Can't find .223 Rem Bullets?

G

GaryC4

Inactive
Hi all,

I've been reloading handgun rounds for a few years now, and I recently picked up an AR chambered in 5.56/.223. I'd like to reload my .223 brass but I'm having trouble figuring out what else (if anything) a .223 Remington bullet goes by. I usually buy through Midway or Brownells and a search for .223 bullets gets me a big fat goose egg.

Should I be looking for something else?

Thanks all
 
I believe .223 (224) bullets can be as heavy as 90 grns. Of course that would make them very long = compressed loads. Also, your barrel will need a fast twist to stabilize heavy bullets, my Mini 14 has a 1/7 barrel and absolutely loves 75 grn. bullets which are the heaviest I've shot so far.
 
As mentioned you want .224 bullets, usually just listed as 22 bullets at most places. If you search 223 rem it will probably hang up looking for Remington brand bullets, so leave that off.
 
As above, but be aware that if you are using a magazine in your AR, you must not go over the SAAMI spec of 2.260 OAL. The heavier bullets are really made for single shot (no magazine) and when properly seated for the bullet, will not fit into a magazine.
 
Thanks for clearing this up everyone. It seems like 50 gr seems to be the most popular weight so I think I'll start there.

Merry Christmas!
 
"...a search for .223 bullets gets me a big fat goose egg..." Please read your manual first. .223 Rem is just a cartridge marketing name. .223 Rem and most cartridge names have nothing to do with the bullet diameter.
"...50 gr seems to be..." Bullet weight needs to be compatible with the rifling twist for optimum accuracy. What's the twist of your rifle? Isn't a safety thing. Just accuracy.
 
Very good point. The rifle is an M&P 15 OR, chrome plated barrel with a 1:9 twist. I recall seeing somewhere that 50gr bullets are best for a 1:7 twist but with the 1:9 a slightly heavier bullet will perform better.

Thoughts?
 
Faster twist is required for heavier/longer bullets to stabilize. Light bullets are fine with slower twists, like those found normally on bolt action varmint rifles, like 1:12.

1:9 should work fine with weights up to 69 grains, with some folks (including me) reporting success with 75 grains.

1:7 will work with bullets up to 80 grains.

In both cases lighter bullets should still work fine, with the possible exception of light weight varmint bullets, which can come apart of spun too fast. Never had it happen, but it is possible.

Depending on what you are shooting, probably the most common blasting ammo bullet is the 55 gr FMJ.
 
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