Accuracy falls off if you much lighter or heavier on the bullets.
Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 11:32 am
by Sir Henry
I ordered a new Long Ranger in .223/5.56Nato so I'm following this thread closely. I have lots of ammo but it is almost entirely 5.56Nato.
Re: ammo recommendation for .223/5.56
Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 7:46 pm
by NoFlyZone
Great info for my question.. Thanks gunnrunner and NCgal. I'll get a couple boxes of different ammo but stay to the 55-64 grain stuff.
My new Single Shot .223 should be here next week.