most accurate .223 bullets & ammo
- Thread starter Solitar
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slickpuppy
New member
Uh, try a slingshot instead. 
slickpuppy
New member
Uh, try a slingshot instead. Seriously, it depends on the twist rate of the rifle. You need to know when it was manufactured and what the twist rate is so we can give you a relatively decent answer.
You should be able to get away with some of the Black Hills blue box 68 grain loads in your rifle. They won't buck the wind like one of the heavier bullets available, but, it is fairly easy to get them at shows and the like. They are pretty accurate out of an AR with 1 in 9 and 1 in 7 twists, so you should be ok with them in your mini.
If I remember correctly, the mini could have either a 1 in 7 or 1 in 9 twist.
TFLers, correct me or verify me on the twist rate that ruger has used if you could.
Good shooting,
Slick
Seriously, it depends on the twist rate of the rifle. You need to know when it was manufactured and what the twist rate is so we can give you a relatively decent answer.You should be able to get away with some of the Black Hills blue box 68 grain loads in your rifle. They won't buck the wind like one of the heavier bullets available, but, it is fairly easy to get them at shows and the like. They are pretty accurate out of an AR with 1 in 9 and 1 in 7 twists, so you should be ok with them in your mini.
If I remember correctly, the mini could have either a 1 in 7 or 1 in 9 twist.
TFLers, correct me or verify me on the twist rate that ruger has used if you could.
Good shooting,
Slick
You might not want to hear this, but the "best" loads for my rifle probably won't turn out to be your "best" loads in yours.
The best thing you can do if you're going to shoot factory ammo is buy a box or two of each brand, head to the range and do the bench work to find out what shoots best in your rifle.
The best thing you can do if you're going to shoot factory ammo is buy a box or two of each brand, head to the range and do the bench work to find out what shoots best in your rifle.
slickpuppy
New member
Thanks Nukem. I thought the minis had been made in 2 twist rates over the years. If the gun is a 1 in 10 twist then a 68 or 69 grain load is going to be too heavy.
I haven't tried 62 grain loads in a 1 in 10 before, it may or may not work.
If not, you are pretty much stuck with the tried and true 55 grainers or lighter. Those are fine for 100 to 200 yards with an AR. Don't know if a mini could handle 200 though.
I haven't tried 62 grain loads in a 1 in 10 before, it may or may not work.
If not, you are pretty much stuck with the tried and true 55 grainers or lighter. Those are fine for 100 to 200 yards with an AR. Don't know if a mini could handle 200 though.
A review of the archives here reveals that earlier Mini-14's had 1:10, then they went to 1:7, then backed off to 1:9. The year of manufacture is the most important.
When I get a thin dowel rod to run through the bore, then I'll determine the twist rate as a previous poster suggested. Put a tight fitting wad over the rod and measure the how many inches it takes for the rod to turn one revolution.
When I get a thin dowel rod to run through the bore, then I'll determine the twist rate as a previous poster suggested. Put a tight fitting wad over the rod and measure the how many inches it takes for the rod to turn one revolution.
You can do the twist rate just as easily with a bore brush. It'll give as good a grip on the rifling as anything else.
Tighten it good to the cleaning rod so it doesn't come loose when pulling through bbl & drag it out counting turns for given distance.
& really, no flames to the Mini, but I think that wind drift will be kinda down on the "things to fix" re accuracy/repeatablility.
Tighten it good to the cleaning rod so it doesn't come loose when pulling through bbl & drag it out counting turns for given distance.
& really, no flames to the Mini, but I think that wind drift will be kinda down on the "things to fix" re accuracy/repeatablility.
As said above, it will depend on the twist rate of your barrel. If the Federal Match 69 gr. BTHPs are too heavy, then you should probably step down to Federal Premium 55 gr. BTHP or even Nosler ballistic tips.
That being said, I've found that my Rem 700VS will consistently group 1/2 MOA at 100 yards with some surplus South African 55 gr. FMJ I had lying around.
Play around with a few different rounds, and find the one your rifle likes best.
That being said, I've found that my Rem 700VS will consistently group 1/2 MOA at 100 yards with some surplus South African 55 gr. FMJ I had lying around.
Play around with a few different rounds, and find the one your rifle likes best.
steveg1966
Inactive
Hey there,
The best groups I've shot with my 20" AR were with Black Hills 68gr Match Moly'd HP (blue box). Can't say it would work for you, but I'd give it a try. My 20" bbl is 1:9 as well.
Good luck,
Steve
The best groups I've shot with my 20" AR were with Black Hills 68gr Match Moly'd HP (blue box). Can't say it would work for you, but I'd give it a try. My 20" bbl is 1:9 as well.
Good luck,
Steve
My box of Sierra 69gr hpbt match bullets
says they can shoot in 7" -10" twist
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tango27:
As said above, it will depend on the twist rate of your barrel. If the Federal Match 69 gr. BTHPs are too heavy, then you should probably step down to Federal Premium 55 gr. BTHP or even Nosler ballistic tips.
[/quote]
[This message has been edited by NVCDL (edited August 29, 2000).]
says they can shoot in 7" -10" twist
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tango27:
As said above, it will depend on the twist rate of your barrel. If the Federal Match 69 gr. BTHPs are too heavy, then you should probably step down to Federal Premium 55 gr. BTHP or even Nosler ballistic tips.
[/quote]
[This message has been edited by NVCDL (edited August 29, 2000).]
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Nukem:
You might not want to hear this, but the "best" loads for my rifle probably won't turn out to be your "best" loads in yours.
The best thing you can do if you're going to shoot factory ammo is buy a box or two of each brand, head to the range and do the bench work to find out what shoots best in your rifle.
[/quote]
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! A M E N ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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Doleo ergo sum,
-HALFPINT-
You might not want to hear this, but the "best" loads for my rifle probably won't turn out to be your "best" loads in yours.
The best thing you can do if you're going to shoot factory ammo is buy a box or two of each brand, head to the range and do the bench work to find out what shoots best in your rifle.
[/quote]
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! A M E N ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
------------------
Doleo ergo sum,
-HALFPINT-
George Hill
Staff Alumnus
When I want the best out of a .223 rifle, I grab a box of HORNADY VX loads.
I'm a fan of Hornady for good reason - they are the most consistant rounds made and I have never had one give me a surprise like some other ammo has... And they perform at or near the top of the pack.
Accuracy has been better expected - tighting up shotgroups at all ranges.
Now - when shooting in gusty winds - know this: the .223 bullet is light and can get taken by the wind much easier than heavier calibers. To make up for it - use your field craft. Have patience. Wait for a lull and watch down range - look for the signs. Look at the grass and leaves... when the gust blows out and you have a lull - FIRE. If its more constant or you cant wait - throw in some Kentuky Windage and let it fly.
I'm a fan of Hornady for good reason - they are the most consistant rounds made and I have never had one give me a surprise like some other ammo has... And they perform at or near the top of the pack.
Accuracy has been better expected - tighting up shotgroups at all ranges.
Now - when shooting in gusty winds - know this: the .223 bullet is light and can get taken by the wind much easier than heavier calibers. To make up for it - use your field craft. Have patience. Wait for a lull and watch down range - look for the signs. Look at the grass and leaves... when the gust blows out and you have a lull - FIRE. If its more constant or you cant wait - throw in some Kentuky Windage and let it fly.
FireForged
New member
This is some good info on all the popular 223 ammo.
http://www.aaconsult.com/ammoreview/
http://www.aaconsult.com/ammoreview/
WalterGAII
Moderator
I just loaded up some 69gr. Sierra hpbt match bullets ahead of 22gr. of AA2200. (moly'd the bullets). Shot some really tight groups at 100 yds with my Bush Shorty, which also has a 1-in-9in. twist. I realize that my Bush's accuracy in no way relates to the Mini, but I really do like those Sierra bullets.