.223/556 ammo recommendation

[kickemall]

Need some fairly inexpensive but decent ammo for a Mini 14. .223 or 556 doesn't matter. For general plinking and ranch stuff, probably not interested in fmj. Thanks in advance.

 

[BigAl!]

I’ve been using PMC x-tac 5.56. It feeds reliably and shoots just fine for a non-precision application.

 

[GSPHUNTER]

I have found any reloads factory or otherwise don't cycle well in my mini 14, might just be mine.

 

[RockAndSage]

With the Mini-14, you might want to use what's stamped on the side of the barrel - it's .223 IIRC, at least on the older guns. It actually matters, unlike with an AR. The piston system is different from the gas guns 5.56 is loaded for, and 5.56 is loaded hotter than .223. This can be hard on the Mini-14. It's similar to why you want to only use 30-06 ammo loaded specifically for M1 Garands when shooting those guns, which can end up with bent or broken op rods with other loadings of 30-06.

If you're wanting to avoid FMJ, and are using this for ranch work as you mentioned, v-max bullets might be a great choice, and a number of companies load them in their ammo besides Hornady. You can run a search on AmmoSeek.com for .223, and add in "v-max" in the "Match these words in search" bar. It'll give you the cheapest prices, and you can also select for bullet weight.

 

[spike camp]

Just curious…why avoid fmj?

 

[wind gypsy]

ADI World Class .223 REM 55 Grain Sierra Blitzking CASE200 UPC: 9332153003173

Global Ordnance. ADI (Australian Munitions). The Sierra® BlitzKing® selected for this load is designed for explosive expansion in varmints and small game with the accuracy of the MatchKing® bullets

globalordnance.com

 

[kickemall]

Just curious…why avoid fmj?

Not really sure to be honest. Didn’t really want something that just penetrated but didn't expand. My understanding of fmj may be off.

 

[Chris_in_Idaho]

Not really sure to be honest. Didn’t really want something that just penetrated but didn't expand. My understanding of fmj may be off.

For plinking or are you going to be killing something?

 

[kickemall]

For plinking or are you going to be killing something?

Both.

 

[sturner88]

If you’re not wanting to spend a ton of money (~60cpr) i’ve had pretty good results from the AAC 77 otm from Palmetto State Armory. Has been fine for varmint/pigs/range when i’m not wanting to blow through my Black Hills 77TMK

 

[kickemall]

Thats exactly what I don't want to do is blow through my Black Hills 77 TMK that I use in my bolt rifle.

 

[Taudisio]

I have seen decent groups and promising expansion from the 75gr aac Sabre black tips from PSA

 

[RockAndSage]

I have seen decent groups and promising expansion from the 75gr aac Sabre black tips from PSA

I'd forgotten about AAC, but good call. I've got a bunch of their 62gn black tip that's much better performance than their price would indicate. Either their 62 or 75gn would be great loads for both plinking and things like coyotes: https://palmettostatearmory.com/aac...p-5-56-nato-75-grain-20rd-box-ammunition.html