Is upgrading from 55 grain 223 to 75+ grain worth the cost?

[Joseph85]

I'm considering my options for hand loading ammunition to feed my very hungry AR. My AR has a carbine length gas system and 16" barrel.

I use this carbine for home defense and plinking at distances of 200 yards.

75+ grain 223 match bullets cost about $45 more per 500 rounds over 55 grain FMJ. Specifically, Hornady 75 grain A-Max or Hornady 75 grain Match versus Hornady 55 grain FMJ.

Does the effectiveness of the 75 grain match bullets justify the cost in my carbine for the purpose I use it for?

 

[HorseSoldier]

For range work, absolutely not.

For possible defensive use -- not really (provided the stuff you're shooting is mechanically reliable). At justifiable home defense ranges your AR should be a fight stopper with any load if you can do your part and make the hits.

It doesn't hurt to stack the deck in your favor, obviously, but in my opinion you'd be stacking the deck more efficiently and effectively by spending the money you would be spending buying premium ammo in bulk on taking some sort of Defensive or Tactical Carbine course from a qualified instructor.

 

[BattleChimp Potemkin]

I have been updating my current strategic reserve loadings from M193 to two handloads. One (my favorite) is a 64gr. SP form Winchester with some BLC2 behind it. Same specs as the factory load, heck of a lot cheaper. They are effective against barriers and slugs humans hard. The second is a 75 gr. handloaded Mk262 Mod 0 (cant spring for the cannelured bullets for Mod 1) replica load. Both rounds are effective against barriers and will put a world of hurt on any human.

The Amax may fragment against a human body, limiting it's ability to overpenetrate (great for home defense). The extra cost is justified, but only in as far as the person is willing. The biggest question lies in can your rifle stabilize the heavier bullets? The only way to know is take your rifle to the range, fire the different rounds and see what the rifle likes. All your choices above are excellant, now ithe ball is in the rifle's court.

+1 Horse Soldier! I forgot to add about the training over round selection. Shot placement and ability to fight with your rifle, not just shoot it, is critical in any situation.

 

[lamazza]

Only if you plan on competition past 200yrds. I have found that 55gr works just as well at ranges up to 200yds.

 

[Joseph85]

My barrel has a 1:7 twist.

 

[freakshow10mm]

If you handload, use whatever. I have a 1/7 and shoot 64-77gr.

 

[Joseph85]

HorseSoldier, your post is in line with my thinking on this. My thought is that it's better to have more ammo (55 grain FMJ) for practice and defense than it is to have a better bullet and less practice (75+ grain match).

I was wondering just how much of a compromise I'm making using 55 grain FMJ bullets rather than 75+ grain match bullets.

 

[308sc]

might as well get a .243

 

[taliv]

i think your numbers are off a bit. $519/5000 vs $345/5000 at wideners. personally, since i shoot NRA HP, i just use some of my match ammo (69g SMK or 80g SMK) when i need some long range ammo. 90% of what i shoot is M193 pulldowns

 

[strat81]

I might be on crack, but I recall reading that the heavy A-Max bullets won't fit in a standard AR mag. If you're single loading, they'll be fine though.

 

[BattleChimp Potemkin]

I might be on crack, but I recall reading that the heavy A-Max bullets won't fit in a standard AR mag. If you're single loading, they'll be fine though.

Exactly what I used to use them for in my old AR. I think I had the 80 grainers, awesome for long range stuff! I have not touched an Amax in forever. I had issues, so I just bobsleded the rounds in. Cant seat them deep enough without pressure issues.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

I was wondering just how much of a compromise I'm making using 55 grain FMJ bullets rather than 75+ grain match bullets.

Check out the pictures here:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=146306