Accurate AR ammo

[gregr]

I was finally able to get out and shoot my Springfield Armory Saint Victor 5.56 AR the other day. Was very pleased with the functionality, it fed and functioned well. I was trying to zero my Aimpoint PRO optic. I was zeroing with Winchester M193 55 grain FMJ ammo. At 25 yards it was fine, but at 50 yards it was abysmal. Horrible groups. I know that each barrel likes different ammunition, but there are also certain brands/loads that are constantly more accurate with certain rifles. Does anyone have any experience with AR`s and 5.56 ammunition, and specifically, what brands have a history of being most accurate in AR platform rifles?

 

[Creedmoor]

I believe that rifle has a 1' in 8" twist barrel, bump up to 75-77 grain match loads.

 

[gregr]

I believe that rifle has a 1' in 8" twist barrel, bump up to 75-77 grain match loads.

Yes, 16" barrel with 1:8 twist. Dang, I had hoped to stay with 55 grain since that seems to be much more available. You`re right though.

 

[ISP 5353]

Try a few different offerings. Find out what your rifle likes the best. Then load up or buy a bunch of it.

 

[jwamplerusa]

I've had very good luck with Australian defense industries 69gr 223. https://www.venturamunitions.com/au...s-223-rem-69gr-matchking-hpbt-ammo-20-rounds/

I've had horrible performance from 68gr Hornady frontier in one to eight and one to seven twist barrels personally.

A fellow shooter however has had decent performance out of a 18-in barrel of a Zastava m90 with the 68 Frontier.


Move up in grain weight, and see what happens.

 

[Gunmetalgray]

+1 Weight & twist matters... 55 grn doesn't excel in 1:8 twist

 

[Robert Richardson]

I like the 62gr stuff myself.

 

[dieselrealtor]

+1 Weight & twist matters... 55 grn doesn't excel in 1:8 twist
View attachment 343707

Not a bad shotgun pattern.

 

[indyblue]

My Colt 1:7 likes PMC X-tac 62gr.
Less than 3” groups @ 100yds

Even better with 69gr handloads.

 

[Gunmetalgray]

Not a bad shotgun pattern.

Right, lol. I kept pulling the trigger cause I couldn't believe the spread was so bad with the M193.

 

[dieselrealtor]

Right, lol. I kept pulling the trigger cause I couldn't believe the spread was so bad with the M193.

I have had a parallel experience developing a load for my Handi Rifle. I think I am finally getting something closer than 2 of 3 on paper.

 

[nipprdog]

Winchester M193 is the worst ammo I've ever shot. glad I only bought 80 rds.

 

[NyleRN]

M855 and M193 was made for one thing. And precision was not it.

 

[gregr]

M855 and M193 was made for one thing. And precision was not it.

What was the one thing?

 

[Creedmoor]

M855 and M193 was made for one thing. And precision was not it.

One will do minute of man to 600 meters, the other will not.

 

[dieselrealtor]

I think the only factory .223/5.56 ammo I have show was PMC .223 55gr brass.

Didn't have match accuracy but was acceptable, from bolt gun & AR 1/7

 

[gregr]

What does everyone think of this article and chart? Article accurate? Chart accurate in your experience?

Best AR-15 Rifle Twist Rate: Does It Really Matter?

Will the wrong AR-15 rifle twist rate hinder accuracy? We put this common myth to the test so you know the best twist rate for your bullet weight.

www.pewpewtactical.com

 

[Creedmoor]

Man you just opened the lid on Pandora's Box.

 

[Creedmoor]

View attachment 343702

I've had very good luck with Australian defense industries 69gr 223. https://www.venturamunitions.com/au...s-223-rem-69gr-matchking-hpbt-ammo-20-rounds/

I've had horrible performance from 68gr Hornady frontier in one to eight and one to seven twist barrels personally.

A fellow shooter however has had decent performance out of a 18-in barrel of a Zastava m90 with the 68 Frontier.


Move up in grain weight, and see what happens.

It left out those 223 varmint 1-10" and 1-12" rifles with 24" barrels. I have two of them, they will loose yaw and tumble any bullets within 40 yds over 60 grain Sierras. Both of mine like 40 to 55 grain bullets.

 

[DadSmith]

My rifles are all 1-8.
I haven't found a 62gr ammunition they like. As in 1moa or less.
I stick with 75-77gr bullets. Handloaded 90% of the time.
I did find 55gr Fiocchi FMJBT to shoot well in a few of my rifles. Green box stuff. Just around 1.25 moa to 1.5 moa. Might give it a try if you haven't yet.
I know every barrel is different. You can buy a bunch of different brands, bullet weights, bullet types and try to find out what it likes also.

I've never had any decent accuracy 1moa-1.5moa with any M193 or M855. I don't even buy that stuff anymore of any brand.