Inexpensive .223 Defense Ammo

[MCMXIautomatic]

I'd like to hear your suggestions about some good, inexpensive .223 defense ammo, something that I can put away in bulk without breaking the bank. I've already got several hundred rounds of M193 spec 5.56, but I'm interested in learning what other options there are. I should mention that I've got one of the older ARs with a 1:12 rifling twist, so I'm limited to 55 gr. bullets.

Please remember, I'm interested in inexpensive stuff.

 

[ugaarguy]

The least expensive I can find is Prvi Partisan 55gr SP at $8 to $9 per 20 rounds. Otherwise keep your eyes open for American Eagle or Federal white box soft point because that's how ATK packages the overruns of the Federal Tactical & Speer Gold Dot SP rifle ammo. Hope that helps.

 

[willypete]

I'd stick to the M193 if I were you. You've got it, it's cheap, and it works. I'm assuming you're talking about home invasion, close range, goes-bump-in-the-night sort of defense, of course.

ugaarguy's recommendation sounds good to me, as well.

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

For me I can go down to my local wally world and pick up steel cased tula ammo for $5 a box. It's never jammed on me and I get it quite often. If you're concerned about overpenetration get some soft point ammo and have it in fully loaded mag seperate from the others

 

[AEA]

ammoman.com = .33 per round @1000 rds shipped.

 

[Sky]

Aimsurplus usually has different flavors starting at $0.18.....Think after the flash bang of anything going off in a closed environment there will be people and things wanting no more of anything but to leave for an ear doctor..

Obviously not in all cases just something to consider along with what ever ammo you decide on..

 

[Z-Michigan]

With a 1:12 barrel you're pretty much limited to M193 or the mentioned 55gr softpoints. Either should be fine. The 50-55gr JHP varmint bullets would also work and can occasionally be found at a reasonable price. Winchester ballistic silvertip would be good and should work in a 1:12 but is probably too expensive for the cheap criteria.

 

[Art Eatman]

"Defense", IMO, is most likely well inside of fifty yards. Beyond that, IMO, it's more like attack than defend.

Up close and personal, any 55-grain bullet is likely to give adequate penetration, and even FMJ is likely to come apart as it enters. Worked that way on coyotes, anyhow.

 

[Al Thompson]

I have a fair amount of Georgia Arms 55 gr Ballistic Tips. I like the plastic tips for feed reliability and the soft bullet construction for over penetration concerns. Georgia Arms is fairly inexpensive to boot.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I'd go with Prvi. You can get 200rds of M193 for $63 from Widener's, buy a few boxes of 55gr sp, compare how the two shoot. Practice with one, load up defensively with the other.

 

[Frankl03]

Walmart recently had the American eagle Tactical, AE 15 (black box) for about 5.79 per 20. That is about .28 per round.

Cabelas runs specials on the same stuff for $5.99 a box and lower about the same range as Walmart. Check the Bargain Cave from time to time.

 

[chris in va]

I've already got several hundred rounds of M193 spec 5.56

Game, set, match.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

M193 if you don't envision shooting through light barrier materials (e.g., light cover/concealment, automobiles).

Mk 318 Mod 0 (Federal T556TNB1) for light barrier materials. See - http://palmettostatearmory.com/1433.php

 

[Z-Michigan]

Shawn, the OP has a 1:12 barrel. I don't think Mk318 will reliably stabilize in a 1:12. It might not start tumbling in typical defensive distances, but why take the chance? If he had a 1:9 I would definitely agree with the Mk318.

 

[Aiko492]

Walmart recently had the American eagle Tactical, AE 15 (black box) for about 5.79 per 20. That is about .28 per round.

Cabelas runs specials on the same stuff for $5.99 a box and lower about the same range as Walmart. Check the Bargain Cave from time to time.

+1, $5.79 per box of 20 of Federal 55 gr fmj

 

[wnycollector]

Prvi Partisan 55gr SP

+1 on this suggestion. Privi is top notch ammo. AIM Surplus is out of it currently out of it for ~$8/20 but Cabelas has it in stock for ~$9/20 plus they have $5 shipping is you spend more than $150.