First AR on the way, what ammo should I buy?

[Joe Manco]

Hi all. Completely new to the AR platform and rifles for that matter, but experienced with handguns, reloading pistol cartridges, and I am a CHP holder. Just ordered my first rifle, a Colt LE6920MP-B from GrabaGun for $879(couldn't resist).
Anyway, what ammo should I buy for it to start of with? I do hand load for pistol and would think shooting and collecting my brass for reloading would be the way to go. Been looking at 5.56x45 ammo and prices are all over the place so I'm a little confused. Rifle won't be here till mid next week at the soonest so I have time to order online if that's the way to go. Any suggestions and links would be appreciated. 5.56 or .223? Brand, Bullet shape, weight? Thanks

[brutal]

Twist? (too lazy to look it up)

55gr M193 will run in just about anything, 1:7 1:8 would do better with M855 (62gr) and you can load up heavy lead 68-75-78 if so inclined.

gunbot.net or ammoseek.com there's plenty of .33/rd - 500/1000 rds case priced federal or lake city ammo out there. There's a couple places running shipping specials. Not sure if you can see Buyer Intel in the trading post yet, but there's probably deals posted there.

[Joe Manco]

Twist? (too lazy to look it up)

55gr M193 will run in just about anything, 1:7 1:8 would do better with M855 (62gr) and you can load up heavy lead 68-75-78 if so inclined.

gunbot.net or ammoseek.com there's plenty of .33/rd - 500/1000 rds case priced federal or lake city ammo out there. There's a couple places running shipping specials. Not sure if you can see Buyer Intel in the trading post yet, but there's probably deals posted there.

Thanks, and twist is 1:7

[Joe Manco]

What's a good price for 1000 55g M193?

[brutal]

http://gunbot.net/ammo/rifle/556/

[Great-Kazoo]

wally world has 400 ish ammo cans of federal. There never seems to be a shortage of that and the fed 12ga slugs.

[Joe Manco]

This is the best price I could find.
Federal Independence AR 5.56x45mm 55Gr FMJ 500 Rounds. And, thanks for all the help.

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentId=productDetail&prodId=FAXM193IBK&green=F975C314-2BFE-5CEA-0D88-E381436798E8&src=mbProd

[funkymonkey1111]

don't overlook steel cased

http://sgammo.com/product/wolf-performance-ammunition/500-round-case-223-rem-55-grain-fmj-wolf-wpa-polyformance-steel-

[funkymonkey1111]

Or freedommunitions, when it's in stock

http://www.freedommunitions.com/category-s/1916.htm

get on their notification lists

[SideShow Bob]

PSA has the 420 round 62 gr green tips on stripper clip cans on sale for $159.

[XC700116]

This is the best price I could find.
Federal Independence AR 5.56x45mm 55Gr FMJ 500 Rounds. And, thanks for all the help.

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentId=productDetail&prodId=FAXM193IBK&green=F975C314-2BFE-5CEA-0D88-E381436798E8&src=mbProd

That's a good price right now, I've paid much more for it in the last couple years. It's good consistent ammo for bulk ammo, and it's reloadable. If you're currently hand loading pistol ammo, I'd assume it won't be long before you start loading rifle ammo too, so you might as well buy brass cased ammo. If you don't think you'll reload it, then save your money and buy a pile of that wolf that funkymonkey linked. It's pretty decent ammo if you have no want/need for brass cased ammo.

[Joe Manco]

don't overlook steel cased

http://sgammo.com/product/wolf-performance-ammunition/500-round-case-223-rem-55-grain-fmj-wolf-wpa-polyformance-steel-

Yes, but I want to reload the brass.

[Joe Manco]

While on the subject of brass, does 5.6 last last longer(more reloads) then .223?

[XC700116]

While on the subject of brass, does 5.6 last last longer(more reloads) then .223?

manufacturer, load pressures, and care in loading have a lot more to do with it. BUT 556 spec ammo is higher pressure, so you're starting out with virgin brass with an already hot load, so there's something to be said for 223 possibly lasting a couple more loadings in general. But how hot you load it after the first loading will have a lot more to do with it.

[Great-Kazoo]

This is the best price I could find.
Federal Independence AR 5.56x45mm 55Gr FMJ 500 Rounds. And, thanks for all the help.

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentId=productDetail&prodId=FAXM193IBK&green=F975C314-2BFE-5CEA-0D88-E381436798E8&src=mbProd

GO to wally world, buy the federal, go to range. One of the local ones here has so much, it's taken up residence where the 22 use to be.

[brutal]

brassbadger isn't showing any deals for any Aurora wallys.

all .50/rd stuff

[Delfuego]

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=AGGG556M855&name=GGG+NATO+5.56x45+(.223)+GP21+62grn+M855%2FSS1 09+1%2C000rd+can&groupid=21

Awsome brass for reloading. Every bit as nice as Lapau.

[Great-Kazoo]

brassbadger isn't showing any deals for any Aurora wallys.

all .50/rd stuff

They, among other web sites, said the wm by me had no 22 or 45. Stopped by just in case, 4 bulk packs of Remington 22, 3 different choices for 45. Same for gunbot? It's hit or miss, as with any store or website.

[Great-Kazoo]

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=AGGG556M855&name=GGG+NATO+5.56x45+(.223)+GP21+62grn+M855%2FSS1 09+1%2C000rd+can&groupid=21

Awsome brass for reloading. Every bit as nice as Lapau.

If he is shooting at an indoor range, he's stuck with a can of useless ammo. The PP is a better investment, unless he shoots outdoors. With him new to the AR platform, best to stick with 55gr till it breaks in and he is comfortable with the gun.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?groupid=1650&name=Prvi+Partizan+PPU+.223%2f5.56x45+M193+55grn

[Delfuego]

With a 1-7 twist you should look at the heavier projectiles, they will shoot better. Also 5.56 milsurp often has crimped primers which can be a pain to remove when reloading. Indoor shooting was not indicated.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=AP223HP69&name=Prvi+Partizan+PPU+.223+69grn+Match+HP+20rd+Bo x&groupid=21
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=AP223HP75&name=Prvi+Partizan+PPU+.223+75grn+Match+HP+20rd&groupid=21

[Alpha2]

Targetsportsusa.com has free shipping on cases. That's where I get my bulk stuff. Cabela's has tons of the stuff, too, if you need it soon. Heck, everyone has tons of the stuff now.