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7/3/2010 10:16:10 PM EDT
So i've skimmed through the ammo oracle and didn't see if, and if i did, i didn't get it...but what's the difference between different grains, mainly i've seen the .223 in 55 gr. and 62 gr. Does this have a big effect on the ammo?  Sorry if i just missed it.  If someone could point me in the right direction that would be great.
7/3/2010 10:41:47 PM EDT
[#1]
That is the weight of the bullet measured in a precise increment suitable to measure  the weight of an object that light. There are 437.5 grains in an ounce, 7000 in a pound.  In other words 140 50 grain bullets would weigh a pound. 8 3/4 50 grain bullets would weigh an ounce. Grains are also used to weigh gun powder.
7/3/2010 11:00:45 PM EDT
[#2]
Ok, i guess what im asking then, is does it affect the fps, or what does the heavier bullet do?
7/3/2010 11:50:47 PM EDT
[#3]
there is a forum for this question
7/4/2010 5:07:27 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
Ok, i guess what im asking then, is does it affect the fps, or what does the heavier bullet do?


In general terms, the heavier the bullet, the slower FPS.  Takes more energy to move a heavy bullet than it does a light bullet.  However, heavy bullets are usually better at long ranges because they drop a lot less than a lighter bullet way out there (400+ yards).  It also takes a faster twist barrel to shoot heavy bullets, because they need to spin faster to be stabilized because heavier bullets are longer.  AR's were what 1-12?, now 1-9, 1-7 twists are common- -becasue of the use of heavier bullets.
7/4/2010 7:49:26 AM EDT
[#5]
As has been mentioned, grains refers to the weight of the bullet.  The heavier bullets are generally favored for long range shooting as well as self defense.  Check out 75 gr Hornady TAP.  It is widely considered among the best for self defense.  

For plinking, I generally use 55 gr, as it is usually the cheapest.  But I keep a couple of mags loaded with TAP at home.  If you can find any, try to get the 5.56 TAP rather than the .223 TAP.  Hopefully that doesn't add any confusion.
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