I just got a Bushmaster XM15-E2S from Academy Sports for $799. I got some WWB and some Wolf for plinking but need to know what current available is good for SHTF? Certian stuff seems to be running out and prices going up.

So whats my best option for 1000 rounds to set back for that day when you need it most that is reasonably priced?

Thanks for your time.

XM-193.

www.ammoman.com is having a sale on AE 223 rounds, got an email just yesterday about it

223 FEDERAL 55GR. FMJ AMERICAN EAGLE
FULL METAL JACKET BRASS CASE
BOXER PRIMED - LEAD CORE
COPPER JACKET - NEW PRODUCTION
TOP OF THE LINE 223
REDUCED $20-1000 FOR ONE WEEK ONLY.
ALL PREVIOUS SALES EXCLUDED.NEED THE SALE PRICE.....BUY MORE!
$209-1000 DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR.
ONE WEEK ONLY AND YOU MUST USE THE WEBSITE TO ORDER!
FREE SHIPPING.

As the XM stuff has been scarce for some time I'd jump in the deal above for plinking ammo.

For SHTF ammo I use 77 or 75 grn BH ammo, but suspect ya haven't the proper twist rate for the heavy rounds, (as 1/7 works best ).

Mike

ps - there is an ammo faq "tacked" to the top of this forum, which IF you haven't read ya NEED to!

I have a bushmaster with a 16 inch chrome lined barrel and a 1:9 twist. It shoots 6 inch, 3 shot groups  at 300 yards with BH 75gr  OTM(no wind and when I am up to the task, which isn't very often).  I would suggest trying a box of the heavier bullets and seeing how well your gun handles them.  The heavier rounds seem to be better performers based on all the positive response to the Mk262 Mod 1 in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For SHTF

55 grain

XM-193 or  Winchester Q3131

I saw the FAQ and the ammo article. Its just to much info to digest when i didnt have alot of time today. But i will take the time to read it all this weekend.


Thanks for your answers.

If you have a lot of money, get a 1/7 barreled upper and buy 75gr Hornady TAP or MK262 Mod1 as your SHTF ammo.

If you are sticking with what you have (assuming your rifle is 1/9 barrel) and still have a lot of money, Blackhill or Federal with 68 or 69gr OTM projectile

If you want the cheapest yet okay performance, XM193 or Q3131/Q3131A.

I would say that Q3131a is currently your best bet.  There are several places that still have some available.  

As mentioned, it might not be a bad idea to try a few of the heavier rounds and see how they perform, but I would still go with XM193/Q3131a for stocking purposes (at least initially, unless you have a bunch of $$ to spend).  Once you get your initial stock going then you can augment it with "specialty" rounds if you have the rifle to use them.

I currently have:

2000 rounds Q3131a---general SHTF ammo in cans
1000 rounds XM193--- general SHTF ammo in cans
1000 rounds Wolf 55gr. FMJ(polymer coated case)---range ammo for plinking
200   rounds Hornady TAP 75gr. BTHP---personal defense and long range applications if needed

All the ammo above I have tested and feel 100% confident in its ability to do what I have it tasked for. I also have varied boxes of match grade ammo that I am evaluating to see how it performs.  I am still looking for a good long range (greater than 300 yards) round.

Q3131/Q3131A

Price of Q3131A here:

http://ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=16&t=267841&page=1

this was at Sportsmans Warehouse in Albuquirky... hope there's one near you!