View Full Version : Armscor 62gr Bonded SP, who's bullet?
Greetings,
In my never ending quest for cheap AND effective ammo I have come across this Armscor USA 62gr Bonded SP (Part #AC223-4N). Does anyone know who's bullet that is; or has anyone tested it in gel?
I know that there was some issue in the past with Armscor quality, but my understanding is that was the non USA stuff.
I'm curious about it because it's about half the price of MSR 62gr.
operator81
10-08-16, 11:05
The same guy who owned and ran BVAC here in Montana owns and runs the Armscor plant here in Montana. There were significant issues with BVAC's .223 ammo which lead to several AR15's blowing up locally. Mostly poor or no crimping bullet crimping. I found some to be so loose in the case I could push the bullet into the case with my finger.
If you're looking for cheap ammo I'd recommend looking elsewhere, or paying a little extra for some peace of mind. Freedom Munitions is a pretty safe bet on the price-to-quality scale. I wouldn't trust anything ammo, even plinking ammo, with the Armscor name.
In regards to your question about the bullet itself, I have no idea.
Thanks for the reply and the valuable information. I was interested for obvious reasons, a cheap bonded SP which could do double duty in a pinch.
I know and love Freedom Munitions, I shoot thousands of their 9mm 124gr Xtreme for practice, training and competition; I just don't know their 223 well and we have tax on them here in TX, increasing the price. I'll order a couple boxes of their 60-62gr and run them.
This whole search is all the fault of my new labRadar, which let me know my trusty 75gr Hornady's were only running ~2290 out of the 11.5SBR, while 62gr Fusion MSR runs ~2550 and 64gr GD runs ~2510.
Greetings,
In my never ending quest for cheap AND effective ammo I have come across this Armscor USA 62gr Bonded SP (Part #AC223-4N). Does anyone know who's bullet that is; or has anyone tested it in gel?
I know that there was some issue in the past with Armscor quality, but my understanding is that was the non USA stuff.
I'm curious about it because it's about half the price of MSR 62gr.
What is the purpose of the ammo?
I can't speak to their loaded ammunition but their 55gr FMJ bullets are some of the worst that I've used. Simply put, its not an accurate bullet. Pricing is good but the QC will keep me away from their rifle bullets for reloading. I haven't had an issue with their pistol bullets for reloading. Caveat Emptor.
What is the purpose of the ammo?
Well, if it is cheap, accurate (that meets the needs for plinking, class and some 2gun fun matches) and performs well on light/medium varmints (SHTF)...then all around. I thought I might have found the Unicorn round for my SBR.
Since you like Fusion (I do too) watch for it on sale at PSA. I've bought it as cheap as $6.99 a box.
Singlestack Wonder
10-09-16, 09:57
Well, if it is cheap, accurate (that meets the needs for plinking, class and some 2gun fun matches) and performs well on light/medium varmints (SHTF)...then all around. I thought I might have found the Unicorn round for my SBR.
"Cheap accurate and performs well" typically are not found in the same sentence.
I know and love Freedom Munitions, I shoot thousands of their 9mm 124gr Xtreme for practice, training and competition; I just don't know their 223 well and we have tax on them here in TX, increasing the price. I'll order a couple boxes of their 60-62gr and run them.
I have shot a box of their 60 gr. pointed soft point ammo and it was pretty accurate out of my rifle. I normally shoot their 77 gr. loadings which have been very accurate.
"Cheap accurate and performs well" typically are not found in the same sentence.
Exactly, that's why I was somewhat excited at maybe finding a Unicorn.
I read on a site that was selling the ammo, that, Armscor (USA) is using the 62 gr. Federal Fusion bullet. I promptly bought up four hundred rounds, and, have been chewing my way thru it. It's accuracy is not stellar out of my PSA, but, plenty good enough for range use. (The range I use is 100 yards.) I cannot speak to it's accuracy beyond 100 yards, though.
I ended up going where this was always going, bought a pound of 8208 XBR today. I -really- wanted to have 5.56 to be like my 9mm and just buy ammo.
The same guy who owned and ran BVAC here in Montana owns and runs the Armscor plant here in Montana. There were significant issues with BVAC's .223 ammo which lead to several AR15's blowing up locally. Mostly poor or no crimping bullet crimping. I found some to be so loose in the case I could push the bullet into the case with my finger.
If you're looking for cheap ammo I'd recommend looking elsewhere, or paying a little extra for some peace of mind. Freedom Munitions is a pretty safe bet on the price-to-quality scale. I wouldn't trust anything ammo, even plinking ammo, with the Armscor name.
In regards to your question about the bullet itself, I have no idea.
If you want to be accurate, Darrin sold BVAC years ago. The QC problems occurred after Darrin was well clear. IMO, BVAC went bellyup because of the management practices of the group that bought Darrin out. Their ammo (ARMSCOR USA) is the only loaded 55gr .223 that I buy in bulk. Their 55gr groups around 2MOA for me at 200 yards from over the bag on a bench - Burris AR322 - 18inch Fluted Stainless Green Mountain Barrel, .223 Wylde, on a calm day. Not stellar, but good enough.
operator81
11-02-16, 01:15
If you want to be accurate, Darrin sold BVAC years ago. The QC problems occurred after Darrin was well clear. IMO, BVAC went bellyup because of the management practices of the group that bought Darrin out. Their ammo (ARMSCOR USA) is the only loaded 55gr .223 that I buy in bulk. Their 55gr groups around 2MOA for me at 200 yards from over the bag on a bench - Burris AR322 - 18inch Fluted Stainless Green Mountain Barrel, .223 Wylde, on a calm day. Not stellar, but good enough.
You need to reread my opening sentence. I was accurate. Darren, who "owned" BVAC now owns and operates ACI (Armscor). I've been around him locally since he owned and operated BVAC, whilst having massive QC issues. I watched BVAC go under after he sold and I watched him come back to the same area peddling crappy ammunition under the ACI flag. If his ammo shoots good for you then enjoy. Just watch out for poor neck tension and kabooms.
Is there any relationship between Armscor, BVAC, and HSM? I had the same neck tension issues with their ammo years ago.
operator81
11-10-16, 16:44
HSM is safe and not affiliated with BVAC and ACI. ACI is owned and operated by the same person who owned and operated BVAC when they were having their quality control issues. The only thing that changed with BVAC was their name to ACI, and their location moved about 4 miles.
Thanks Operator, good to know as there is plenty of HSM ammo around my area.
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