Posted: 2/1/2025 10:23:46 PM EDT
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Do you use different ammo for different types of training? I am taking a defensive carbine class in a few weeks, and on the list of items needed is at least 400 rounds of ammo. My go to rifle is dialed in using 77 gr rounds. My groups are not as good with cheap 55 grain ammo, but decent (within the 3 moa realm). My question how do I decide which ammo to bring to the class. I can get 1k rounds of 55 gr for about $100 cheaper than 77 gr right now. I wish I could shoot 77 gr every time, but ammo is damn expensive. But obviously some times I should be using the good stuff. What inputs do you use when deciding this. Course description This course is based on the practical application of the carbine AR-15, AK-47 or similar in competitive and combative environments. You'll learn how to improve your accuracy and how to keep your carbine up and running with quick and efficient reloading and malfunction clearing techniques. You'll also become proficient on how to move and shoot while using identifying targets, and at the end of the day you'll get to put your skills to the test with our unique and challenging Marksmanship Qualification. |
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If it's only a $100, I'd go with the 77s. You'll get better data. When I took my last course, I used IMI 55gr cause the IMI 77s were not $100 apart. ETA: we shot ~900 in two days |
Familiarity and prolonged exposure without incident leads to a loss of appreciation of risk.
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Well this is one reason all our guns are zeroed for 62gr ammo, so within 300 yards at least, the offset isn't too bad either way, up or down, with 55gr or 75/77gr. So me, I'd just take 500 rounds of my primary 62gr load. Easy button. What are the farthest distances, and what kind of accuracy standards will the course have? If not too distant/stringent, you could probably get by just fine with cheap 55gr stuff. Shoot some of the cheap stuff now, at various distances, see what your offset is for it right now. Might not be that bad. Or, you could rezero for 55gr, shoot the course, then come back and rezero for 77gr. Personally, I wouldn't want to mess with that, but it's an option. Again, it really depends on the distances and accuracy standards for the course. |
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I would confirm what distances you will be shooting with the instructor. As has been said, 55gr is fine for up close. At 300+ I strongly prefer 77gr. Especially when shooting steel... as I know when I hit steel with 77gr. If you are shooting distance, having the same ammo from the same lot is best for consistency. |
per aspera ad astra
| Use the cheaper 55gr ammo and zero your file accordingly. Document the amount of windage and elevation changes and when the class is over, use the recorded data to adjust back to the zero for your 77gr ammo. |
Best Regards,
TonyF
Training Forum Moderator
"No such thing as tough. There's trained and untrained. Which one are you?" (Denzel Washington -- Man on Fire)
TonyF
Training Forum Moderator
"No such thing as tough. There's trained and untrained. Which one are you?" (Denzel Washington -- Man on Fire)
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I teach carbine classes several times a year, and get this question occasionally. My personal rifle is set up in a similar way, but I shoot mostly cheap-ass 55s in classes. What I'd suggest is asking about the course of fire. Bring some of the 77s for confirming zero and any courses of fire (such as hostage rescue) that require extreme precision. I'd shoot cheap ammo for everything else. Prior to the class, hit the range and see what your cheap ammo is doing with your current zero, so you know what to expect. If it's grouping inside of 3" on your point of aim, you should be able to work with that. Alternately, you could just spend the money and run 77s for the whole class. You be you |