New to ARs, .223 questions

[wamj2008]

Hi, please forgive the silly newbie questions.

It looks like the best SD ammo for .223 is probably the Hornady TAP. Is there going to be much, if any, difference between the 55gr and the 75gr at SD distances? Let's say 50 yards max.

So I'm thinking of buying a few boxes of TAP and having it as my go-to SD ammo if the turd hits the fan. I won't be using it for home defense unless I buy a house in the woods someday.

I also would like to stock up on some ammo, again for TEOTWAWKI. Would I be best served by just picking up some brass 55gr HP ammo and forget the TAP all together? That way I'll have an all-around ammo for plinking and defense. I have a Colt 6920 with a 1:7 twist.

 

[J.Boyette]

EDIT

I re-read the post.

With the 1-7 twist I still would go with GA Arms Canned heat http://georgia-arms.com/223rem-1.aspx for training ammunition and self defense.

but look at the 55-75grn and find the price point you like. GA Arms offers 50rnd bags. I would order different bullet weights in 50rnd bags and see what type your rifle likes the best. The 50rnd bags are at http://georgia-arms.com/223rem.aspx see if you find something that works for you.

 

[Zak Smith]

Remember your zero and trajectory will be likely different with your SD ammo than your training ammo.

 

[Water-Man]

If he has a Colt 6920 he does have a 1:7 twist.

 

[wamj2008]

So if I was to buy just a bulk pack of ammo for the end of the world, nothing special for SD, what would be the best brand/type? 55gr HP?

 

[Welding Rod]

Natchez was selling Federal XM193 for a very nice price the other day. You may want to look.

BTW for accuracy I have had really good luck with TAP... good ammo.

 

[wamj2008]

It's not useless in FMJ?

 

[Zak Smith]

http://www.firearmstactical.com/pagea18.htm

 

[wamj2008]

Would 55gr silver bear soft points make a good defensive round? Or is HP better overall?

 

[Maverick223]

Remember your zero and trajectory will be likely different with your SD ammo than your training ammo.

That is exactly the reason I use 55gr. TAP as my dedicated defense rounds. I train with 55gr. FMJ and this closely approximates the trajectory and windage of this cartridge. At the average SD distance this won't make a hill of beans of difference, but if I have to resort to using my .223Rem./5.56NATO (12ga. is primary defense arm...M1Carbine is secondary) then something has gone awry, and i'd like to know that I am good for 300+yds. without adjustment.

IMO TAP is about as good as it gets for the .223Rem. as it affords rapid expansion, adequate but limited penetration, and decent weight retention (good enough for the intended purpose), whilst maintaining excellent accuracy.

 

[wamj2008]

I think I would like to buy some TAP rounds, but can't afford to stockpile them.

 

[Maverick223]

I would stockpile cheap brass cased (you may not handload now, but it isn't overly costly and you might want to latter; it also runs better in some rifles) mil-spec. 5.56NATO. My preference is for the 55gr. (M193) variety because I don't have to shoot through barriers too often and it has better fragmentation characteristics. Federal XM-193 is probably the most prevalent, but Winchester WB, Fed. AE, Fiocchi, Israeli surplus, UAE mil-surp (this was my favorite ammo back when it was $4/box at the local shops), and several others have proven to be just as good (even PMC, whilst not my favorite and not mil-spec., is okay). It may not be the best available, but it'll do in a pinch, and you can afford to stockpile it...and shoot it for that matter.