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5.56/.223 bullet weights

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  • m5215

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    What are the benefits of the heavier bullet weights for the 5.56/.223 beyond the 55 grain standard one? I assume anything lighter than 55 grains is not going to be effective in general?
    Hurley's Gold
     

    bigwheel

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    Would say it depends on the intended purpose. The lighter fast rounds are generally reserved for those who enjoy seeing a cute little prarie dog or jackrabbit explode in a shower of guts and hair. Not ideal for most applications. For deer humans and Coyotes think the 55 grain would be a minimum.
     

    robertc1024

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    Oh Boy - Lots of benefits for heavier bullets if you are trying to shoot longer ranges. Better ballistic coefficients, less wind drift etc. What you really have to do is match your barrel twist rate to the types of shooting you want to do. Those light varmint bullets like slower twists 1:12, 1:14 etc. The heavier bullets need faster twists 1:9, 1:7 etc. to properly stabilize. On top of the twist rate, I've read that barrel length can make a difference too on stabilizing a heavier bullet.

    For example, I shoot 69g SMK's out of my 26" barrel 1:9 twist, but I'm thinking if I went much heavier the bullet may not stabilize.
     

    m5215

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    I am looking into getting an AR pistol that has a 9" barrel with 1:7 twist. It's not going to be used for hunting, just range use and self protection. Any suggestions on the best bullet weight for my intended uses?
     

    toddnjoyce

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    I am looking into getting an AR pistol that has a 9" barrel with 1:7 twist. It's not going to be used for hunting, just range use and self protection. Any suggestions on the best bullet weight for my intended uses?

    300BLK is what you’re looking for in that size package.
     

    m5215

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    300BLK is what you’re looking for in that size package.

    Yes I looked into that. The cost for that caliber is signifiacntly higher than .223. In general I found that for the average price of a single .300 I could buy about 4 .223 rounds. When prices come down closer to the average per round cost of .223 I may consider it but for the time being I will be sticking with .223.
     

    vmax

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    Oh Boy - Lots of benefits for heavier bullets if you are trying to shoot longer ranges. Better ballistic coefficients, less wind drift etc. What you really have to do is match your barrel twist rate to the types of shooting you want to do. Those light varmint bullets like slower twists 1:12, 1:14 etc. The heavier bullets need faster twists 1:9, 1:7 etc. to properly stabilize. On top of the twist rate, I've read that barrel length can make a difference too on stabilizing a heavier bullet.

    For example, I shoot 69g SMK's out of my 26" barrel 1:9 twist, but I'm thinking if I went much heavier the bullet may not stabilize.
    What he said
    Dont bother looking at heavier bullets if your barrel cant take advantage of then
     

    m5215

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    What he said
    Dont bother looking at heavier bullets if your barrel cant take advantage of then

    OK so for an AR pistol the standard 55 grain bullet is going to be best it seems. Maybe I can squeeze in a 60 or 65 grain with a 1:7 twist barrel perhaps.
     

    texasnurse

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    I shoot 62grain Solid Core for hogs knocks ‘em down. 16” 1:7 twist 5.56 chamber.




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     

    m5215

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    1:7 is made for the heavier bullets.
    Stay under 80 grains and you'll be fine.
    For a "pistol" just run the 55gr.
    No sense in burning higher cost ammo in a short barrel.

    OK sounds good to me. Standard 55 grain .223 ammo is very affordable so that will work out well.
     

    bigwheel

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    300BLK is what you’re looking for in that size package.
    I been trying to find somebody to tell me why my old thutty thutty ain’t as good as a .300 blackout. It seems like some smart salesman trying to reinvent the wheel to put a dent in dumb yup Gold Visor Cards.
     

    robertc1024

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    I been trying to find somebody to tell me why my old thutty thutty ain’t as good as a .300 blackout. It seems like some smart salesman trying to reinvent the wheel to put a dent in dumb yup Gold Visor Cards.
    No common .30 30 semi autos?
     

    Dawico

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    I been trying to find somebody to tell me why my old thutty thutty ain’t as good as a .300 blackout. It seems like some smart salesman trying to reinvent the wheel to put a dent in dumb yup Gold Visor Cards.
    Do you find a lot of spitzer subsonic 30-30 rounds? Or many autoloaders chambered in 30-30? Or many easily suppressed 30-30 rifles or pistols?

    No? Maybe that's why.

    The ballistics are similar, the applications are not.

    Your constant condescending attitude is still appreciated though. So is your lack of knowledge.
     
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