pretty much everybody has different requirements, so here are some basics to consider:
Thanks, I'll keep these in mind. Perhaps a little more info on my end might help.
twist of your barrel (pick a bullet weight appropriate to the twist)
I'm still designing the build, with the only thing locked is that it will be a PSA lower receiver.
what type of range (indoor often don't allow steel core, tracer, etc, may need "green" lead-free ammo)
Mine is an indoor one, and I just checked and they said the only restriction is no green tip or penatrators (well and no tracers...I had to at least see lol). There is an outdoor range near me, and according to their website they prohibit "Armor Piercing Ammo."
do you need waterproof ammo? some ammo has sealant around neck and primer
Based on where I live, while flooding does occur, it shouldn't be an issue.
do you want to reload it? some ammo is non-reloadable, either steel case or berdan primed
I do want to reload, but not till I move and have a basement/garage to work. So for right now, either is find (I can always collect the brass if I'm shooting brass and just store it)
do you want a plinker or super-reliable?
Well I want something that will give me a generally idea of my accuracy with the weapon, but it doesn't have to be match ammo. So target/plinking and some for self defense, not that much as my shotgun and .45 are my SD/HD mainstays.
how much penetration do you need?
Since I live in an apartment with people to the left and above, for a SD/HD situation, very little. For target/plinking, it's not a concern (besides the green tip issue), one way or the other.
do you care about terminal ballistics or just punching paper? maybe look at hunting bullets if your targets are too far away for reliable fragmentation of FMJ
In PA IIRC you can't hunt with an AR, so Punching paper. One again factoring in a limited amount for SD/HD
i stay away from anything with an "x" in front of it, or anything underpowered (wolf, WWB, etc) but if your gun likes that stuff, then go for it
I'll keep that in mind. I have to be honest I often shoot steel as it's a lot cheaper (for 45 acp at least), but if I can get brass at a good deal I'll take brass.
for my own use, i've found prvi m193 to be more than adequate as it is made to mil spec (full power, with known terminal ballistics) even though it's not the most accurate stuff. it is sealed, which has come in handy a number of times. and it's fairly cost effective, at around $300/k shipped at the moment
Thanks!