{"id":535,"date":"2022-12-21T13:45:43","date_gmt":"2022-12-21T13:45:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/?p=535"},"modified":"2022-12-21T13:45:43","modified_gmt":"2022-12-21T13:45:43","slug":"choosing-a-load-for-your-ar-americas-rifle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/?p=535","title":{"rendered":"Choosing a Load for Your AR: America\u2019s Rifle"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>The AR-15 is America\u2019s rifle, and it fires the single most popular caliber in America. While there are other AR rifle calibers, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/ammunition\/rifle-ammo\/.223-remington-and-5.56-nato\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=choosing-load-for-ar-americas-rifle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">.223 Remington<\/a> is more popular than all the rest put together. The AR-15 rifle \u2014 or KelTec\u2019s SU16 and Ruger\u2019s Mini-14 \u2014 is well suited to a variety of chores including pest shooting, varmint hunting, personal defense, competition, and in some cases, the taking of medium-sized game.<\/p>\n<p>Interestingly enough, all of the chores the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/tactical\/ar-15-rifles\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=choosing-load-for-ar-americas-rifle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AR-15<\/a> is suited to demand good marksmanship. After all, the AR-15\u2019s excellent handling compliments a trained shooter. The .223 Remington cartridge will vaporize a varmint at 300 yards \u2014 if you can hit the small target. And taking a deer with the .223 is easily done with good shot placement.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" alt=\"Federal 62-grain Green Tip ammunition\" class=\"wp-image-84945 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-12.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-12.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-12.jpg?resize=150%2C113&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-12.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-12.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Federal 62-grain Green Tip ammunition\" class=\"wp-image-84945\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-12.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-12.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-12.jpg?resize=150%2C113&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>Federal\u2019s 62-grain Green Tip is an accurate load.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>The AR is also a versatile rifle that will perform many other chores well too. Changing the optics and load allows the shooter to address many needs with a single rifle.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-2 ai-viewport-2 ai-viewport-3\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--Mid Article Ad for Mobile and Tablet--><br \/>\n<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/contest.html?cid=contest?utm_source=CTD_Blog_AD&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=blog_range_day_friday_mobile&amp;utm_content=square\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/rdf_dec22_ad_mobile.jpg?w=640&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/rdf_dec22_ad_mobile.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Considerations<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s easy for a novice to be confused about the different AR loads available and their uses. Poor recommendations in the popular press have not helped. While we may address the choice of practice ammunition with whatever is cheapest, that isn\u2019t the whole story \u2014 although it is certainly part of the story. Also, keep in mind that the 5.56mm NATO and .223 Remington, while identical in dimension, are <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/223-vs-556-which-ammo-in-my-gun\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">not quite the same<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-1 ai-viewport-1\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--Mid Article Ad for Desktop--><br \/>\n<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/contest.html?cid=contest\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" align=\"center\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/rdf_dec22_ad.jpg?w=500&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/rdf_dec22_ad.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1\" align=\"center\" px=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<p>The 5.56mm is loaded to greater pressures. The cartridge case is thicker in some cases with the 5.56mm and may run to higher pressures with the same amount of powder. If you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/reloading\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=choosing-load-for-ar-americas-rifle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">handload<\/a>, know what you are doing with load selection. However, that is a different story. In this report, we are looking at ammunition performance.<\/p>\n<p>For range use, there is some truth to \u201cwhatever is cheapest.\u201d As a rule, steel-cased ammunition is less expensive. It is usually dirtier as well. Steel cases may be harder on the extractor. For long-term storage, steel cases seem more susceptible to the elements.<\/p>\n<p>Just the same, for running a few hundred cartridges through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/springfield\/firearms\/rifles\/?srule=relevance&amp;brand=Springfield&amp;utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=choosing-load-for-ar-americas-rifle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Springfield Saint<\/a> in a single range session, steel-cased ammunition is hard to beat. After all, if the rifle runs well with steel case loads, why not use them? You simply should not expect the best reliability and accuracy.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"322\" alt=\"Hornady Full Boar .223\/5.56 ammunition\" class=\"wp-image-84942 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-10.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-10.jpg?resize=300%2C151&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-10.jpg?resize=150%2C75&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-10.jpg?resize=640%2C322&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"322\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-10.jpg?resize=640%2C322&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Hornady Full Boar .223\/5.56 ammunition\" class=\"wp-image-84942\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-10.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-10.jpg?resize=300%2C151&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-10.jpg?resize=150%2C75&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>Hornady Full Boar is a great all-around hunting load.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Then we have brass-cased <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/winchester\/ammunition\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=choosing-load-for-ar-americas-rifle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Winchester<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/federal\/ammunition\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=choosing-load-for-ar-americas-rifle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Federal<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/remington\/ammunition\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=choosing-load-for-ar-americas-rifle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Remington<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/hornady\/ammunition\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=choosing-load-for-ar-americas-rifle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hornady<\/a>, and other loads. These loads usually use a 55-grain FMJ bullet, some use a 62-grain bullet. These loads are more than accurate enough for meaningful target practice. The American Eagle loading is just about as accurate as much more expensive match-grade loads.<\/p>\n<p>Brass case 55-grain FMJ loads are among the most useful practice loads. And, while I prefer a different load for personal defense, the 55-grain FMJ loading is more than effective at close range. The high velocity often makes the projectile break in half at typical defense ranges.<\/p>\n<p>Let me recap. If the barrel is marked 5.56mm, all loads are useful \u2014 .223 or 5.56mm. If marked .223 use only, use .223 Remington loads exclusively. The <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/whats-a-wylde\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">.223 Wylde chamber<\/a> is useful with either cartridge. That is a basic amount of knowledge you must have squared away before you choose a working load. However, this article is about individual classes of AR-15 rifle loads.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"495\" alt=\"Man wearing Walker's Game Ear hearing protection shooting an AR-15 rifle\" class=\"wp-image-84933 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-1.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-1.jpg?resize=300%2C232&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-1.jpg?resize=150%2C116&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-1.jpg?resize=640%2C495&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-1.jpg?resize=640%2C495&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Man wearing Walker's Game Ear hearing protection shooting an AR-15 rifle\" class=\"wp-image-84933\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-1.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-1.jpg?resize=300%2C232&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-1.jpg?resize=150%2C116&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>The primary concern is always reliability.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Varmint and Pest Loads<\/h2>\n<p>I have seen the Varmint Grenade, a very fast 36-grain bullet, do the business by blowing up varmints. This load rapidly expands and vaporizes varmints. The 40-grain V-Max is much the same. The Federal 40-grain Blitz is another superbly-effective choice.<\/p>\n<p>A caution\u2026 despite the recommendation of those who should know better, never use such light AR loads for defense. They may blow up on the lightest resistance such as a cell phone in the pocket or belt buckle. This is their design.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"367\" alt=\"Winchester 55-grain FMJ white box ammunition\" class=\"wp-image-84938 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-6.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-6.jpg?resize=300%2C172&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-6.jpg?resize=150%2C86&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-6.jpg?resize=640%2C367&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"367\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-6.jpg?resize=640%2C367&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Winchester 55-grain FMJ white box ammunition\" class=\"wp-image-84938\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-6.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-6.jpg?resize=300%2C172&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AR-Loads-6.jpg?resize=150%2C86&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>Winchester\u2019s 55-grain FMJ is a great recreational loading.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>The AR may sometimes short cycle with these loads, especially when the rifle is dirty. For the intended purpose, the ultra-light loads offer instant effect and a degree of safety. They tend to break up rather than deflect, a trait of most .223 ammunition. They are highly unlikely to ricochet as they blow up on light resistance.<\/p>\n<h3>Longer Range Varmints<\/h3>\n<p>50 to 55-grain bullets such as the Hornady V-Max are ideal for <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/long-range-shooting-ar-15\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">longer range<\/a> use. I have fired a good number of 40-grain loads, but far more of the 55-grain loads. At least in my rifles, the heavier bullets are more accurate. A V-Max bullet is reliable in expansion well past 300 yards.<\/p>\n<h2>Heavy Bullets<\/h2>\n<p>Based on good-to-outstanding accuracy and proven effectiveness, among my favorite AR loads is the 69-grain Sierra Match King. These are great when loaded by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/fiocchi\/ammunition\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=choosing-load-for-ar-americas-rifle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fiocchi<\/a> or in a handload. The balance of expansion and penetration is ideal, and accuracy is simply amazing in the right rifle.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-4 ai-viewport-2 ai-viewport-3\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--End of Article Ad for Mobile and Tablet--><br \/>\n<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/contest.html?cid=contest?utm_source=CTD_Blog_AD&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=blog_range_day_friday_mobile&amp;utm_content=square\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/rdf_dec22_ad_mobile.jpg?w=640&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/rdf_dec22_ad_mobile.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-3 ai-viewport-1\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--End of Article Ad for Desktop--><br \/>\n<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/financing.html\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" align=\"center\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/credova_ad.jpg?w=500&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/credova_ad.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1\" align=\"center\" px=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<p>The 77-grain bullets have earned an excellent reputation and would be a good choice as well. For home defense, a 55-grain JSP is probably the best choice. The load has proven effective and expands well, while offering far less chance of ricochet than most loads.<\/p>\n<h2>Performance<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<h4 style=\"color:#FF0000\">Load<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\n<h4 style=\"color:#FF0000\">Velocity (FPS)<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\n<h4 style=\"color:#FF0000\">Penetration (inches)<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\n<h4 style=\"color:#FF0000\">Expansion<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Hornady 35-grain NTX<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">3,278<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">7<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Fragmented<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Varmint Grenade 36-grain Handload\/Varget Powder<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">3,800<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">5<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Fragmented<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Fiocchi 40-grain V-Max<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">3,590<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">5.5<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Fragmented<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Buffalo Bore Sniper 55-grain JSP<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2,939<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">8<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Fragmented<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Federal 55-grain Bonded<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2,902<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">14<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">.34<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Federal 62-grain Fusion<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2,809<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">12<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">.55<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Hornady 55-grain GMX<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2,912<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">15<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">.40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Barnes TSX 55-grain<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2,890<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">16.5<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Winchester 55-grain Silvertip<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2,850<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">7<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Fragmented<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Gorilla Ammunition 69-grain Sierra<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2,781<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">14<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">.4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Buffalo Bore 77-grain HPBT<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2,767<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">11<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">.36<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The .223\/5.56mm soft point penetrates less in a soft target and is less prone to ricochet than most pistol bullets. The result is greater safety. The rifle also has much greater hit probability, making for an excellent all-around home defender.<\/p>\n<p>When choosing a load, first consider the likely duty. If I could have only one loading for every duty, it would (most likely) be a 55-grain JSP. However, I am glad that I don\u2019t have to narrow my choices.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>The performance of your AR-15 can easily be improved by choosing the load for your barrel twist, range, and mission. What are your favorite AR loads and uses? Share your answers in the comment section.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span id=\"tve_leads_end_content\" style=\"display: block; visibility: hidden; border: 1px solid transparent;\"\/><!-- AI CONTENT END 1 -->\n\t<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/choosing-load-for-ar-americas-rifle\/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=choosing-load-for-ar-americas-rifle\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The AR-15 is America\u2019s rifle, and it fires the single most popular caliber in America. While there are other AR rifle calibers, the .223 Remington is more popular than all the rest put together. The AR-15 rifle \u2014 or KelTec\u2019s SU16 and Ruger\u2019s Mini-14 \u2014 is well suited to a variety of chores including pest [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":536,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-535","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-gun-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/535","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=535"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/535\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/536"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=535"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=535"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=535"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}