Best source for 5.56/.223 ammo

View · by **yukonjasper** on Tue Jun 30, 2015 9:07 am

Howdy,
I just acquired a bolt action rifle which is stamped 5.56/.223 for the purposes of varmint/predator hunting. I have zero experience with the caliber(s) and had a couple of questions:
- When would I shoot 5.56 rather than .223?
- Good source for Ammo?
- Good price per round?
- Should I be bulk buying 5.56 or .223?
- Is it worth paying top dollar for the match grade ammo if I'm hunting?

I'm not a reloader and have minimal interest in ever doing that, so I'd be purchasing from some source. Understanding the 5.56 rounds can be higher pressure and higher velocity etc. would I use those as my hunting rounds or are the .223 fine for Coyote, skunk, fox, feral cats, etc. I know there can be a real sense of pride to sub MOA groups out to 600-900 yards, but doubt that will be me, so for normal 200-300 yard shooting in hunting situations how should I approach this?

View · by **MJY65** on Tue Jun 30, 2015 9:46 am

Generally, the 5.56 ammo is going to be geared toward FMJ or, in some cases, tactical bonded bullets. FMJ is great for plinking, but won't be either the most accurate or best choice for varmints. Match bullets are not the best for hunting, either.

I'd look for something like a Nosler Ballistic Tip or Hornady V-max in 55grain .223 factory loads.

View · by **yukonjasper** on Tue Jun 30, 2015 10:45 am

OK, so the 5.56 stuff is going to be the surplus military ammo and I shouldn't get too excited about that unless I can find a good deal to buy in bulk for paper punching and plinking.

I kind of figured the factory ballistic tip would be the way I'd go for hunting - based on what I've read.

I think I'll stick to the .223 FMJ for cheap range and plinking ammo and by the better predator specific ammo for its intended purpose.

Any places you can recommend for bulk ammo? Is $.49/round considered a good price?

View · by **Rip Van Winkle** on Tue Jun 30, 2015 11:16 am

Natchez has a sale on XM855 @ 39¢ a round.

View · by JJ on Tue Jun 30, 2015 11:24 am

IMHO, unless you are looking for the higher BC of a poly tipped bullet, I wouldn't spend the extra money. I've used the 55g Sierra Gameking for prairie dogs-whitetail and never been left wanting for performance.

To me, the poly tipped bullets offer a little better BC, and faster expansion when shooting prairie dogs, but won't offer you much for coyote sized game or larger. ;2cents:

View · by **MJY65** on Tue Jun 30, 2015 11:41 am

JJ wrote:To me, the poly tipped bullets offer a little better BC, and faster expansion when shooting prairie dogs, but won't offer you much for coyote sized game or larger. ;2cents:

Absolutely agree.

View · by **my1stpistol** on Wed Jul 01, 2015 8:32 pm

https://www.freedommunitions.com/category-s/1916.htm

Pretty good prices I shoot 9mm fmj reloads from them and .223 fmj reloads. Sevreal hundred rounds of each with no problems.

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View · by **shooter115** on Thu Jul 02, 2015 3:31 pm

I'll second Freedom Munitions.

View · by **yuppiejr** on Fri Jul 03, 2015 8:15 am

TheArmory has cases of wolf gold (brass mil contract m193 spec) for 316 shipped with a free 50 cal ammo can. Otherwise look for the Fiocchi or Federal 50 grain poly tips or 55 grain Winchester soft points, all will be at or below your budget.

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View · by **The Famous Grouse** on Sun Jul 05, 2015 8:54 pm

yukonjasper wrote:Understanding the 5.56 rounds can be higher pressure and higher velocity etc.

No generalizations can be made about 5.56 compared to .223. Everything depends on who made them, using what powder, and the exact dimensions and specs of the other components used.

Like every other rifle, yours will have a preference. I would try as many brands as possible before buying large quantities of bulk ammo. There is practcal of functional difference or advantage in 5.56 vs .223. Buy what you can get and test them all. Personally, the only 5.56 rifle I have actually prefers .223 ammo with a 50 grain varmint bullet.

Grouse

View · by **mahnster** on Tue Jul 07, 2015 12:35 am

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/4550/category/4459/

Tough to beat for plinking and varmints at this price. Has been MOA or better in several rifles for me and worked well on prairie dogs.

View · by **yukonjasper** on Tue Jul 07, 2015 11:28 am

mahnster wrote:http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/4550/category/4459/

Tough to beat for plinking and varmints at this price. Has been MOA or better in several rifles for me and worked well on prairie dogs.

Thank you. I grabbed some of this.

View · by **Ironbear** on Tue Jul 07, 2015 3:23 pm

my1stpistol wrote:https://www.freedommunitions.com/category-s/1916.htm

Oh my gosh! You can order by the pallet!!!!

https://www.freedommunitions.com/223-Pallet-Ammo-s/57312.htm

View · by **yukonjasper** on Fri Jul 10, 2015 1:58 pm

PSA still hasn't shipped

not the end of the world, but I wonder if that means they no longer have them in stock.

View · by **mahnster** on Fri Jul 10, 2015 5:05 pm

yukonjasper wrote:PSA still hasn't shipped
not the end of the world, but I wonder if that means they no longer have them in stock.

They aren't the fastest company when it comes to shipping. I wouldn't be worried yet.