223 Quality Ammo?

[hiredgun]

I have fired a few boxes of 223 American Eagle FMJ's with reasonably good results from my heavy barrel Ruger 77. I am curious if the gun could do better with something else. In most 308's I have owned, Federal Gold Metal Match with 168 gr Sierra Match Kings is a good base line. Can anyone recommend a 223 combo that works well in many guns? I am thinking about reloading, but want to establish a factory base line. Thanks.

 

[sunray]

"...establish a factory base line..." No need. When you reload, you're working up a custom load for your rifle. Factory ammo is like buying a suit off the rack. Works, but not as well as ammo tailored to your rifle.

 

[PoFF]

Can you give us information about your barrel twist rate? It'll help choosing what bullet you can fire and what you can't fire with it.

Also, info about the purpose of the ammunition. Will it simply be paper punching or varminting will be considered at some point?

 

[IDPACONVERT]

What weight bullet was the AE Ammo you tried? What is the twist rate of your barrel(on the specs)?

 

[hiredgun]

I will check the spec's but from memory the American Eagle ammo was 55 grn FMJ in the white box. The Ruger 77 MII Varmint I bought new and has the original barrel and is one of the first generation (blue receiver with heavy stainless barrel, laminiated factory stock). I might have the owner's manual around somewhere to check the twist but this is strictly a stock rifle. Note that I am not seeking handloading receipes but some advice on which factory ammo traditionally shoots well in a variety of rifles. Perhaps Fedeeral makes a Gold Metal match in 223? Originally I just want to shoot some targets at 100 yards. If I get into reloading then a groundhog load for 200 or so yards. Thanks.

 

[graylake]

for factory ammo. I have always had good results with the Hornady loaded rounds. The ones with the V-Max bullets. I can't remember what is on the box. And the vmax is an excellent varmint round. Fur friendly for coyotes, but explosive on gophers.

For cheap round the winchester white boxed stuff from walmart is a good way to go. 40 rounds for about $20.00. I likes how it shot at 100 yards but found it started to open up at 200 and beyond.

Those are my findings

Good shooting

Graylake