Recommendations for 223 ammo?

[masterplan]

I just got a Kel Tec SU 16 ca and am just becoming aware that different types and weights of .223 are better suited for my barrel twist 1:9. What do you guys think is a good choice for general purpose .223, defense .223, longer ranges, etc? thanks

 

[browningguy]

I've tried just about everything (including the $23/box stuff) in my Keltec from 45 - 69 grains. Mine likes the 52 Gr. Black Hills remanufactured the best, specifically the moly coated HP. It had been shooting consistantly 2.5-3" groups, with the moly coated it went down to 1.2-1.8".

 

[gazpacho]

Winchester Q3131 or Q3131A for self defense
Winchester 64gr power point for hunting
Any US made .223 Remington labelled ammo for plinking.
Anything by Hornady under 69gr, but it's expensive.

 

[LoadedDrum]

XM193 (non-PD), Q3131 or Q3131A, Black Hills between 69 and 77 grains, Hornaday TAP.

Although the frag range is reduced compared to 5.56, AE223 will likely do in a pinch out of a carbine, say for 50 yrds or less.

 

[gaweidert]

Try to stick below 69 grains for loads as heavier loads tend to destabilize with a 1 in 9 twist for .223/5.56. The Hornady TAP 55 grain fragments very well for home defense purposes. My Kel-Tec likes 62 grain bullets the best. All ofthis is readily explained in the Ammo Oracle:

http://www.ammo-oracle.com/

 

[Onmilo]

I like 50-55 grain stuff for general shooting, it usually shoots even more accurate than 62 grain stuff in 1-9 twist barrels.
The 64 grain powerpoint Winchester is an exception to this rule.
Accurate, hard hitting, and not too expensive.

 

[jagdpanzer347]

Does the SU16 have a .223 or 5.56 chamber?

-jagd

 

[MachIVshooter]

For plinking ammo, I use Federal American Eagle 55 gr. ball almost exclusively. At $95/500 rounds and in-stock at the local sporting goods store, it is good quality, American-made ammunition with boxer-primed reloadable cases. I use this stuff in my auto's for plinking, and then use the brass for my varmint loads. Pretty economical way to go.

Does the SU16 have a .223 or 5.56 chamber?

My PLR-16 is labeled 5.56, so I would assume the SU is the same.

 

[El Tejon]

Have used Black Hills in all my .223 guns. Like it a lot.

However, just burned up a bunch of Joejuh Arms ammo. It functioned without fault as well.

 

[knoxx45]

45 to 69 grains

the 1:9 twist is the best compromise. It allows you to shoot whe widest varity of bullet weights. The other factor that some people fail to consider is barrel length. If you have a shorter barrel (14.5 with a fixed brake- 16) I would expect the lighter bullet weights to work best. If you have a longer barrel (20-24) go with the hevier of this range. If you have the mid length (16-20) you might not notice a difference.

Also someone else asked, do you have a 5.56 or .223 chamber. The 5.56 is loaded hotter than the .223.