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It’s controversial that the 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington are the most well-liked centerfire cartridges, by quantity, in america immediately. The very best 5.56 ammo is correct and may fill a number of roles. It additionally is determined by your software. A precision match load may be finest for you, or possibly simply reliable, low-cost 5.56 ammo. Amongst centerfire cartridges, it dominates because the plinker-in-chief, and has been our commonplace navy situation cartridge for many years. Nevertheless it additionally excels in competitors, looking, coaching, and self protection purposes. In-fact, there will not be a extra typically helpful cartridge on the books or in our gun cupboards.
Though the 5.56mm NATO and the .223 Remington are barely completely different cartridges—extra on that later—each are ubiquitously known as 5.56. Hell, I do it myself. That’s why you’ll see so many .223 Remington hundreds on this take a look at—they usually’ll be known as 5.56 ammo. Strive to not have a stroke. There is a superb number of 5.56 ammo out there, which makes testing and figuring out the perfect 5.56 ammo a gargantuan process. I recorded over 500 5-shot teams from six rifles to see simply how all this ammo would carry out.
This will probably be a dwelling doc, with extra samples and knowledge folded in down the street. This take a look at of 23 completely different 5.56mm NATO and .223 Remington hundreds is a superb place to begin for choosing ammunition for quite a lot of purposes, and it represents the final subject properly.
Match Ammo
Searching and Defensive Ammo
Vary and Follow
5.56 vs. .223 Remington: Are They Interchangeable?
If you happen to’re an astute stickler for particulars, you’ve already famous that there’s certainly a distinction between the 5.56X45mm NATO cartridge and the .223 Remington. Though each cartridges are derivatives of the .222 Remington and have the identical exterior dimensions, there are a pair key variations.
Rather a lot has been written on these variations in chamber design and pressures, however standard lore boils down to at least one level: when utilized in some .223 chambers, the 5.56mm NATO cartridge may cause strain that exceeds SAAMI specs.
Due to the commonly-exercised interchangeable use of the 5.56mm NATO and .223 Remington cartridges, some barrel producers at the moment are chambering in .223 Wylde, which is designed to be a cross-compatible chamber minimize.
Chary people will let you know that it’s secure to shoot .223 Remington ammo in a 5.56mm NATO chamber, but it surely’s not secure to shoot 5.56mm NATO ammo in a .223 Remington chamber. Typically, that is bunk. If you happen to’re making an attempt a brand new 5.56mm NATO load in your .223 chamber, verify for strain indicators, positive, however in a contemporary rifle, you’re not prone to encounter any points. I’ve fired an amazing quantity of navy M855 ball and different 5.56mm NATO by way of common previous .223 chambers with out a lot as a flattened primer—together with on this take a look at. Concentrate, however proceed.
What Do Twist Charges Imply for Deciding on the Greatest 5.56 Ammo?
The twist price of your barrel can exclude sure ammunition based mostly on bullet weight. Throughout the spectrum of 5.56mm NATO and .223 Remington rifles, you’ll see twist charges from 1:14 (1 twist in 14 inches of barrel size) to 1:7.
Slower twist charges may be nice for 40-, 50-, and 55-grain bullets, however received’t stabilize heavier bullets. An instance of this is likely one of the rifles I used to complement this take a look at. It has a 1:9 twist Kreiger match barrel that may shoot lights-out with bullets as much as 70 grains. It is not going to, nevertheless, shoot heavier 75-, 77-, or 80-grain bullets precisely.
The commonest modern twist charges for five.56mm NATO and .223 Remington barrels are 1:7 and 1:8. A 1:8 twist barrel is able to stabilizing any commonplace manufacturing facility ammunition, together with the favored 77-grain Sierra Matchking. As demonstrated by the service rifle that received me a distinguished rifleman badge a few years in the past, it’ll additionally shoot the ultra-long 80-grain Sierra Matchkings—though the 80- and 90-grain VLD match bullets are too lengthy to slot in a typical journal and have to be single-loaded for an AR-type rifle. The run-of-the-mill mil-spec AR-15 barrel could have a twist price of 1:7, making it able to stabilizing any of the perfect 5.56 ammo yow will discover.
How We Examined the Greatest 5.56 Ammo
The Outside Life gun group takes pleasure in exercising an intensive and industry-leading protocol when testing weapons and ammunition. As a result of a number of teams by way of one or two rifles is simply too small of a pattern dimension to let you know something actually helpful, I went the additional mile. I requested, gathered, and acquired all of the ammunition I might fairly handle, in quite a lot of types to characterize competitors, leisure, looking, and defensive purposes.
Take a look at Rifles
I chosen my take a look at rifles to reflect what many shooters are utilizing, and to supply a spectrum of barrel lengths, twist charges, and rifle types. In whole, I used six completely different rifles for this take a look at. I fired every load by way of 4 of the rifles, and used two of them to collect supplementary knowledge.
Ruger AR-556 MPR Proof Barrel
- .223 Wylde
- 20-inch Proof carbon-fiber barrel
- 1:8 twist
Lone Star Armory TX15 Designated Marksman Gentle
- .223 Remington (KWC chamber)
- 20-inch Bartlein metal barrel
- 1:7 twist
Lone Star Armory TX15 Multi-Objective Carbine
- .223 Wylde
- 16-inch Boss carbon-fiber barrel
- 1:7 twist
Christensen Arms Fashionable Precision Rifle
- .223 Remington
- 20-inch carbon-fiber barrel
- 1:8 twist
Savage M110 Carbon Predator
- .223 Remington
- 18-inch Proof carbon-fiber barrel
- 1:7 twist
Lone Star Armory TX4 Carbine (older)
- .223 Remington
- 16-inch Kreiger stainless-steel barrel
- 1:9 twist
- Was not used with bullets heavier than 69 grains
DIY Mil-Spec Construct
- 5.56mm NATO
- 16-inch M4-profile barrel
- 1:7 twist
- Used as a reference level for a number of widespread hundreds
Testing Protocol
Crucial factor we need to learn about the perfect 5.56 ammo is the way it shoots, particularly in quite a lot of rifles. My fundamental testing protocol was to fireplace a minimum of two, however ideally 4 or 5 recorded teams from 100 yards with every kind of ammunition, by way of every of the primary 4 main rifles. My whole group quantity per load diverse a bit because of the ammo I had out there and consistency of efficiency. I usually fired fewer teams with ball ammo that exhibited common efficiency and consistency than I did with match ammo or ammo that displayed above-average accuracy. Taking pictures additional teams gave a fine-tuned common for the extra correct hundreds, however for mediocre-shooting hundreds, it was unlikely to maneuver the needle a lot.
I additionally fired teams with ammunition that used 69-grain and lighter bullets by way of the 1:9-twist Kreiger-barreled TX4 along with the 4 main rifles. I recorded teams with some commonplace 5.56 ammo just like the MK 262 MOD 1-C and M855 by way of the mil-spec DIY rifle to make use of as a reference level as properly.
I fired five-shot teams, with out pausing between pictures in a string. Between teams, I rotated rifles in order that barrels might cool. On the finish of testing, I fired 10-shot, continuous-string teams at 300 yards with a few of the most correct rifle and cargo mixtures to see how properly they’d maintain on longer strings at longer distances.
Greatest 5.56 Ammo: Opinions and Suggestions
This take a look at was certainly one of tight margins. Lots of the hundreds I examined had been neck-and-neck, however listed here are my favorites.
Greatest General: Black Hills Ammo 5.56mm NATO MK 262 MOD 1-C
Key Options
- 77-grain Sierra Matchking w/cannelure
- Annealed brass
- Crimped primer
- Velocity: 2,750 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: .953 inches (43 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX15 DML, .814 inches
- 300-yard 10-shot accuracy common: 2.827 inches
- Value per spherical: $1.25
Professionals
- Glorious accuracy
- Versatile load
- High quality parts
- Good for long-range
Cons
- Restricted availability
- Requires 1:8 twist barrel
Probably the greatest all-around 5.56 hundreds is a real 5.56mm NATO cartridge—the MK 262. The load has its origins in particular operations and was designed for higher accuracy and downrange efficiency than the standard-issue M855 ball. It’s designed as AR 15 ammo and makes use of a 77-grain Sierra Matchking bullet, which is a juggernaught of across-the-course competitors, however this model which is just like the military-issued MK262 encompasses a canellure on the bullet to just accept a crimp. The usual 77-grain SMK doesn’t.
Unsurprisingly, the MK262 MOD 1-C ammo was correct throughout the entire take a look at rifles, and the heavy bullet holds onto that accuracy downrange. In my service rifle days, 77-grain SMK handloads had been the ticket at 200- and 300-yards, and will even shoot properly at 600 yards if I used to be quick on 80-grain VLD’s. This ammo shoots properly in each carbines and longer-barreled rifles, and I noticed no strain indicators when capturing it by way of the Christensen MPR chambered in .223 Remington.
Greatest Worth: AAC Match Grade 77-grain SMK 5.56 NATO
Key Options
- 77-grain Sierra MatchKing Bullet
- Annealed brass
- Cannelure/crimped neck
- Velocity: 2,700 fps
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: .942 inches (13 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: Savage Carbon Predator, .805 inches
- Value per spherical: $0.75
Professionals
- Nice accuracy
- Glorious worth
- Similar projectile because the MK 262 Mod 1C and lots of high match hundreds
- Versatile goal bullet
Cons
- Restricted retail choices (is usually bought out)
If there’s such a factor as an iconic 5.56mm or .223 match bullet, it’s the Sierra 77-grain MatchKing. It’s been successful throughout the course for many years, and is likely one of the hottest match bullets for these cartridges in existence. It maximizes bullet mass and BC whereas nonetheless in a position to be loaded into a typical AR-type journal. AAC’s Match Grade load options the identical cannelured 77-grain SMK that the famed MK 262 Mod 1 and Mod1C ammo use, and is loaded in annealed brass with a light-weight crimp.
This load averages a bit under 2,700 fps from a 16-inch barrel, however proper there with longer 18- and 20-inch barrels. What’s extra necessary, it’s extremely correct for the value. At 75 cents per spherical, it’s onerous to seek out one other 77-grain match load that may compete with it. It was correct within the 16-inch LSA MPC carbine, however was much more spectacular within the Savage 110 Carbon Predator. I recorded three 20-shot teams with the ammo by way of that rifle, each in 10- and 20-shot strings. General, they averaged .956 inches and velocity SD was 13.4 fps when capturing 10-shot strings and 28.2 fps when capturing steady 20-shot strings — maybe indicating some powder temperature sensitivity. My finest 20-shot group measured .891 inches from a 20-shot string, so accuracy wasn’t a difficulty.
Most Correct: Nosler Match Grade .223 77-grain Customized Competitors BTHP
Key Options
- 77-grain BTHP
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 2,600 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: .847 inches (24 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: Christensen Arms MPR, .687 inches
- 300-yard 10-shot accuracy common: 2.65 inches
- Value per spherical: $1.86
Professionals
- Greatest general accuracy
- Nice for competitors
- Good for service rifle competitors or precision rifle coaching
Cons
The Nosler 77-grain customized competitors averaged out as probably the most correct 5.56 ammo within the take a look at. It averaged a screaming .687 inches within the Christensen MPR, and even held underneath an inch within the 16-inch LSA TX15 carbine. At 300 yards out of the Christensen rifle, it held at .84 MOA for continuous strings of 10 pictures—a powerful feat.
As dominant and standard because the Sierra Matchking bullets are amongst shooters and ammunition producers, Nosler’s match ammo brings the products. On this case, it out-shines all others. It’s a load that requires a 1:8 or tighter twist barrel, however just like the MK 262, it could be wonderful defensive carbine ammo and could be a stable possibility for varmints.
Greatest for Larpers: Lake Metropolis 5.56mm NATO M855 Ball, 62-grain Inexperienced Tip
Key Options
- 62-grain steel-core FMJ
- 5.56mm NATO
- Velocity: 3,020 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 1.877 inches (26 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX4, 1.047 inches
- Value per spherical: $0.65
Professionals
- Typically low price
- Customary navy situation
- High quality brass
Cons
- Not appropriate with metal targets
M855 ball, additionally known as “5.56 inexperienced tip ammo,” is the quintessential 5.56 ammo. It’s a 62-grain FMJ bullet with a metal core and attribute inexperienced painted tip. M855 is commonplace situation. Its accuracy is mediocre, however a very good benchmark. It averaged group sizes of about an inch at finest and printed a number of teams over 3 inches. In my mil-spec 16-inch barrel, it averaged 2.862 inches for five pictures at 100 yards.
There are frankly higher choices for each observe, looking, defensive, and obligation ammo on this take a look at, however as a result of it’s standard-issue, M855 5.56 inexperienced tip ammo is a benchmark that must be included. The steel-core bullet will injury your costly AR500 targets and trigger probably harmful ricochet, so stick with common FMJ or frangible. If you happen to’re certainly one of many passionate shooters who need the whole lot to be true-to-issue, you want some inexperienced tip AR 15 ammo in your foot locker.
Greatest for Varmints: Freedom Munitions .223 55-grain V-Max
Key Options
- 55-grain Hornady V-Max
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 3,160 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: .978 inches (28 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX15 DML, .772 inches
- Value per spherical: $0.56
Professionals
- Glorious accuracy
- Time-proven varmint bullet
- Cut price-priced
Cons
- Not carried by most retailers
This was probably the most correct 5.56 ammo for predators and varmints, and likewise probably the most reasonably priced. Just like the Freedom Munitions 69-grain match load, this ammo is correct in quite a lot of weapons. Between the 16-inch TX4, the TX15 carbine, and the TX15 DML, I recorded 14 teams. Solely a type of teams measured greater than an inch. It averaged simply over an inch within the Ruger and Christensen.
The accuracy was nice, however once more, the value of the Freedom Munitions ammo is what actually grabbed my consideration. It’s half the value of many different comparable varmint hundreds, and the 55-grain Hornady V-Max is a confirmed varmint buster that I’ve killed many coyotes with. It will function an awesome residence protection spherical too, because the rapidly-expanding bullet received’t over-penetrate.
Greatest for Deer: Remington Premier .223 55-grain Accutip
Key Options
- 55-grain Accutip
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 3,240 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 1.167 inches (30 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: Christensen MPR, .848 inches
- Value per spherical: $2.00
Professionals
- Good accuracy
- Mechanically fixed jacket for weight retention on medium-sized recreation
- Glorious enlargement
Cons
- Not as sturdy as monolithic bullets
A wonderful all-around looking bullet, and nice possibility for recreation like deer is the 55-grain Accutip from Remington. It’s a polymer-tipped bullet that has a tapered jacket that’s mechanically fixed to the core. This permits speedy preliminary enlargement, however good weight retention and penetration. It’s going to require extra cautious shot placement than monolithic bullets just like the Nosler E-Tip and Barnes TSX, but it surely’s actually potent sufficient to get the job carried out on deer.
Greatest Lead-Free Ammo: Nosler .223 55-grain Enlargement Tip
Key Options
- 55-grain Nosler Enlargement Tip monolithic bullet
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 3,100 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 1.382 inches (21 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX15 DML, .825 inches
- Value per spherical: $2.15
Professionals
- Good accuracy
- Lead free
- Balanced enlargement and penetration
- Glorious weight retention
Cons
- Accuracy can differ rifle-to-rifle
Lead-free bullet expertise has improved dramatically prior to now 20 years, and there are a number of nice choices in the marketplace for hunters now. Nosler’s Enlargement Tip is a polymer-tipped all-copper bullet that’s designed for fast enlargement, however to maximise weight retention too. It’s a superb bullet for predators like coyotes, but in addition bigger recreation like deer. General accuracy was good, but it surely appeared that this ammo shot both very properly or very mediocre in rifles, with teams starting from the higher 1-inch vary, to persistently sub-inch, relying on the rifle. Though the BHA Barnes TSX load averaged a hair higher in accuracy, its availability is restricted proper now, so the E-Tip will get the nod.
Greatest Ball Ammo: Winchester USA Goal .223 55-grain FMJ
Key Options
- 55-grain FMJ
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 3,240 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 1.836 inches (13 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX4, 1.346 inches
- Value per spherical: $0.65
Professionals
- Good for observe and plinking
- Works with any twist price
- Available
Cons
- Solely ultimate for observe and goal capturing
Ball ammo is the bread and butter for scores of 5.56 and .223 shooters. It’s probably the most reasonably priced possibility for five.56 bulk ammo in case you’re into high-volume observe and plinking. Ball ammo is straightforward and easy, and most of it’s fairly constant. Many of the ball ammo I examined averaged 1.5- to 2-inch teams at 100 yards, and this Winchester 55-grain FMJ was proper on the high of the pack. It was edged out in accuracy by one different load, however due to its widespread availability, low price, and compatibility with metal and self-healing targets, it’s among the finest choices.
Greatest for Taking pictures Metal: Freedom Munitions .223 42-grain Zinc-core FMJ
Key Options
- 42-grain zinc core FMJ
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 3,500 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 1.397 inches (19 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: Ruger AR-556 MPR Proof, 1.184 inches
- Value per spherical: $0.47
Professionals
- Lead free
- Works with any twist price
- Nice for metal targets
- Very reasonably priced
Cons
- Solely ultimate for observe and goal capturing
Customary metal rifle targets may be shot with most common FMJ ammo, however it could actually typically bathe the shooter and bystanders with spall fragments—tiny items of bullet and jacket materials. Frangible ammunition is probably the most ultimate possibility for capturing metal targets, particularly at shut vary, and though this zinc-core FMJ ammo isn’t frangible, it’s lead free and fragments properly. When capturing excessive quantity indoors or at nearer vary, it can scale back the quantity of lead you’re uncovered to.
This ammo isn’t simply nice for metal although, it’s among the finest 5.56 ammo ball hundreds I examined. It was probably the most correct ball ammo, and probably the most reasonably priced—although you’ll most likely should order it.
The Greatest 5.56 Ammo: Extra Match Ammo
They won’t all be high canine, however this subject of ammunition was stuffed with robust contenders of their respective classes. Ammunition efficiency will naturally differ from rifle to rifle, and certainly one of these may also be finest one for you. Listed here are another wonderful hundreds within the match ammo class.
Barnes Precision Match 85-grain Match Burner OTM 5.56x45mm
Key Options
- 85-grain Match Burner OTM bullet
- Crimped primer
- Velocity: 2,600 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: .953 inches (19 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX15 DML, .672 inches
- Value per spherical: $1.65
Professionals
- Glorious accuracy
- Versatile load
- Matches in commonplace magazines
- Handles wind properly at longer distances
Cons
- Requires 1:8 twist barrel
Sometimes, we see a most bullet weight of 77 grains for standard-length 5.56 or .223 Rem. ammo. It’s widespread for shooters to load longer high-BC 80- and 90-grain bullets at an extended cartridge general size for slow-fire strings when capturing throughout the course —— or in bolt actions that may accommodate the additional size. The Barnes 85-grain Match Burner load is an exception to that, in that it’ll slot in commonplace magazines. The bullet has a barely decrease BC than the traditional 80-grain MatchKing, however is extra versatile.
I noticed wonderful accuracy with the 85-grain Match Burner in testing, and even used it within the 16-inch-barreled LSA carbine to shoot a 600-yard susceptible mid-range match. I managed a string of 10 pictures in a row hitting the 6-inch X-ring at 600 yards earlier than a wind change bought me. Nonetheless, 15 of 20 pictures contained in the 12-inch 10-ring at 600-yards with a 16-inch carbine isn’t dangerous. This could be an awesome possibility for DMR-style rifles, metal matches, or general-purpose use to buck the wind.
Black Hills Ammo .223 69-grain Sierra Matchking
Key Options
- 69-grain Sierra Matchking
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 2,850 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: .963 inches (18 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX15 MPC .704 inches
- Value per spherical: $1.11
Professionals
- Nice accuracy
- Nice for competitors and observe
- High quality parts
Cons
The one draw back to Black Hills Ammo’s 69-grain match load is that it’s onerous to seek out lately. I’ve some squirreled away, and finally it can come again. As in different hundreds, the Sierra Matchking is a stable performer, and the 69-grain bullet is right for the 200-yard line.
Freedom Munitions .223 69-grain HPBT Match
Key Options
- 69-grain BTHP
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 2,850 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: .891 inches (28 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX4, .657 inches
- 300-yard 10-shot accuracy common: 3.109 inches
- Value per spherical: $0.70
Professionals
- Glorious accuracy
- Nice for competitors or protection
- Cut price-priced
Cons
- Not carried by most retailers
Freedom Munitions introduced a ray of sunshine to our 2023 gun take a look at after they despatched us a pair circumstances of their very reasonably priced match 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition. It was so correct and constant that I needed to strive some right here too. Equally, this 69-grain Match BTHP load was a stellar performer. It ranked third out of the 23 examined hundreds in accuracy, and was solely in need of the highest spot by .044 inches in common group dimension. That’s arguably inside a cumulative margin of error of my very own measuring of all these teams.
This load shot properly in nearly each rifle and distinctive in some. It averaged .658 inch teams within the 1:9-twist TX4, and even held a 1.044-inch common within the DIY mil-spec AR carbine. Though the efficiency was stellar, it’s much more spectacular when contemplating how reasonably priced the ammo is. It outshot ammo like Federal’s Gold Medal Match—and rings up at half the fee.
Remington Premier Match .223 77-grain Sierra Matchking
Key Options
- 77-grain Sierra Matchking
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 2,790 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: .886 inches (20 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: Christensen Arms MPR, .681 inches
- 300-yard 10-shot accuracy common: 2.321 inches
- Value per spherical: $1.65
Professionals
- Distinctive accuracy
- Nice for competitors
- Good worth
Cons
- Received’t shoot properly in slow-twist barrels
Massive Inexperienced ammo has come again robust because the final huge Remington chapter debacle, they usually’ve been pumping out solid-performing ammo at a time once we really want it. I need each ammo and rifle to succeed—virtually to a fault—and it was pleasing to see this Premier Match load shoot so properly. It fires 77-grain Sierra Matchking bullets and was the second most correct load on this take a look at—and that was solely by a number of thousandths of an inch. The Christensen MPR took a shine to this load, and with it, I didn’t hearth a single group over one minute of angle. Even pounding out 10-shot teams at 300 yards, the load was decisively sub-MOA.
Remington Premier Match .223 69-grain Sierra Matchking
Key Options
- 69-grain Sierra Matchking
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 3,000 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 1.332 inches (21 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX15 DML, 1.054 inches
- Value per spherical: $1.75
Professionals
- Confirmed Matchking bullets
- Good for competitors or observe
- Good worth
Cons
- Accuracy wasn’t pretty much as good as 77-grain load
This 69-grain match load is true at residence in 1:9 twist barrels. Accuracy of this load wasn’t stellar, but it surely was good, and constant throughout all of the rifles examined. For service rifle competitors, the place the X-ring is roughly one minute of angle, this may be a very good possibility on the 200- and 300-yard traces.
Federal Gold Medal Match .223 69-grain Sierra Matchking
Key Options
- 69-grain Sierra Matchking
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 2,950 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 1.085 inches (18 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX4, .964 inches
- Value per spherical: $1.75
Professionals
- Confirmed Matchking bullets
- Nice accuracy
- Good for competitors or observe
- Nice commonplace load for accuracy analysis
Cons
- Dearer than some better-performing match ammo within the take a look at.
Federal Gold Medal Match wants no introduction, and it’s a typical ammunition that we frequently use when evaluating accuracy of rifles and evaluating different ammo. This load additionally options the favored 69-grain Sierra Matchking bullet, and sends it precisely. In order that we don’t get misplaced in simply how correct a lot of this ammo is, any load that averages an inch at 100 yards with five-shot teams throughout a number of rifles is great.
Hornady Superformance .223 75-grain BTHP Match
Key Options
- 75-grain Hornady BTHP
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 2,930 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 1.257 inches (18 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX15 MPC, .728 inches
- Value per spherical: $1.40
Professionals
- Good accuracy
- Aggressive value
- Good for competitors or observe
Cons
- Much less constant accuracy than another hundreds
Hornady’s Superformance line of ammo focuses on squeezing most velocity out of its chamberings, and that’s demonstrated with the two,930 fps pace of the 75-grain BTHP bullet. It’s a extra reasonably priced load than some others, and proved to have good accuracy—though it wasn’t constant rifle to rifle. Most rifles averaged simply over an inch at 100 yards, however teams from the 16-inch TX15 MPC carbine averaged .728-inch teams.
Winchester Match .223 69-grain Sierra Matchking
Key Options
- 69-grain Sierra Matchking
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 3,060 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: .938 inches (28 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX15 DML, .767 inches
- 300-yards 10-shot accuracy common: 4.1 inches
- Value per spherical: $1.40
Professionals
- Excellent accuracy
- Nice for 200 and 300 yards
- Good for competitors or observe
Cons
- Extra wind drift at 300 yards than 77-grain bullets
Winchester’s 69-grain Matchking hundreds produced a few of the tightest 100-yard groupings within the take a look at, together with the tightest general group of .298 inches. It posted a stellar common teams dimension, and could be a incredible go-to. It makes use of the venerable Sierra Matchking bullet, however received’t buck the wind in addition to 77-grain bullets at distances past 200 yards.
The Greatest 5.56 Ammo for Searching and Protection
The sphere for high quality 5.56 ammo for looking is simply as deep as it’s within the match class. A testomony to the 5.56mm NATO and .223 Remington’s versatility, many of those looking hundreds could be wonderful at pulling double-duty as self protection or residence protection hundreds as a result of their speedy enlargement prevents overpenetration.
G9 Protection Barrier Blind 54-Grain Stable Copper HP
Key Options
- 54-grain monolithic copper hole
- Gentle cannelure crimp
- Velocity: 2,900 fps (16-inch barrel)
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 1.29 inches (8 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: Savage Carbon Predator, 1.284 inches
- Value per spherical: $2.16
Professionals
- Versatile bullet
- Good velocity from shorter barrels
- Will penetrate limitations and nonetheless carry out
- Nice for protection or looking in lead-free areas
Cons
- Accuracy wasn’t wonderful
G9 protection, which makes a speciality of monolithic copper projectiles that aren’t like what we’d historically consider as defensive bullets, provides this quick and efficient 5.56mm load with a 54-grain copper hollowpoint. It’s designed to provide good muzzle velocity from 16- and even 10.5-inch barrels and penetrate widespread limitations whereas sustaining correct bullet operate.
The projectile encompasses a deep hollowpoint and two extensive, radiused grooves and a refined boat tail, in addition to a small cannelure crimping groove. It carefully resembles Hammer Bullets’ 57-grain HHT, however with out a tip. These bullets are designed to increase quickly, however keep their mass and supply 18 inches of penetration in calibrated ballistics gel. Whether or not for private protection or looking in non-lead-only areas, it is a nice possibility for carbine shooters who need constant, dependable efficiency and penetration. In my testing, accuracy wasn’t distinctive, but it surely was completely appropriate for looking or defensive functions.
Black Hills Ammo .223 62-grain Barnes TSX
Key Options
- 62-grain Barnes TSX
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 3,025 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 1.292 inches (14 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX15 DML, .883 inches
- Value per spherical: $1.60
Professionals
- Good accuracy
- Lead free
- Nice terminal efficiency
- Good for varmints or medium-sized recreation
Cons
The Barnes TSX is likely one of the finest looking bullets you may select in 5.56 or .223 as a result of it expands quickly, however maintains its weight. This load from Black HIlls Ammo makes use of the 62-grain TSX, and barely edged out the Nosler E-Tip in accuracy, however like a number of of BHA’s .223 hundreds, it’s robust to get proper now.
Hornady Black 5.56mm NATO 75-grain Interlock
Key Options
- 75-grain Hornady Interlock
- 5.56mm NATO
- Velocity: 3,025 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 1.778 inches (12 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX15 DML, 1.342 inches
- Value per spherical: $1.25
Professionals
- Good bullet for medium-sized recreation
- Mechanically fixed core and jacket
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Mediocre accuracy in comparison with rivals
Hornady’s Interlock bullet is a superb, reasonably priced possibility for quite a lot of looking calibers. It has a smooth lead level and mechanically fixed core to permit for good enlargement, however excessive weight retention. This could be a very good possibility for hogs or deer-sized recreation.
Nosler .223 55-grain Ballistic Tip Varmint
Key Options
- 55-grain Ballistic Tip
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 3,100 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: .991 inches (24 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: Christensen Arms MPR, .731 inches
- Value per spherical: $1.50
Professionals
- Nice accuracy
- Glorious for coyotes and varmints
- Nice possibility for a defensive carbine
Cons
- 55-grain bullet not nice past 300-400 yards
This load from Nosler was inside a number of thousandths of probably the most correct varmint load examined, and akin to the efficiency of different 55-grain ballistic suggestions just like the Hornady V-Max. It was edged out on this take a look at due to the distinctive worth of the Freedom Munitions V-Max load. This could be wonderful coyote drugs, and will simply double as an awesome possibility for a defensive rifle from which you don’t need extreme penetration.
Winchester Varmint X .223 40-grain Polymer Tip
Key Options
- 40-grain Varmint X bullet
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 3,600 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 1.083 inches (21 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: Christensen Arms MPR, .795 inches
- Value per spherical: $1.10
Professionals
- Nice accuracy
- Glorious for coyotes and varmints
- Suitable with slow-twist, older rifles
Cons
- 40-grain bullet not nice for long-range pictures
This light-weight, high-velocity load shocked me with its sub-MOA accuracy common. It shot properly throughout the board for such a light-weight bullet, however averaged a screaming .795 inches with the Christensen MPR. That may make a lethal coyote or groundhog combo. The polymer-tipped bullet is designed for speedy enlargement and devastation on small critters.
Hornady Important Protection .223 73-grain FTX
Key Options
- 73-grain Hornady FTX bullet
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 2,790 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 1.08 inches (18 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX15 DML, .92 inches
- Value per spherical: $1.55
Professionals
- Good accuracy
- Nickel-plated, crimped circumstances
- Constant enlargement
- Restricted penetration
Cons
- Not supposed for long-range efficiency
Hornady’s Important Protection line is designed with dependability and efficiency in thoughts. The FTX bullet doesn’t have the excessive ballistic coefficients that match bullets have, however its protected tip induces uniform enlargement, and reduces overpenetration on this defensive load. I’m positive it could carry out properly on small and medium-sized recreation, and it shot properly out of quite a lot of rifles.
Greatest 5.56 Ammo for the Vary
The majority of 5.56 ammo consumed is straightforward ball or FMJ, and its necessary to contemplate. As in all the opposite classes, there have been some standouts among the many vary ammo on this take a look at too.
Freedom Munitions 5.56mm NATO M193 55-grain FMJ
Key Options
- 55-grain FMJ bullet
- 5.56mm NATO
- Velocity: 3250 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 1.928 inches (19 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: Christensen Arms MPR, 1.582 inches
- Value per spherical: $.44
Professionals
- Good accuracy
- Nice for all-around observe
- Good for metal
Cons
- Not nice for looking or self-defense
Freedom Munitions introduced one other stable performer to the desk with their 55-grain M193 load, which is supposed to duplicate the unique M193 55-grain 5.56mm NATO load that predated the M855 and was used within the M16. All-around, that is solid-performing low-cost 5.56 ammo with good accuracy and reliability.
Remington UMC .223 55-grain FMJ
Key Options
- 55-grain FMJ bullet
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 3,240 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 2.104 inches (10 teams)
- Most correct rifle, common group dimension: LSA TX4, 1.93 inches
- Value per spherical: $.73
Professionals
- Inexpensive
- Nice for all-around observe
- Good for metal
Cons
- Not nice for looking or self-defense
Remington UMC’s FMJ is one other pillar of capturing ranges throughout the nation. It’s probably the most widespread and finest low-cost 5.56 ammo hundreds for observe that you simply’ll discover. It makes use of a easy 55-grain FMJ bullet that’s positive to shoot with nearly any twist price. It’s helpful for each plinking and devoted observe.
American Eagle .223 62-grain FMJ
Key Options
- 62-grain FMJ bullet
- .223 Remington
- Velocity: 3,020 toes per second
- 100-yard 5-shot accuracy common: 2.563 inches (12 teams)
- Most correct rifle and common group dimension: LSA TX4, 1.967 inches
- Value per spherical: $.90
Professionals
- Much like M855 ballistics
- Nice for observe
- Good for metal
Cons
- Not nice for looking or self-defense
Federal’s American Eagle line has been a go-to observe and 5.56 bulk ammo since I had my dad shopping for it for me (as a result of I wasn’t sufficiently old). It’s not probably the most correct ball ammo I examined, however is mostly good high quality and dependable. The 62-grain FMJ load carefully mimics the ballistics of the M855 Inexperienced Tip ammo, however doesn’t have the metal core that may injury metal targets.
FAQ
There are lots of purposes for five.56 ammo, together with competitors, leisure capturing, looking, and self protection. It’s mostly utilized in AR15-type rifles.
The most well-liked AR-15 ammo is ball or full steel jacket observe and plinking ammo just like the Winchester USA Goal .223 55-grain FMJ load. It’s reasonably priced and nice for observe, however not nice for looking or self-defense.
The very best 5.56 spherical for deer looking is one which makes use of an increasing bullet that may retain good mass to help with penetration. The Remington Premier .223 55-grain Accutip is certainly one of our favorites from this take a look at.
A inexperienced tip 5.56 spherical is a Lake Metropolis 5.56mm NATO M855 Ball cartridge. It has a 62-grain FMJ bullet with a metal core and a painted inexperienced tip. This has been the standard-issue 5.56mm NATO ammo for the US navy for many years.
No, 5.56 inexperienced tip ammo will not be typically good for looking. It might work properly on small recreation, but it surely makes use of a non-expanding bullet that performs poorly in comparison with hunting-specific ammunition.
Externally, each 5.56 ammo and .223 are the identical, they usually hearth the identical bullets. Nonetheless, 5.56 ammo is usually loaded to greater pressures than SAAMI spec .223. You’ll be able to hearth each safely by way of a 5.56mm NATO or .223 Wylde chamber, and most 5.56 ammo will work simply positive in fashionable .223-chambered rifles.
Learn Subsequent: Greatest Lengthy Vary Calibers
Ultimate Ideas
Testing the perfect 5.56 ammo is a wormhole that I doubtless received’t quickly escape. We’re nonetheless working our means out of an ammo scarcity, and this isn’t the primary. The ammo scarcity of the late 2000’s caught many off guard, and customary ammunition for cartridges like 5.56mm NATO, .223 Remington, and .308 Winchester had been all however nonexistent. In response, producers had been higher ready this time—a minimum of for these cartridges. Consequently, we’ve all kinds of 5.56 ammo out there. Testing these 23 hundreds was an awesome however pleasurable effort, and I’ll eagerly maintain testing and including merchandise to the lineup. If there are any stable conclusions to be reached from this testing, it’s that the perfect 5.56 ammo is extraordinarily correct, reasonably priced, and versatile.