Anyone load these bullets for .223 from Widner's?

[SingleStack]

Here's the product number and description:

Y2255FMJ 22 CAL 55 FMJBT $26.00 PER 1000​

NEWEST MILITARY STYLE BULLETS TO BE SEEN IN A LONG TIME. THEY ARE 55GR FMJBT WITHOUT THE CANNELURE FOR EXTREME ACCURACY AND THE STEEL JACKET ASSURES MAXIMUM PENETRATION. THE BULLETS HAVE THE BARNAUL COPPER BONDED JACKET ON THE OUTSIDE SO THATTHESE BULLETS DO NOT WEAR THE BARRELL OF RIFLE LIKE NORMAL STEEL BULLETS. MADE TO EXACT SPECS. THESE BULLET SHOOT GREAT IN ANY 22 CAL CARTRIDGE, BUT THEY ARE MADE PERFECT FOR THE 223 SHOOTER

I was thinking of loading these for plinking with my AR. Another alternative I was looking at is the "UF22M855 UNFIRED 22 CAL 62GR Greentip Bullets $54.00 PER 1000"

Has anyone here loaded the 55gr. bullet above?

http://www.wideners.com/index.cfm

 

[dcloco]

I have used the 55 gr that you wrote about with good success. These are not match bullets, but PERFECT for plinking.

I have not tried the 62 grain, but have tried both of the 64 grain bullets - they work VERY well.

For the price of the 55 gr, you cannot beat them.

 

[Steve in PA]

I bought 1K a month or so ago and have some loaded up for a range trip tomorrow. I'll post how they do.

Several people have posted the same question about them.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

If they're like most former soviet block bullets/ammo, they're probably fine for 200 yards and under, but may suffer at longer ranges due to inconsistencies in weight from bullet to bullet.

Over the years, I've seen Widener's price stuff according to what they thought of it after they tested it. I know from talking to a fella name Chris that works there that they do, in fact, test everything they get in by shooting it.

Steve,

I'm sure I'm with everybody else in saying we're really interested in that range report.

Regards,

Dave

P.S. My reloading machine stock wench (Works for cheap beer and good cigars.) is from Wilkes Barre.

 

[SingleStack]

Thanks for the input guys. Steve, looking forward to that range report. I think the bullets will be fine for my 14.5" Bushmaster M4.

 

[SingleStack]

I posed the same question on the ar15.com board and some raised the concern of barrel wear, but didn't provide anything factual. Any thoughts from you guys on using copper-plated, steel core bullets?

 

[Steve in PA]

The comment was brought up that the trusty M1 Garands have fired thousands and thousands, etc......of the same type bullets.

 

[SingleStack]

Steve, good point. I suppose some of the comments I read on the other board were more an emotional response than rational. I decided to call Bushmaster and ask (could've done that in the first place, but posting here is more fun). The guy I spoke with said there's enough copper bonded to the steel jacket that the bullets should be just fine.

Looking forward to the range report Steve. Thanks!

 

[nvshooter]

Widener's bullets...

I emailed these guys about the steel-on-steel question and he sent it back that the bullets are triple-washed in copper. I am guessing using them will be OK but to assuage my fears, let me shoot a bunch through your gun first.

 

[SingleStack]

I volunteer by buddy's gun instead for the test fire. Do you think he'll mind?

 

[SingleStack]

Hey Steve, any report on how these bullets performed in your rifle at the range this weekend?

 

[Steve in PA]

These are from today. My M4 Bushy isn't really broken in yet, only a hundred or so rounds through it. Everything was shot from a bench at 50yds.

A couple of observations. My Bushy doesn't seem to care for the Federal AE 223 55gr FMJ stuff. Shot okay, but nothing spectacular.

I was mildly suprised at how well the bullets from Wideners shot. The load was 25.0gr of H335, 55gr steel (copper bonded) and various cases (mostly Federal and Remington). This just might be my plinking load. at $26.00 for 1K bullets, can't be beat.

Looks like the rifle really liked the 68gr stuff. Had a couple of flyers, but I think this load works. It was 68gr Hornady BTHP, 24.0gr of H335.

 

[SingleStack]

Hey Steve, Thanks for taking time to post the review and the targets. I'm going to give the 55 grainers from Wideners a try -- looks promising for the price!