Most Accurate "Budget" .223 Ammo?

[falconman515]

So the title says it all ... I know they have threads on accuracy results for tons of different ammo but most of those are for the wallet draining Good expensive accurate ammo.

Me, I am a budget minded shooter and I am looking for the best overall and most Accurate rounds I can send downrange in my AR without breaking the bank.

So I am curious what many have found to be The Most Accurate and Consistent "Budget" .223 Rounds???

And in this discussions nothing out of the cheap/budget price point please ... not gonna spend that kind of money. (no Steel, only brass ... but that's a given if we are talking accuracy anyway)

Budget rounds include brands like, PMC, AE, Wolf Gold, UMC, PPU, Geco, Federal, etc.

Mainly anything in the under $10 a box of 20 range.

I of course want to shoot as accurate as possible considering that's 99% of why we shoot ... BUT, I am not gonna spend twice the amount on a round to move a fraction closer to the target potentially.

For me it's a fun time at the range and a sport I enjoy ... It's not competitive for me so the best of the best is not needed (as many others are like me as well).

I myself am shooting from a BCM 16" ELW 1/7 barrel AR (Spikes lower, Geissele G2s, BCM BCG, etc.)

Thanks so much for any input and our link you can provide that talks more about "Accurate BUDGET" .223 rounds ... and of course I would love some real world shooter feedback from you as well. :)

[zombiescometh]

Being on a budget sucks and so does looking for good cheap ammo. But I have had good luck finding 500rd spam can tula steel case locally. Depending on the store .19-24¢ a round. 100yds and under steel case works just fine.

[Kain]

Give Hornady steel match a try. Have had good and consistebt groups from their 55gr bthp. My bcms like the 75gr stuff though my rra heavy barrel does not. For about $20-22 a box of 50 sometimes less it is decent stuff.

[TomMcC]

Any of the brass case .223 you mentioned will fit the bill. I have not really noticed a significant difference in accuracy with the ones you've mentioned (except Geco, which I have not tried). They all will do about 2-4 MOA. PMC Bronze (not XTAC) and UMC are on the slow side, and the others are at 3150-3250 fps. The Fed stuff is usually the least appealing to the my eye. And these days I have been using Wolf Gold.

The main problem right now is finding anything. The semi annual panic buying seems to have wiped out the supply.

[falconman515]

Give Hornady steel match a try. Have had good and consistebt groups from their 55gr bthp. My bcms like the 75gr stuff though my rra heavy barrel does not. For about $20-22 a box of 50 sometimes less it is decent stuff.

Ya ... Though the price is good I am not a fan of steel ... plus the price is more then budget brass and I know Hornady is a good brand I will not be purchasing anything steel cased.


Any of the brass case .223 you mentioned will fit the bill. I have not really noticed a significant difference in accuracy with the ones you've mentioned (except Geco, which I have not tried). They all will do about 2-4 MOA. PMC Bronze (not XTAC) and UMC are on the slow side, and the others are at 3150-3250 fps. The Fed stuff is usually the least appealing to the my eye. And these days I have been using Wolf Gold.

The main problem right now is finding anything. The semi annual panic buying seems to have wiped out the supply.

Tom ... how are you liking the Wolf Gold???

I got a 1K box of Wolf Gold before SGAmmo ran out a couple weeks ago (you know the .223 rush after ATF's M885 announcement).

I have yet to shoot any yet but read many good things about accuracy and velocity so I have high hopes for it.

I have heard PMC is a bit slow and sounds like UMC as well.

I have a buddy who got a 1K box of Geco so I'm looking forward to giving that a try.

I have shot some of the 100 round value pack of Federal and I had a bad accuracy day at the range last time I was out so I'm not sure if I had an off day or that ammo was not working well for me and my gun.

I did however seem to do well with the American Eagle a couple trips ago so who knows.

The PPU is new to me and have yet to shoot any of that.

Overall I just want to shoot what is found to be the best "Budget" round ... I feel better knowing it performs better then certain other based on certain criteria and that it may be more me then the ammo as long as I'm shooting somewhat quality but in my price range for my sporting needs.

[Onyx Z]

Some of the Mk262 clones are ~$.50 a round from what I've seen in my travels. That comes out to ~$10/20.

[MegademiC]

The cbc heavy match is a little high but @ $30 is a good price based on reviews. I've had good experience with American Eagle black box 50 gr varmint tipped rounds for short range precision (100yds).

[dlquinn71]

Any thoughts on Speer Lawman?

[markm]

Any thoughts on Speer Lawman?

The Speer Lawman I've had in the past has just been M193. Not sure if they're putting something else in that box now.

[TomMcC]

Falconman515

The Wolf Gold is working just fine. It looks like Taiwan's version of M193. 2-2.5 MOA at 3200-3250fps. Visually appealing...looks like they took some care in assembly. I will buy more when I can find some.

[Nightstalker865]

Wolf Gold is the most consistent of the inexpensive rounds I've tried. I've been very happy with it for range use.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[falconman515]

Good to hear that about the Wolf Gold considering I bought a 1,000 round case not knowing all that much about it.

I will be sure to update my finding about the stuff as well after the next range trip.

[TomMcC]

Did you score that case before the panic? If not where? I need some mo'.

[cosme9242]

Yeah score it now if you can. You can bet you will see a major jump in price in the next month

[falconman515]

Did you score that case before the panic? If not where? I need some mo'.

Ya I got it right away when the BS hit.

Kinda pissed I didn't at least order 1 or 2 more 1K boxes now.

F'ing BulkAmmo.com is selling 1K boxes of PMC .223 now for $500 .... Ya they lost my business forever!

I hope SGAmmo doesn't come in stock with those kind of raping prices ... it's like Cheaper Than Dirt all over again with 223/556 ammo right now seems like.

I'm sure the price will go up a touch but a 300 dollar box raised to 500 is BS .... I am okay with like a 50 odd dollar price hike, hey I get it ... but don't give us the high hard one because of all the BS happening with Obama and ATF.

I got this Wolf Gold for before it all went out of stock for $300 shipped.

Now I can't find a box of anything at a walmart around anywhere.

Still a bit pricey but I see Cabelas still has Rem UMC .223 for $8.99 a box ... it;s more of course then the great deals but still the average price without a price hike.

If anyone finds anything better let me know.

[Unreconstructed]

IME, most accurate factory loaded ammo for $10 per box of 20 is Prvi 75 grain match.

[tylerw02]

Sometimes a given rifle likes a round. Sometimes it doesn't. You have to find out what yours likes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[falconman515]

I bought another 1,000 round case from SGAmmo .. this time the Geco .223 ammo

Did some reviews and it gets some great feedback from all users, high velocity, very accurate, clean and well made.

Swiss made.

Cost me $360 shipped

Love SGAmmo (they have my business now for life on ammo) ... has not hiked their prices at all and is trying to get as much in stock as possible and only offered 1 case at a time on this ammo so many guys could get a shot at some (cause most were buying tons of cases at a time I heard). AND they keep getting PMC X-Tac green-tip M855 in stock and it has stayed The Same Price!!! Like I said, customer for life!

So now I have a 1K round box of Wolf Gold and a 1K box of Gego ... Got some good times ahead! :)

[CatSnipah]

I've had good luck with 9 mm, 38 spl and 357 mag geco. I assume the 223 will be good, too.

[falconman515]

I've had good luck with 9 mm, 38 spl and 357 mag geco. I assume the 223 will be good, too.

My next case will be the Geco 9mm, so that's good to hear the 9 is good as well.

[CatSnipah]

My next case will be the Geco 9mm, so that's good to hear the 9 is good as well.

Sig P229, HK P30 and G19. Performed flawlessly in all 3.

A few harder primers on the 357 that took two strikes (I'm talking maybe 3 out of 300-ish), but I have a slightly lighter Wolff spring in my wife's S&W 686, as it's more tuned for 38 specials (never a problem with those). When at home, it's loaded with 38 varieties...the 357 is really just range "fun". To be fair, I've had the same issue from time to time with other 357 varieties, so I don't put any blame on the ammo.

[Shao]

+1 for Wolff Gold. PMC Bronze is also exceptionally accurate for the price. I won't shoot anything cheaper.

[HDHNTER]

The 62gr CBC load is a solid option.

[Shao]

The 62gr CBC load is a solid option.

Agreed, but at $.60+ a round, I don't think it qualifies as budget. A good deal, definitely, but I wouldn't waste it on plinking.

EDIT: Oops never mind... I thought you were referring to the 77gr. mk262 clone....

[TAZ]

All my guns like Hornady Steel Match and at $17.99/50 it's a good deal from the local cop shop when they have it. Haven't tried the 55gr stuff. I've also had good luck with PPU 75gr. You can find it on sale here and there doing $10/20. I've seen the 62 and 69 grain stuff for round $7/20. Not sure of those prices are valid anymore with the stupidity going on.

[bfoosh006]

IDeleted

[Lefty223]

Old post, but FWIW we use the PPU ammo as practice ammo for the 200-yard offhand high power practice. From the bench it will hold the X-ring at 200Yds in most guns.

[Stengun]

Howdy,

I load my own.

Buy bullets, powder, and primers either in bulk or on sale to lower the cost per round. With practice and proper technique you can load $1.00/round ammo for -$.35 a round

[falconman515]

I have been pretty well sold on WOLF Gold .223

Accurate as hell (seems to be more accurate then other stuff I have tried like Federal American Eagle, Geco, Remington, Etc.)

And for the price coupled with being a hot load with high velocity and accurate ... Thats all I will be purchasing moving forward.

[Molon]

Wolf Gold 55 grain FMJ



https://app.box.com/shared/static/7jirxh9zv1kyzunget5jzlg44ue3gkr1.jpg




When most shooters hear the phrase “Wolf ammunition,” what usually comes to mind is steel-cased rounds loaded with bi-metal jacketed bullets. Fortunately, the 55 grain FMJ “Wolf Gold” ammunition that is manufactured in Taiwan does not fit this description.

The Wolf Gold ammunition reviewed for this report uses brass cases with the annealing iris still visible and is loaded with typical copper jacketed/lead core bullets. The 55 grain projectile has a cannelure and there is a collet crimp at the case mouth. The case mouth is also sealed with asphalt sealant. The brass case has crimped and sealed boxer primers and the round is charged with ball powder.




https://app.box.com/shared/static/okxno5wuhs02rcsluwylnp7h8093wgyj.jpg




https://app.box.com/shared/static/ve5lm9pvar8cxmd8um7ovt858b3jx9iv.jpg




https://app.box.com/shared/static/6cnlau4zjuvp73c9o5b69vpknbipocyp.jpg






When most shooters hear the phrase “55 grain FMJ,” what usually comes to mind is M193 ammunition. The velocity specification for M193 as cited in MIL-C-9963F states:

The average velocity of the sample cartridges, conditioned at 72 degrees, plus or minus 2 degrees Fahrenheit (F), shall be 3165 feet per second (ft/sec), plus or minus 40 ft/sec, at 75 feet from the muzzle of the weapon. The standard deviation of the velocities shall not exceed 40 ft/sec.


The specification is for a 20” barrel. Depending on multiple variables, this velocity specification equates to a muzzle velocity of approximately 3270 FPS, plus or minus 40 FPS. I chronographed the Wolf Gold 55 grain FMJ ammunition from a semi-automatic AR-15 with a chrome-lined, NATO chambered 20” Colt M16A2 barrel.



http://www.box.net/shared/static/h8daj1jhf1.jpg



Chronographing was conducted using an Oehler 35-P chronograph with “proof screen” technology. The Oehler 35P chronograph is actually two chronographs in one package that takes two separate chronograph readings for each shot and then has its onboard computer analyze the data to determine if there is any statistically significant difference between the two readings. If there is, the chronograph “flags” the shot to let you know that the data is invalid. There was no invalid data flagged during this testing.

The velocity stated below is the muzzle velocity as calculated from the instrumental velocity using Oehler’s Ballistic Explorer software program. The string of fire consisted of 10 rounds over the chronograph.



http://www.box.net/shared/static/52xzjapv7i.jpg




http://www.box.net/shared/static/q3lpmdumpm.jpg




Each round was single-loaded and cycled into the chamber from a magazine fitted with a single-load follower. The bolt locked-back after each shot allowing the chamber to cool in between each shot. This technique was used to mitigate the possible influence of “chamber-soak” on velocity data. Each new shot was fired in a consistent manner after hitting the bolt release. Atmospheric conditions were monitored and recorded using a Kestrel 4000 Pocket Weather Tracker.

The muzzle velocity for the 10-shot string of the Wolf Gold 55 grain FMJ ammunition was 3213 FPS with a standard deviation of 25 FPS. For comparison, IMI M193 had a muzzle velocity of 3274 FPS when fired from the same barrel, with a standard deviation of 18 FPS.




http://www.box.net/shared/static/lku6pn9aym.jpg



Atmospheric conditions.

Temperature: 77 degrees F
Humidity: 40%
Barometric pressure: 30.12 inches of Hg
Elevation: 950 feet above sea level



The accuracy specification for M193 cited in MIL-C-9963F is as follows:

The average of the mean radii of all targets of the sample cartridges, fired at 200 yards, shall not exceed 2.0 inches.

These averages are from 10-shot groups fired from machine rested, bolt-actioned test barrels, such as the ones pictured below. All things being equal (which of course they seldom are) this specification equates to a mean radius of 1 inch at 100 yards for 10-shot groups.



http://www.box.net/shared/static/akn05ro96d.jpg




http://www.box.net/shared/static/vs86o5rcf9.jpg






I conducted an accuracy (technically, precision) evaluation of the Wolf Gold 55 grain FMJ ammunition following my usual protocol. This accuracy evaluation used statistically significant shot-group sizes and every single shot in a fired group was included in the measurements. There was absolutely no use of any Group Reduction Techniques (e.g. fliers, target movement, Butterfly Shots).

The shooting set-up will be described in detail below. As many of the significant variables as was practicable were controlled for. Also, a control group was fired from the test-rifle used in the evaluation using match-grade, hand-loaded ammunition; in order to demonstrate the capability of the barrel. Pictures of shot-groups are posted for documentation.

All shooting was conducted from a concrete bench-rest from a distance of 100 yards (confirmed with a laser rangefinder.) The barrel used in the evaluation was free-floated. The free-float handguards of the rifle rested in a Sinclair Windage Benchrest, while the stock of the rifle rested in a Protektor bunny-ear rear bag. Sighting was accomplished via a Leupold VARI-X III set at 25X magnification and adjusted to be parallax-free at 100 yards. A mirage shade was attached to the objective-bell of the scope. Wind conditions on the shooting range were continuously monitored using a Wind Probe. The set-up was very similar to that pictured below.



https://app.box.com/shared/static/2hex4netcnq7qqagacf8cy14hvdk36q8.jpg





The Wind Probe.

https://app.box.com/shared/static/lkg47ptc04.jpg




The test vehicle for this evaluation was one of my semi-automatic precision AR-15s with a 20” stainless-steel Lothar Walther barrel. The barrel has a 223 Wylde chamber with a 1:8” twist.

Prior to firing the Wolf Gold ammunition, I fired a 10-shot control group using match-grade hand-loads topped with the Sierra 55 grain BlitzKing. That group had an extreme spread of 0.78”.




https://app.box.com/shared/static/k0ozty7a9oje1zpni59eg9yc43s8z8c4.jpg




Next, three 10-shot groups of the Wolf Gold were fired in a row with the resulting extreme spreads:

2.13”
2.60”
2.44”

for a 10-shot group average extreme spread of 2.39”. The three 10-shot groups were over-layed on each other using RSI Shooting Lab to form a 30-shot composite group. The mean radius for the 30-shot composite group was 0.76”.




The smallest 10-shot group.

https://app.box.com/shared/static/bkgrs45juppky9ctdfhx4f0lhi0b39u8.jpg





The 30-shot composite group.

https://app.box.com/shared/static/muokg675ygjz5n0u9ugupp1k6jlzvep2.jpg




….

[Molon]

100 Yard Accuracy Evaluation of Prvi Partizan 75 grain Match Ammunition.

http://www.box.net/shared/static/3o4sakyz9f.jpg



The Prvi Partizan 75 grain match ammunition uses an open-tip-match bullet very similar in configuration to Hornady’s 75 grain BTHP bullet used in Hornady’s TAP line of ammunition and in Black Hills’ 75 grain MHP line of ammunition. The Prvi Partizan (PPU) bullet has a nominal length that runs approximately 0.010” – 0.015” shorter than the Hornady bullet. The PPU 75 grain bullet does not have a cannelure, but the case mouth on this load does have a slight collet crimp on it which puts a slight crease in the bullet.



http://www.box.net/shared/static/vu80fbl2dq.jpg




http://www.box.net/shared/static/p2fj79s8ho.jpg






The PPU 75 grain match load uses Boxer primed brass cases and is charged with “ball” powder. Neither the primer nor the case mouth have sealant and the primer is not crimped. Previous chronographing of this load through multiple barrel lengths shows it to run an average of 127 fps slower than the Black Hills 75 grain MHP load.


http://www.box.net/shared/static/njsq0xh0sq.jpg




http://www.box.net/shared/static/o515xpx4k1.jpg




http://www.box.net/shared/static/d45v271mry.jpg




I have read some statements recently that claim the PPU 75 grain bullet was designed to shoot well through 1:9” twist barrels, yet none of those making these statements have provided any scientific evidence to support this claim. According to the Greenhill formula, the optimal twist for the PPU 75 grain bullet is 1:7.6”.

From a 1:9” twist barrel, the PPU 75 grain match bullet has a gyroscopic stability factor (GSF) of less than 1.25 for all velocities.




Gyroscopc stability factor from a 1:9" twist barrel.

http://www.box.net/shared/static/n5zdm1u8an.jpg




Gyroscopic stability factor from a 1:7.7" twist barrel.

http://www.box.net/shared/static/4dqy5u18rg.jpg




The test-vehicle for this evaluation was an AR-15 with a 24” stainless-steel Kreiger VarMatch barrel, with a 1:7.7” twist, installed on a LaRue Tactical Stealth upper receiver. A Leupold Competition Series Scope was used for sighting. No malfunctions of any kind were experienced during testing.




http://www.box.net/shared/static/f5nt9hkjlx.jpg




Following my usual protocol for accuracy evaluation, shooting was done from a bench-rest at 100 yards. Three 10-shot groups were obtained using the PPU 75 grain match load. Those three groups had extreme spreads that measured:

0.66”
0.92”
1.14”

for an average extreme spread of 0.91”.



The best 10-shot group from 100 yards.

http://www.box.net/shared/static/4hfdi5ii9x.jpg




The three groups from above were overlayd on each other using RSI Shooting Lab to obtain a 30-shot composite group. The mean radius of this composite group was 0.29”. For comparison, this composite group is pictured below next to a composite group of the Black Hills 75 grain red box MHP load as well as a composite group of one of my handloads.



http://www.box.net/shared/static/ymurmkahz1.jpg





Here is a repost of some of the chronograph data for the Prvi Partizan 75 grain Match load.


http://www.box.net/shared/static/4j7nxibrlt.jpg



Prvi Partizan 75 grain Match; Velocity Update


Here's a little update on the velocity aspect of the PPU 75 grain Match load. One can't help but wonder if Prvi Partizan has been listening to its customers. About the only complaint anyone has had with this load is that it has a lower muzzle velocity than the Hornady or Black Hills 75 grain loads. I recently chronographed the latest lot of the PPU 75 grain Match load that I have on hand and from a 20" Colt A2 barrel it is running approximately 117 fps faster than the original lots of this ammo that I chronographed!


http://www.box.net/shared/static/b3ncdbx8g4.jpg

[Stengun]

Howdy,

I do not shoot the factory ammo but the 75gr bullet is my favorite bullet for .223 loads.

Even with the increase in velocity it still is about 100fps too slow.

Paul