AR 55grn or 62grn

[Fullabull]

Hi all, I'm a new AR owner. Purchased a DDM4v1. Then purchased a Vortex Spitfire that has a Reticle that's set up for a 55gran bullet out to 500 yrds. I want to buy some ammo in bulk. I have zeroed in Iain 55grn but was wondering what difference there would be in shooting 62grn at distance. Anyone have good experience with both?

[Eric M]

I've shot both on military ranges with the M16 and M4 platforms and didn't notice a difference there. They'll both get you out to 300 meters and beyond. If you are hunting with it you might do less pelt damage with the 55 but maybe take a look at the ballistics chart on the boxes. Or the new Hodgdon magazine is out and would probably give you some velocities that will be close.

[Fullabull]

Thanks Eric, What can you hunt with this round? Yots? Seems way to small for deer or anything of that size.

[Fl0und3rz]

You cannot hunt deer with a .223 in WA per the regs. 

[Eric M]

Thanks Eric, What can you hunt with this round? Yots? Seems way to small for deer or anything of that size.

FLOund3rz is correct. The regs say .24 caliber or better for large game, except lions can be hunted with .22 caliber as long as it's center fire not rimfire. Besides the military saying since the 60's that it's a perfectly acceptable round to hunt people with, I know a lot of guys that use them for coyotes. Or if you shoot rockchucks and field rats, they're a lot of fun for that too. My personal opinion is that if it were legal, this round would certainly kill a deer. I would use a heavier bullet though-the 62 or maybe hand load something if it was available. The 55's would probably come apart. Having said that, there are so many good deer calibers out there I probably wouldn't use it. There are some AR's now that are being sold with the hunter in mind. Although I think bolt actions are inherently more accurate as a rule, I think if you have one of these dialed in it could certainly increase your odds of a double or a triple when shooting coyotes. It's easy to go plinking with one of these and just blow through an entire 30 round magazine in 5 seconds. Try to resist the urge until it's sighted in. haha.

[300rum]

I am assuming that when you talk about 62gr, your are referring to xm855 62gr?

Most bulk 62gr (Like mx855) ammo is lousy for accuracy in most AR's.  If you are just doing some plinking, that's fine.  If you are looking for real accuracy look for something like Hornady's 75 BTHP Match, Federal GMM with a 69gr SMK, or reload.   

Even cheap 55gr Hornady FMJ-BT's can be loaded for better accuracy in a good rifle, in comparisons that I have done. 

[Fullabull]

Thanks guys, sounds like I need to do some experimenting before purchasing any bulk ammo.

[Eric M]

Thanks guys, sounds like I need to do some experimenting before purchasing any bulk ammo.

Bulk ammo is fine for some applications. Get a box of each, see which shoots tighter groups and set aside a couple thousand rounds, Then go work up a couple loads for some real accuracy.