Self Defence .223 Ammo

[Blowmax10]

What ammo would you guys recommend to buy for a M-4 in a SHTF scenario?

I keep plenty of plinking ammo on hand would it be advisable to get something a little more potent?

[Matt In Oklahoma]

http://www.handloads.com/misc/stoppingpower.asp?Caliber=22&Weight=All

http://www.theboxotruth.com/

These may help you make some choices but nothing beats YOUR reseach.

I also hunt with my M4 too which helps me make choices on PD loads. I would defintely get the best ammo you can afford to carry in any weapon in any caliber for carry. Plinking and bulk ammo will do in a pinch but nothing beats KNOWING you round will do the job. I would also look at your needs and area IE; do you live in an apt, built up area or in wide open places. Apts and close together houses need something like the 40gr hp that dumps quickly. I carry a side by side set up with green tips on one side for penetration and my HP for expansion and accuracy.

I personally use the Winchester Ranger 69gr LE Boattail HP because it shoots 1/2 at 100 in my DPMS M4. There are better expanding but less accurate rds but this is my choice. I have used the Remington 55sp and the Bear 68gr sp with decent results on critters too.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

oh yeah here is another one that is good research

http://stevespages.com/page8f223remington.html

[Grand58742]

What ammo would you guys recommend to buy for a M-4 in a SHTF scenario?

I keep plenty of plinking ammo on hand would it be advisable to get something a little more potent?

What's your barrel twist? That's the first piece of information needed to come up with a reliable answer.

Secondly, Matt said it best. Rifles are picky about what loads work best and keep a tight grouping. Your rifle might be different with the same rounds he uses. Sounds crazy, but only you can figure out which works best in your rifle and how it groups.

[justanothergunnut]

expected range of contact and budget are important factors here. Even the lowly M193 or standard old school military ball round 55gr FMJ is devastating within 100-150 yds from a 16" bbl. At velocities above approx 2400 fps the bullet yaws and often disintegrates when it contacts tissue. This is why you hear so many reports of lack of lethality in places like Afghanistan where contact ranges are generally much further than 150 yds. For my M4 I stock M193,M855(green tip,steel cup,penetrator) and 55-62 gr varmint rounds for reliable expansion at low velocities for longer ranges. The 223 or 5.56 is a decent round however as with anything you must pick the right tool for the job. Regular old fmj is fine within its performance envelope but you would do well stocking some additional ammo designed to fragment .
This article is lengthy but should provide you with a good understanding.. ooh and if budget is not a grave concern I prefer Hornady TAP in 60gr but its a little pricey and probably not too much better than others

[justanothergunnut]

sorry forgot to provide link to article
http://wstiac.alionscience.com/pdf/WQV8N1_ART01.pdf

[lungs]

I reload the finest softpoint ever made. It's called the Nosler "Partiion" and in .30 cal, it is the standard by which all others are judged, for penetration and expansion. the 60 gr Partition makes the M4 every bit as effective on deer as the 30-30 ever was, as long as you are not stupid enough to aim for the shoulder, or shoot at the north end of a south facing buck.