AR-15 Ammo (5.56/.223) Showdown: Best 10 Rounds for Accuracy and Value

The AR-15 ranks as America's favorite rifle for many good reasons. You can change parts easily and adapt it to fit your needs. Good ammo makes a huge difference in how well it performs. The right bullets help you hit targets with precision. Poor ammo choices can turn tight groups into scattered patterns across your target.

You need some basic knowledge to match your rifle with the best ammo. Different bullets work better for specific tasks. Some types excel at target shooting with amazing accuracy. Others make better choices for home protection scenarios. Cost becomes important if you shoot often or practice regularly.

Overview Of AR-15 Ammo

Most AR-15s use either 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington cartridges. These two look nearly the same but have key differences. The 5.56 NATO runs at higher pressures than the .223 Remington. This creates an important safety issue to remember.

A barrel marked 5.56 can safely fire both types of ammunition. Barrels marked only for .223 Remington should never use 5.56 ammo. Firing 5.56 in a .223 chamber can create dangerous pressure levels. The .223 Wylde chamber offers a hybrid design that balances the tighter tolerances of .223 Rem for accuracy with the pressure tolerance of 5.56 NATO for versatility. This chamber is commonly used in match or precision rifles, making it a preferred choice for shooters who value both safety and precision. 

Bullet weight affects how your rifle performs downrange. Most AR-15 ammo weighs between 55 and 77 grains. Your barrel's twist rate decides which weights shoot most accurately. Fast twist rates like 1:7 work better with heavy bullets. Slower rates like 1:9 match up with lighter projectiles. Most AR-15s come with twist rates that handle common 55-grain and 62-grain bullets very well.

Best 5.56 NATO Ammo for AR-15s

Winchester M855 5.56 NATO 62gr

Most shooters easily recognize Winchester M855 5.56 NATO ammo on sight. You can spot it by the green tip that marks it as a barrier-penetrating round. Inside sits a steel core that helps punch through tough materials with ease. NATO created the exact specs for this ammo, and it matches what soldiers carry in their rifles.

This ammo works great in nearly all AR-15 rifles. At 62 grains, these bullets fly fast yet stay stable in flight. Barrels with 1:9 twist or faster will give you the best results. However, it's important to note that the M855 is not specifically designed for superior accuracy. It’s a combat load, not a match round, and maintains adequate accuracy up to 300 yards away.

You won't notice much drop until you shoot beyond that distance.

Many shooters appreciate the M855's reliability in adverse conditions. The round cycles smoothly through most AR-15s without feeding issues. The brass casing holds up well, making it a solid choice for those who collect brass for reloading. When fired, it leaves moderate fouling compared to cheaper alternatives.

One thing to note: the steel penetrator means this ammunition isn't suitable for all shooting scenarios. The M855 is not ideal for soft tissue/self-defense—it tends to yaw inconsistently and often over-penetrates. Many indoor ranges ban it because the steel core can damage backstops and cause dangerous ricochets. Some outdoor ranges also prohibit it for similar reasons. Always check your local range rules before bringing M855 ammunition to the firing line.

Specs

• Bullet Type: Steel Penetrator with Full-Metal Jacket
• Case: Brass
• Bullet Weight: 62gr
• Muzzle Velocity: 3100 fps

Features

• SS109 steel penetrator tip for superior barrier penetration
• NATO specifications for reliability and performance
• Distinctive green tip for easy identification

Pros

• Reliable performance in various shooting conditions
• High-quality brass case enhances durability
• Adheres to rigorous NATO specifications

Cons

• Higher cost per round compared to some other options
• Not suitable for ranges that prohibit steel penetrators as they may damage steel targets

American Eagle XM193 55gr

American Eagle XM193 55gr works great for the price. Federal Premium makes these rounds similar to military M193 specs. The bullets have a full metal jacket with a boat tail shape for better flight and accuracy at distance.

This 55-grain bullet works perfectly in AR-15s with 1:9 twist barrels or faster. However, it performs marginally in rifles with a 1:12 twist. XM193 uses higher pressures than .223 Rem, which can lead to greater wear on some rifles and results in more flash and recoil. The bullets get stable fast after firing. Most shooters get 2-3 inch groups at 100 yards from a standard AR-15. That's good enough for regular target shooting and fun plinking activities.

XM193 leaves less crud in your gun than cheaper ammo. Your barrel and bolt carrier group stay cleaner after shooting. You'll spend less time cleaning your AR-15 after a day at the range. The primers fire every time with almost no duds per box.

Many boxes of XM193 come with 10-round stripper clips. These clips help you load magazines faster during long shooting days. This ammo gives you good shooting for a fair price. That's why so many AR-15 owners keep buying it year after year.

Specs

• Bullet Type: Full-Metal Jacket, Boat Tail
• Case: Brass
• Bullet Weight: 55gr
• Muzzle Velocity: 3165 fps

Features

• Full-metal jacket boat tail design for improved accuracy
• Reliable ignition and consistent performance
• Affordable and widely available, making it ideal for regular shooting practice

Pros

• Cost-effective for frequent shooters
• Consistent quality and performance
• Widely available across many retailers

Cons

• Slightly lower muzzle velocity compared to other high-performance rounds
• Basic packaging, which might not appeal to all users

PMC X-TAC 55gr XM193

AR-15 shooters trust the PMC X-TAC 55gr XM193 for its consistent performance, which closely mirrors military standards.. This South Korean ammo costs less than most options but works just as well. PMC designed the X-TAC line to match military standards without the premium price tag that often comes with high-grade ammunition. While widely used, some users report slight inconsistencies in lot-to-lot accuracy compared to Federal or Hornady.

The 55-grain bullet flies at a fast 3270 fps when it leaves the barrel. This speed creates a flat path that makes hitting targets easier at long ranges. Most shooters can hit targets accurately out to 300 yards with these rounds. The special boat tail shape helps the bullet cut through air better during flight.

Brass quality stands out as a major selling point for PMC X-TAC. The casings feature precise dimensions and consistent wall thickness. This attention to detail translates to smooth feeding and extraction in most AR-15s. Reloaders particularly value these casings for their durability through multiple loading cycles.

PMC uses clean-burning powders that reduce carbon fouling in your rifle. After firing several hundred rounds, you'll notice less buildup compared to cheaper alternatives. This means your AR-15 runs more smoothly between cleaning sessions. For high-volume shooters, this reduced maintenance requirement adds significant value beyond the price per round.

Specs

• Bullet Type: Full-Metal Jacket, Boat Tail
• Case: Brass
• Bullet Weight: 55gr
• Muzzle Velocity: 3270 fps

Features

• Meets or exceeds M193 military standards
• Clean-burning powder reduces fouling
• High-quality brass casing enhances reloading capabilities

Pros

• High muzzle velocity for enhanced ballistic performance
• Reliable and consistent in various firearms
• Affordable, making it accessible for bulk purchases

Cons

• Occasionally out of stock due to high demand
• Some lots may vary slightly in performance

PMC X-TAC LAP 5.56 NATO 62gr XM855 Green Tip

PMC X-TAC LAP stands as a cost-effective alternative to military-spec green tip ammunition. Like other M855 variants, it features a steel penetrator tip designed to punch through barriers. This makes it particularly suited for tactical training scenarios where target penetration matters.

The 62-grain bullet weight requires a barrel with a twist rate of 1:9 or faster for proper stabilization. In appropriate rifles, this ammunition maintains good accuracy out to medium ranges. PMC X-TAC LAP ammo mirrors military performance. While widely used, some users report slight inconsistencies in lot-to-lot accuracy compared to Federal or Hornady.  Most shooters report consistent 2-3 MOA groups at 100 yards, making it perfectly suitable for practical rifle applications.

PMC's manufacturing standards yield impressive consistency between production lots. Primers seat properly, powder charges remain uniform, and bullets crimp securely. This attention to quality control means fewer malfunctions and more rounds downrange during your shooting sessions. The brass casings maintain tight tolerances, making them ideal for reloading.

One important consideration: like all M855-type ammunition, these rounds may damage steel targets. The steel penetrator tip can cause pitting or even dangerous splatter when fired at steel. Always use appropriate targets when shooting this ammunition, and verify that your local range permits green tip rounds before bringing them to the firing line.

Specs

• Bullet Type: Steel Penetrator with Full-Metal Jacket
• Case: Brass
• Bullet Weight: 62gr
• Muzzle Velocity: 3100 fps

Features

• SS109 steel penetrator for effective barrier penetration
• Green tip marking for easy identification
• High-quality manufacturing for reliable feeding and performance

Pros

• Effective for use in defensive and tactical situations
• Reliable performance with high-quality manufacturing standards
• Good brass for reloading

Cons

• Not suitable for all ranges due to potential damage to steel targets
• Slightly more expensive due to enhanced performance features

AAC 5.56 NATO 55gr

AR-15 shooters now favor AAC 5.56 NATO 55gr ammo for its quality and fair price, although it is relatively new to the market. . These rounds use 55-grain FMJ bullets in good brass cases. They work great in almost any AR-15 you might own. Advanced Armament Corp (AAC), now owned by PSA, is still building its long-term performance reputation, but reports are generally positive.

For the money, this ammo shoots pretty straight. Shooters typically get 2-3 MOA groups at 100 yards with standard rifles. That's plenty good for regular range trips and practice drills. The 55-grain bullets fly best through 1:9 twist barrels but also work in faster barrels.

AAC picks powders that burn clean and don't gunk up your gun. Carbon buildup stays low even after shooting for hours. The primers fire every time, so you won't waste range time dealing with duds. This attention to quality makes shooting more fun

You can also find AAC ammo in other bullet weights beyond just 55-grain. Different weights work better for specific uses or barrel types. This makes AAC good for folks who own several AR-15s or enjoy different shooting activities.

Specs

• Bullet Type: Full-Metal Jacket, Boat Tail
• Case: Brass
• Bullet Weight: 55gr
• Muzzle Velocity: 3175 fps

Features

• Reliable and consistent performance in various AR-15 platforms
• Clean-burning powder minimizes fouling
• Available in various bullet weights to suit different shooting needs

Pros

• Affordable and offers good value for money
• Clean operation keeps your firearm running smoothly
• Versatile for both training and recreational use

Cons

• Occasionally goes in and out of stock due to high demand
• General purpose round, not specialized for any specific tactical use

Best .223 Remington Ammo for AR-15s

PMC Bronze .223 55gr

Many shooters pick PMC Bronze .223 55gr for their range days. It works great but costs less than fancy brands. The full metal jacket bullet goes into AR-15s with almost no jams. Despite being .223 and not 5.56, many PMC Bronze loads are hot for .223—always verify barrel markings before use. 

This ammo flies out of the barrel at 3200 fps for a nice flat path to the target. Groups typically measure 2-3 MOA at 100 yards from standard AR-15 rifles. Such decent accuracy makes this ammo perfect for practice sessions and casual shooting competitions. You'll find it works well for paper targets, plinking cans, or weekend matches without emptying your wallet.

Brass quality remains a standout feature of PMC Bronze. The casings maintain consistent dimensions and wall thickness, promoting reliable extraction and ejection. Reloaders particularly prize this ammunition for the high-quality brass that often survives multiple loading cycles. The primers seat securely, reducing the risk of primer pocket issues during reloading.

PMC Bronze burns notably cleaner than budget steel-cased alternatives. This means less carbon buildup in your rifle's action and barrel. For shooters who dislike frequent cleaning sessions, this cleaner-burning formula adds significant value beyond the sticker price. The consistent powder charges also contribute to more predictable point of impact, especially during extended shooting sessions.

Specs

• Bullet Type: Full-Metal Jacket
• Case: Brass
• Bullet Weight: 55gr
• Muzzle Velocity: 3200 fps

Features

• High-quality brass casing suitable for reloading
• Full metal jacket design for consistent ballistics
• Good availability and widespread use among shooters

Pros

• Affordable pricing makes it accessible for frequent use
• Reliable performance with minimal misfires
• Brass casings are ideal for reloading purposes

Cons

• Primarily suited for practice and not specialized tactical or self-defense situations
• Standard performance, without enhanced ballistic features

Tula .223 55gr

Tula .223 55gr offers the absolute lowest price point in the .223 ammunition market. This Russian-made ammunition features steel casings instead of brass, substantially reducing production costs. The savings pass directly to shooters looking to maximize trigger time on tight budgets.

These bullets feature mild steel cores with copper-washed steel cases, not copper jackets, for a bi-metal design. They work fine for casual range days but won't match brass ammo for accuracy. Most shooters get 3-5 MOA groups at 100 yards with this ammo. It suits plinking much better than any shooting that demands tight groups. While the bi-metal bullet is affordable, it is magnetic, which causes it to be banned at many ranges. 

Tula coats its steel cases with polymer to help them feed and extract better. Most AR-15s handle these cases without problems during regular shooting sessions. Guns with tight chambers might struggle to pull the cases out sometimes. The primers work great in normal weather but can act up when it gets really cold.

Check your range rules before buying lots of this ammo. Many indoor ranges don't allow steel-cased ammunition at all. They worry about damage to backstops and fire risks from possible sparks. Outdoor ranges often ban bi-metal bullets too because they can dent or damage steel targets.

Specs

• Bullet Type: Bi-metal
• Case: Steel
• Bullet Weight: 55gr
• Muzzle Velocity: 2953 fps

Features

• Extremely affordable, making high-volume shooting feasible
• Bi-metal bullet construction
• Steel case for cost reduction

Pros

• Lowest cost per round in its class
• Suitable for extensive range sessions
• Generally reliable for practice use

Cons

• Steel case can increase wear on rifle chambers and extractors
• Less suitable for precision shooting or competitions
• May not be allowed at all ranges due to steel components

Federal Gold Match 69gr .223

Federal Gold Match 69gr .223 represents the premium end of the ammunition spectrum. This match-grade offering features carefully selected components assembled to exacting tolerances. The Sierra MatchKing bullet stands out as one of the most accurate projectiles available to civilian shooters. Though SMK (Sierra MatchKing) bullets are extremely precise, they are not designed for terminal expansion, so they are not for hunting or defense.

The hollow point boat tail design provides exceptional aerodynamic performance. This translates to outstanding accuracy, with many shooters reporting sub-MOA groups from quality rifles. The 69-grain weight stabilizes best in barrels with twist rates of 1:8 or faster, making it ideal for modern match-grade AR-15s.

Federal uses premium brass casings with precise dimensions and weight. The consistent case capacity ensures uniform powder burn rates, enhancing shot-to-shot consistency. Premium primers provide reliable ignition with minimal velocity variation. These quality control measures explain why competitive shooters trust Federal Gold Match for matches where every point counts.

This ammunition comes at a premium price but delivers performance to match. It excels in accuracy testing, often serving as a benchmark against which other match-grade loads are measured. For precision shooting applications, competition, or simply determining your rifle's maximum accuracy potential, Federal Gold Match 69gr stands as the gold standard in factory .223 ammunition.

Specs

• Bullet Type: Sierra MatchKing Hollow-Point Boat Tail
• Case: Brass
• Bullet Weight: 69gr
• Muzzle Velocity: 2950 fps

Features

• Hollow-point boat tail design for superior accuracy
• Match grade quality for competitive shooting
• High-quality brass case for excellent re-loadability

Pros

• Exceptional accuracy and consistency
• Ideal for competitive shooting and precision tasks
• Premium components for optimal performance

Cons

• High cost per round compared to other .223 ammunition
• Specific use case limits general utility
• Not the best choice for casual shooting due to price

Top Self-Defense AR-15 Ammo

Speer Gold Dot Duty .223 55 gr

Police forces across the country trust Speer Gold Dot Duty .223 55 gr for defense. The special Gold Dot process bonds the jacket to the core. This keeps the bullet together when it hits. The design helps the bullet dump all its power into the target as it expands.

The brass cases have nickel plating that fights rust better than regular brass. This matters for home defense ammo that sits loaded for months or years. Nickel also makes the rounds feed more smoothly in your gun. High-quality primers fire every time, even after long storage periods.

Speer tests this ammo through cloth, walls, and car glass to prove it works. The 55-grain bullet works great with most AR-15 barrels. It flies straight and hits hard. When it strikes a target, it expands without going too deep.

For protecting your home, this ammo hits the sweet spot. It stops threats fast but won't punch through too many walls. Unlike varmint bullets, it won't break apart too quickly. You can use it in different settings with less worry about bullets going where they shouldn't.

Note: While it reduces over-penetration vs FMJ, soft point bullets can still penetrate multiple walls depending on construction.

Specs

• Bullet Type: Soft Point
• Case: Nickel Plated Brass
• Bullet Weight: 55 gr
• Muzzle Velocity: 3220 fps

Features

• Nickel plated for corrosion resistance and enhanced feeding
• Soft point design for controlled expansion and optimal energy transfer
• Trusted by numerous law enforcement agencies nationwide

Pros

• Highly reliable in self-defense situations
• Nickel plating improves durability and feeding reliability
• Known for consistent expansion and penetration

Cons

• Higher price point compared to other .223 self-defense rounds
• May be over penetrative in urban environments without proper backstop

Hornady 55gr V-Max Varmint Express

Hornady 55gr V-Max Varmint Express serves double duty as both an excellent varmint hunting round and an effective self-defense option. The distinctive polymer tip accelerates expansion upon impact, creating devastating terminal effects. This rapid energy transfer makes it particularly effective for stopping threats quickly.

The V-Max bullet design features a thin jacket with a soft lead core. Upon impact, the polymer tip drives backward into the hollow cavity, forcing violent expansion. This controlled fragmentation delivers maximum energy to the target while reducing the risk of over-penetration. For home defense, this characteristic helps minimize danger to occupants in adjoining rooms. Do note that In self-defense, fragmentation may lead to under-penetration on heavily clothed targets.

Hornady's manufacturing standards yield impressive consistency from lot to lot. The brass casings maintain tight tolerances for reliable feeding and extraction. Primers seat securely, eliminating concerns about reliability during storage. The powder charges meter precisely, delivering consistent velocities that translate to predictable points of impact.

Many shooters choose this load as an alternative to Hornady's popular Critical Defense line, which shares similar terminal ballistics but often costs more. The V-Max design offers comparable performance at a lower price point. The primary difference lies in the pointed polymer tip rather than the flat tip found on Critical Defense rounds.

Specs

• Bullet Type: Polymer V-MAX
• Case: Brass
• Bullet Weight: 55 gr
• Muzzle Velocity: 3240 fps

Features

• Polymer tip for improved ballistic coefficient and rapid expansion
• Designed for high-speed impact and fragmentation
• Provides excellent accuracy over various distances

Pros

• Extremely effective at stopping threats quickly due to rapid expansion
• High accuracy makes it suitable for precision shooting situations
• Versatile for both self-defense and hunting small game

Cons

• Potential for over-penetration in dense urban settings
• Higher cost per round compared to basic FMJ ammunition
• Not as widely available as more traditional self-defense rounds

Factors to Consider When Buying AR-15 Ammo

Selecting the right ammunition for your AR-15 requires careful consideration of several factors. First, understand your rifle's specifications. Check your barrel marking to confirm whether it's chambered for 5.56 NATO, .223 Remington, or .223 Wylde. This determines which ammunition types are safe to use.

Your barrel's twist rate plays a crucial role in ammunition selection. Faster twist rates like 1:7 stabilize heavier bullets better. Slower twist rates like 1:9 or 1:12 work best with lighter bullets. Match your ammunition weight to your barrel twist for optimal accuracy.

Consider your shooting purpose when selecting ammunition. Range practice demands different characteristics than home defense or hunting. For practice, affordable FMJ rounds make sense. Defensive situations call for controlled-expansion ammunition. Competition shooters need match-grade options that deliver superior accuracy.

Price remains an important consideration for most shooters. Calculate the cost per round rather than just the box price. Buying in bulk often reduces your per-round cost significantly. Balance your budget against your needs – match-grade ammunition costs more but delivers superior performance when precision matters.

Finally, consider your local range restrictions. Many indoor facilities prohibit steel-cased ammunition or bullets with steel components. Some outdoor ranges ban certain bullet types that might damage steel targets. Check the rules before making a bulk purchase to avoid ending up with ammunition you can't use.

Note: Velocity and terminal performance also vary between brands, even within the same bullet weight.

Conclusion

Good AR-15 ammo gives you great performance without breaking the bank. Winchester M855, American Eagle XM193, and PMC X-TAC work great for 5.56 NATO shooting at fair prices. PMC Bronze offers excellent value for casual .223 Remington shooting. Federal Gold Match gives top accuracy when precision matters most.

For self-defense needs, Speer Gold Dot and Hornady V-Max expand properly on impact. These bullets reduce the chance of going through walls but still stop threats effectively.

Always pick ammo that matches your rifle's specs and your shooting goals. Check your barrel's twist rate and chamber type before buying. The right ammo choice makes your AR-15 perform better and makes shooting more fun. 

FAQs

What's the difference between 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington?

5.56 NATO runs at higher pressure than .223 Remington. You can safely fire both types in a 5.56 NATO chamber. A .223 Remington chamber should only use .223 ammo for safety.

How does barrel twist rate affect which ammunition I should use?

Barrel twist rate decides which bullet weights fly straight from your rifle. Faster twists (1:7) work best with heavier bullets (62gr+). Slower twists (1:9) shoot lighter bullets (55gr) more accurately.

Is steel-cased ammunition bad for my AR-15?

Steel-cased ammo might wear your extractor a bit faster over thousands of rounds. For regular shooting, the money you save often makes up for any extra wear on cheap parts.

What ammunition should I use for home defense in my AR-15?

Pick ammo made for defense, like Speer Gold Dot or Hornady V-Max. These bullets expand on impact to stop threats fast. They also reduce the risk of going through walls in your home.

How much does bullet weight affect accuracy in an AR-15?

Bullet weight greatly affects how well your gun shoots. Bullets too heavy for your barrel's twist won't fly straight. The right weight bullets will hit much closer together on target.

Why is match-grade ammunition so much more expensive?

Match-grade ammo costs more because it uses better parts made with tighter quality control. The bullets, powder, primers, and cases must meet stricter standards for better accuracy.

What does MOA mean in the context of group size?

MOA stands for Minute of Angle, which is a way of describing the precision of a rifle. One MOA is approximately equal to one inch at 100 yards, so when a shooter says they get 3-5 MOA groups at 100 yards, it means their shots form a group between 3 and 5 inches in diameter at that distance.