User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
TX, USA
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Posted: 9/5/2021 11:22:17 AM EDT
I recently built my first ar15, mostly Aero parts with an 18 inch 223 Wylde Faxon match grade barrel. I'm a new shooter and want to slowly get into some long range shooting.
I'm currently shooting 223 55g frontier FMJ since it's cheap but I got good enough to definitely know that I'm outshooting my ammo at 100 yards. At my range I have to qualify at 300 to shoot beyond so that will be my next step on my journey. Can I please get some recommendations for some affordable ammo that may match well with my setup. I would love to practice at a 100 with ammo I know I can't outshoot. My setup and typical 100yard group |
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USA
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Posted: 9/5/2021 4:38:45 PM EDT
[#1]
I just joined a range in July where I had to qualify on all 3 ranges. I ran Ameican Eagle 55gr fmj through an off the shelf SW MP 15 with a drop in trigger. As long as the winds not gusting 300yrd is pretty easy depending on what the criteria is.
What target/steel size are we talking here? Ours was a 8" plate. 5 consecutive hits. No drops allowed. This was right after the 100yrd so you had to know your bullet drops or holdover. Grab a few different boxes and see what shoots better. |
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Posted: 9/6/2021 11:52:36 AM EDT
[#2]
All things considered, you're doing pretty well.
I'd suggest a higher power scope to shoot longer range. As for ammo, you're really going to have to try different brands/weights to see what your barrel likes best. |
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Posted: 9/12/2021 9:25:59 AM EDT
[Last Edit: bfoosh06]
[#3]
@Vintovka69
Higher magnification scope for me.... my older eyes prefer higher magnification. FWIW...The Hornady 55gr FMJ is a very good bullet. And given the current ammo prices and supply restraints .... ( which flat out sucks ) I'd Try some of the AO 69gr SMK and AO 55gr BlitzKing https://globalordnance.com/ammunition/centerfire-rifle-ammunition/223-remington/ The previous batch of MEN 5.56 56gr FMJ produced darned good groups for many here... I don't know if the current production MEN 5.56 is as good ... but It would be worth a try to me. 30rd boxes and 510 cases available.... https://www.sgammo.com/site_search?populate=MEN+5.56 Your group is very good... But, I would suggest try shooting off a good bag , at least once, ... I shoot far better off of bags than a bipod.... so it is worth trying. Given you can obviously shoot... I also suggest you place the spare orange paster's around the Shoot N See target, and maybe on a larger version , ... then use a Sharpie at the center of the orange dot, drawing a bullseye dot... that will help with a smaller point of aim. I then "allow" the bullet impacts to be off to one side or the other, so I don't shoot out my aiming point. ( Hope that makes sense ) Oops... Edited to add... save your brass. You might not reload now, but.... |
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MS, USA
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Posted: 9/25/2021 3:43:01 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MS556]
[#4]
OP, you've probably maxed out the accuracy of that FMJ ammo. Good shooting. Try some match ammo (good recommendations listed above) and maybe consider that higher powered scope I see up on the shelf above your rifle.
Another thing you can do is improve your trigger. A lighter (but still safe) trigger will reduce one variable. |
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Posted: 12/4/2021 11:23:46 PM EDT
[#5]
Grab some 69 grain Federal Gold Medal Match, that stuff shoot excellent in every rifle I've ever tried it in.
Or, start reloading. Sub-MOA handloads are easy to work up. I'd say you're certainly limited by your ammo right now, that's excellent grouping for bulk FMJ ammo, especially with an LPVO. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 1/5/2022 6:49:40 AM EDT
[Last Edit: DevL]
[#6]
If you shoot at ASC in Houston... the 300 yard range is actually 315-320 yards. The left side of theine is closer. The 300 yard qual target is 6". I would suggest 77 grain Federal Gold Medal match. Your current ammo will open up MORE than 3x the current group size and you must place 5 consecutive shots in the 6" circle at 320ish yards. Wind shifts are the biggest issue at that range and 6x is VERY hard at 320. At 420+ you would only be hitting the full size steel regularly, not the small gongs, and the 600 yard targets would just frustrate you.
For example, I use a Lealupold Mark5 3.6-18× at those distances. I also use 77grain SMK and TMK ammo due to wind being the bigger issue over velocity. 77 GMM is SLOW but accurate. At least it will get you qualified. |
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Posted: 1/5/2022 7:41:07 AM EDT
[#7]
Federal Gold Medal Match and Norma Match are both excellent options.
I've had fairly good success from the ADI 55gr with one of my bolt guns.  Attached File |
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IN, USA
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Posted: 4/24/2022 10:35:30 PM EDT
[#8]
If you truly enjoy shooting groups, I suggest biting the bullet and start reloading. It’s not the best time, but as long as you can get your hands on primers, the other components are out there.
When I was in your position I bought the smallest box of each ammo I could find and tested them. I think I had the best luck with PMC and Fiochi 55gr. |
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Posted: 12/27/2022 7:34:53 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By cmcque: If you truly enjoy shooting groups, I suggest biting the bullet and start reloading. It’s not the best time, but as long as you can get your hands on primers, the other components are out there. When I was in your position I bought the smallest box of each ammo I could find and tested them. I think I had the best luck with PMC and Fiochi 55gr. This. And for what its worth in my Savage bolt gun I tried the various Frontier offerings, the PMC stuff, a few different Federal/American Eagle loads... and 2moa was my best group. After settign up 20 different loads (2 bullets, two powders, 5 different amounts of powder) and shooting groups at 100 yards not one of the loads was more than 1.5moa and I have several loads that shoot sub-moa. Using about 40 cents worth of components at todays pricing. Doing batch processing on my single stage press I can crank out 100-150 rounds per hour per step (resize and deprime, measure a few trim batch if needed and then tumble, prime, charge powder and seat bullet) so I usually have a few hundred rounds on hand or a few hundred primed and ready to load cases. |
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