.223 bullets

skydiverMN · 03-06-2008, 03:19 PM

I'm just starting to begin to think about reloading my own .223. I have all the equipment from a friend so now it's time to start to think about the components and loads. This post is specifically about bullets.

With components always getting more expensive I'm trying to keep my per round cost as low as realistically possible. What manufacturer offers the 'best' value for bullets? I don't know if this is a realistic question to even ask because all the manufacturers know what their competitors charge and know to put their product in that ballpark. Also, what good is a real cheap bullet if it can't hit the broad side of barn? This being said, is there a bullet that is known as a stand-out great value? As I'm sure you know, I'm not partial to any manufacturer. I'm curious about your thoughts. Maybe something is a 55gr-ish size.

Thanks for your help!

rfc357 · 03-06-2008, 04:01 PM

All the name-brand bullets are good. Stay away from bulk-packed "no-name" bullets unless you just want to make noise. Accuracy will be nil.

Check the sales from the big suppliers and buy on sale. You can't go wrong with Sierra, Nosler, Speer, Hornady, Barnes, etc. You can safely shop price among the name brands.

Your rifle may prefer one bullet or another. The .223 is a target/match cartridge for me, and my Rock River definitely likes Sierras.

Buy the loading manuals from the bullet manufacturers. Stay below the max loads for best accuracy.

samuel · 03-06-2008, 04:18 PM

I agree with rfc357 and only add,if you have a 1in12" twist stay at 55gr and under.A 1in9" will possibly be good to 70gr.. sam.

skydiverMN · 03-06-2008, 04:23 PM

I have an DPMS m4, 16" 1:9.

Is there an advantage to going with a heavier bullet? Most, who am I kidding, all of my shooting is going to be short range (<100 yd). The once-in-a-blue-moon longer range stuff might happen too I wouldn't worry about that.

I assume the heavier bullet would also cost more due to more material (slightly, but regardless...)

samuel · 03-06-2008, 04:29 PM

If all of your shooting is what you call short range,there is an advantage in having a larger bullet selection to see if there is an advantage with heavier bullets.(bet there is).There isnt much difference in cost due to weight but there is in quality. sam.

rfc357 · 03-06-2008, 06:15 PM

Most of my shooting is reduced course matches at 200 yards. I shoot Sierra 52s almost exclusively. There is no advantage to a heavier bullet at 300 yards and shorter unless your rifle prefers the heavier bullets for accuracy. You won't know unless you try.

I shoot the same 52s in the .222 and the .22-250 Ackley. In the .22-250, the bullets evaporate varmints nicely at 400 yards. I have never had a rifle that would not shoot Sierras.

lefty o · 03-06-2008, 06:48 PM

short range, a 50-55gr bullet will do you fine.

skydiverMN · 03-06-2008, 06:54 PM

Thanks for all the info. Sounds like I'm gonna use a 50-something grain bullet. I'll play around a bit and see what works best!

lefty o · 03-06-2008, 07:04 PM

thats a great idea. you have to experiment to see what your rifle likes. what works well in my rifle, or someone elses may not shoot worth a dang in yours.

03-06-2008, 03:19 PM	#1
skydiverMN Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3 Trader Rating: (0)	.223 bullets I'm just starting to begin to think about reloading my own .223. I have all the equipment from a friend so now it's time to start to think about the components and loads. This post is specifically about bullets. With components always getting more expensive I'm trying to keep my per round cost as low as realistically possible. What manufacturer offers the 'best' value for bullets? I don't know if this is a realistic question to even ask because all the manufacturers know what their competitors charge and know to put their product in that ballpark. Also, what good is a real cheap bullet if it can't hit the broad side of barn? This being said, is there a bullet that is known as a stand-out great value? As I'm sure you know, I'm not partial to any manufacturer. I'm curious about your thoughts. Maybe something is a 55gr-ish size. Thanks for your help!

03-06-2008, 04:23 PM	#4
skydiverMN Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3 Trader Rating: (0)	What I got.... I have an DPMS m4, 16" 1:9. Is there an advantage to going with a heavier bullet? Most, who am I kidding, all of my shooting is going to be short range (<100 yd). The once-in-a-blue-moon longer range stuff might happen too I wouldn't worry about that. I assume the heavier bullet would also cost more due to more material (slightly, but regardless...)

03-06-2008, 06:54 PM	#8
skydiverMN Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3 Trader Rating: (0)	perfect! Thanks for all the info. Sounds like I'm gonna use a 50-something grain bullet. I'll play around a bit and see what works best!

03-06-2008, 04:01 PM	#2
rfc357 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 741 Trader Rating: (0)	All the name-brand bullets are good. Stay away from bulk-packed "no-name" bullets unless you just want to make noise. Accuracy will be nil. Check the sales from the big suppliers and buy on sale. You can't go wrong with Sierra, Nosler, Speer, Hornady, Barnes, etc. You can safely shop price among the name brands. Your rifle may prefer one bullet or another. The .223 is a target/match cartridge for me, and my Rock River definitely likes Sierras. Buy the loading manuals from the bullet manufacturers. Stay below the max loads for best accuracy.

03-06-2008, 04:18 PM	#3
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,050 Trader Rating: (0)	I agree with rfc357 and only add,if you have a 1in12" twist stay at 55gr and under.A 1in9" will possibly be good to 70gr.. sam.

03-06-2008, 04:29 PM	#5
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,050 Trader Rating: (0)	If all of your shooting is what you call short range,there is an advantage in having a larger bullet selection to see if there is an advantage with heavier bullets.(bet there is).There isnt much difference in cost due to weight but there is in quality. sam.

03-06-2008, 06:15 PM	#6
rfc357 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 741 Trader Rating: (0)	Most of my shooting is reduced course matches at 200 yards. I shoot Sierra 52s almost exclusively. There is no advantage to a heavier bullet at 300 yards and shorter unless your rifle prefers the heavier bullets for accuracy. You won't know unless you try. I shoot the same 52s in the .222 and the .22-250 Ackley. In the .22-250, the bullets evaporate varmints nicely at 400 yards. I have never had a rifle that would not shoot Sierras.

03-06-2008, 06:48 PM	#7
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,691 Trader Rating: (0)	short range, a 50-55gr bullet will do you fine.

03-06-2008, 07:04 PM	#9
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,691 Trader Rating: (0)	thats a great idea. you have to experiment to see what your rifle likes. what works well in my rifle, or someone elses may not shoot worth a dang in yours.