AR-15 Ammo Help

[xxxx]

I am new to the AR-15/5.56 world and I bought 2 AR's. They both have 1/7 twist. A Colt 6920 and an LWRC M6A2. I would like to buy ammo for them, but I don't know what to buy (because it is confusing as ****). I read up on different 5.56 ammo, and noticed the M855 was for a 1/9 twist and the M855A1 ("green tip") is for a 1/7 twist and is the most recent. For my AK's I just bought bulk Yugo M67 in air tight sealed cans.

I referenced this when purchasing the M67:



I'm looking online to buy ammo for a reasonable cost in bulk but I don't know what to buy! Can someone please give me some advice on the best "SHTF" 5.56 to buy. I am looking for like 1000 rounds. Is it possible to buy what the military uses? Would that be wise?

[GM4spd]

If you live and shoot in SoCal most places don't allow the 62 grain green
tip military ammo because it has a steel core,just get a 1000 rds of
brand name 55 grain fmj that is non magnetic. The 55 grain works in any
twist rate from 1-7 thru 1-12. Pete

[m16]

A 1:7" twist will shoot anything.

M855 is green tip, and it's pretty much all I shoot.

M855A1 is the enhanced version, it shoots flatter because it is loaded to a higher pressure.

I would stick with M855 for practice ammo, or even 55gr M193 if you can find it for cheap.

[Munny$hot]

If you reload and are concerned with fragmentation Noseler Ballistic Tips will at any velocity according to them.

[xxxx]

This would be optimal: a good 5.56 round that is low cost that I can buy in bulk that has good characteristics (such as the Yugo M67 in 7.62x39mm). This isn't really plinking ammo, I plan on just keeping it in case of an emergency. I do not reload and do not intend to start.

[G21Shooter]

It depends on the barrel. I've got a Noveske 1:7 stainless barrel, it groups the best with 55gr Hornady V-max over any load I have tried. The groups are bigger with 69gr match or 62gr TSX.

You have to try multiple loads in your gun and see which works best.

[Garyson1311]

I have a 1:8 twist and I shoot 55grn Nosler Varmageddons (handloads), XM193 55gn FMJBT, and m855 62gn green tips. They all shoot well and you'd be well served by any of these.

[Mute]

Don't overthink it. A 1:7 or 1:8 twist will handle pretty much anything you're likely to put through an AR.

[MrPlink]

Check the ammo Oracle at arfcom. Lots of info there (and I will rarely say that in reference to ARFcom)

[trigger945]

55gr is typical and should be GTG. Palmetto State Armory should be a good site for you. $8.50 per box of .223 Rem and $9 per box of 5.56 mm. 20 rds per box. $23 shipping for 50 boxes (1,000 rds). Good luck!

[GunsNGirls]

If it goes bang, I pretty much shoot it through my LWRC SPR. Stick with brand name ammo and hell, the LWRC will handle Wolf ammo just fine. Make sure you rake out the chamber with a brush after though.

[CWM4A1]

M855 and M855A1 are different mainly in the projectile. M855A1 has a longer projectile with copper core on the bottom and the penetrator is now exposed. Also part of how US military wants to go environmentally friendly by eliminating the lead. Suppose to be more accurate but not likely to have the same effect of breaking apart and create larger permanent cavity at close range like the older M855 or M193. I have not seen the M855A1 to be available to civilian market yet. ATF might rule that as AP based on the bullet construction.

55gr is going to be the most available round for practice and least expensive compare to all others. When it comes to the magic bullet that's best for killing zombies, everyone has their own take. I am partial to 77gr SMK or Barnes 70gr XXX load.

[xxxx]

What I want to do is just have a good amount of ammo for for emergencies (not a much as lot of you guys, just like ~1000rnds)

I mostly buy from Ammo To Go and here are the results I found on there:

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_info.php/pName/900rds-556-nato-adi-62gr-ss109-f1-ball-ammo-in-film-packs-with-ammo-can/cName/223-556-full-metal-jacket

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_info.php/pName/1000rds-556-federal-american-eagle-xm855-62gr-fmj-penetrator-ammo/cName/223-556-full-metal-jacket

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_info.php/pName/1000rds-556-independence-imi-xm193i-55gr-fmj-ammo/cName/223-556-full-metal-jacket

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_info.php/pName/500rds-556-lake-city-xm855-62gr-fmj-penetrator-ammo/cName/223-556-full-metal-jacket

From what I am gathering, the Independence IMI XM193I 55gr. would be the best?

Another thing I am concerned about is resale value, by airtight crate of Yugo M67 I bought for $200 was selling at above $600 at one point. In the event that I want to sell my AR's I would also like to sell my ammo and break even or possibly make a small profit.

I am fully aware I am a complete noob, it would be optimal if I could get M855A1 military surplus but it seems it does not work like that. I would just like the best round to stockpile for a "SHTF" scenario. This is not going to be used for long range shooting.

I would put in order of priority (under the assumption they all will function correctly, as I did buy quality ARs):

1) Value and resale value
2) "Stopping power"
3) Accuracy

Edit: Also what I am getting is that the M855 is more "barrier penetrating" and the XM193 is more frangible. Also the M855 being less affected by wind at long distance shooting due to it being a heavier projectile.

Edit #2: After I figure out what to stockpile (M855 or XM193) what brands should I avoid and what brands should I buy from? Is there quality control differences?

Any and all feedback would be much appreciated. (I feel silly going off of what Wikipedia says)

[gwhiz]

You should be fine with any recognized name. To pick one, Federal XM193 is probably a good bet if you think you might want to shoot at a range where steel core is prohibited. XM855 would be great, if you are ok with steel core. If you are concerned about resale value, Federal would likely be better than Independence. Not sure what else there is to say. ARs shoot a wide range of ammo, if you get a bad round just clear the malfunction and proceed.

[xxxx]

You should be fine with any recognized name. To pick one, Federal XM193 is probably a good bet if you think you might want to shoot at a range where steel core is prohibited. XM855 would be great, if you are ok with steel core. If you are concerned about resale value, Federal would likely be better than Independence. Not sure what else there is to say. ARs shoot a wide range of ammo, if you get a bad round just clear the malfunction and proceed.

Yeah, the only issue is I don't recognize a lot of the names - the ones I do I don't know if they produce quality ammo or not.