Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

[fnbrowning]

So, the g/f just bought a Sig Sauer M400 Enhanced, and wants to shoot it soon! GREAT!

Not so great - I've got nothing in my 5.56mm reloading 'pipeline' at this time for a new rifle breakin / testing.

But I DO have a bunch of Cabela's points, and a store nearby. So predicating that, which of the economical varieties at Cabela's performs the best?
Remington UMC? - Winchester White Box? - American Eagle? - Ultramax 68gr looks interesting.

Thanks!

 

[Temp9]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

I've had good luck with the Ultramax 68gr HPBT. Shoots right up there with Black Hills Remanufactured. I don't know if Cabela's stocks FGMM or not, but that's the natural choice if you want the most accurate factory match. If you don't need accuracy, most anything will work. I shot a shit load of Wolf and American Eagle back before I got into precision rifle. I'd avoid Tula/Herter's at all costs, though.

 

[RoosterShooter]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

FYI ... just spend your points! Cabelas can be 20% higher than Midway or Natchez and sometimes you can find it even at 30% cheaper by shopping Midway.

If you're looking for plinking ammo I would go with the cheapest. However, don't shoot any S&B or Wolf if you ever plan on reloading anytime soon.

 

[Mil.Dot]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

To clarify, are you specifically looking for 5.56 or would you consider .223? These days, the .223 seems to be available for cheaper.

Most anything should be fine. About the only thing you may want to consider (or maybe not) is if you will consider steel cased.

Having said that, I second the above comment . . . If you have the time to reload a simple 55gr load, that should be a bit cheaper.

 

[allen200]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

Pmc are also a great choice. I've run bout 300 rounds through my stag carbine without fail. Nice brass to reload too.

 

[allen200]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

I had picked up a 500rd can of american eagle from cabelas and it was bout 200$ after tax. Had used any yet but i'm sure they are good to go i've used american eagles for years in my S&W.

 

[elfster1234]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

reload my friend... reload. Bite the bullet on the equipment cost:

If you don't reload, here is a list I made w/PICS to get going on .308 about 4months ago which should be close to .223.... I am now reloading .308, .223, 9mm, 40sw, and 45acp. Best money spent ever and loads of fun...........

https://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3485050#Post3485050

 

[excess]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

I'd buy the Winchester white box. It's decent and the brass is good if you're going to save it.

 

[fnbrowning]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Temp9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've had good luck with the Ultramax 68gr HPBT. Shoots right up there with Black Hills Remanufactured. I don't know if Cabela's stocks FGMM or not, but that's the natural choice if you want the most accurate factory match. If you don't need accuracy, most anything will work. I shot a shit load of Wolf and American Eagle back before I got into precision rifle. I'd avoid Tula/Herter's at all costs, though. </div></div>
Thanks for info like this, and the others who commented on for instance, Winchester white box.

Not to sound testy, but some people either did not read my question, or simply ignored it:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would buy reloading supplies if you in fact reload. You'll get more for your money. </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">reload my friend... reload. Bite the bullet on the equipment cost: (<span style="font-style: italic">a lot of information here I already know</span>)
</div></div>
I DO reload. I have reloaded, Let me put it this way:
DATELINE: Missouri/Today
News Headline: <span style="font-weight: bold">A key production line remains shut down at the Fnbrowning Ammunition plant
</span><span style="font-style: italic">YourLocalNews has learned that the Fnbrowning 5.56mm ammunition production line remains shut down due to several safety issues. Spokesman fnbrowning said the line is shutdown for "material quality and methods & practice issues." The spokesman would only say that production will resume within a couple of weeks when all key issues have been addressed. He declined to answer any of the reporters questions at this time</span>.

So I've got more Cabela's points than I'll use, I need the ammo <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="text-decoration: underline">now</span></span>, and I can't get my 5.56mm system running in time. . . Hence the Cabel'as ammo question. Now we can get back to the topic.

 

[fnbrowning]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mil.Dot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">To clarify, are you specifically looking for 5.56 or would you consider .223? These days, the .223 seems to be available for cheaper.</div></div>
Yeah that's a good question. I'd rather say any Cabela's ammo loaded closer to the 5.56mm spec, so we can evaluate the rifle performance as it breaks in and switch to good reloads. (when they become available){when time permits me to restart the reloading}

I just read that the PMC availabe there might be loaded to slower .223 spec.

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fnbrowning</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So, the g/f just bought a Sig Sauer M400 Enhanced, and wants to shoot it soon! GREAT!

Not so great - I've got nothing in my 5.56mm reloading 'pipeline' at this time for a new rifle breakin / testing.

But I DO have a bunch of Cabela's points, and a store nearby. So predicating that, which of the economical varieties at Cabela's performs the best?
Remington UMC? - Winchester White Box? - American Eagle? - Ultramax 68gr looks interesting.

Thanks!</div></div>

Ultramax by a mile! I've taken that out to 1k in my bolt gun. 46 moa from a 100 yd zero. The stuff was shooting tight groups at 100-300 and dead on up and down. I think it cost me 26.95 a box(?) at Cabelas. A lot less than Black Hills match stuff (68 gr.) and shot just as well. A smidge higher velocity too. I think the Black Hills to 48 moa to get to 1k. I'm pretty sure they are the same bullet too. Hornady 68 gr. Match.

 

[Mil.Dot]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

If you want best accuracy, they have SSA 77gr 5.56 that should be very good (maybe too good for what you want?). The PMC x-tac has decent reviews for 55gr or 62gr 5.56 (not great, but not bad), won't be the most accurat though ...

For .223, they may also have Blackhills or Hornady for good accuracy. The heavier Prvi Partizan should also be okay.

Those seem to be the likely most accurate options.

If it was me, for that carbine, I would just get a 5.56 round or buy based on whatever round is loaded in your preferred brass for reloading. That way you have the brass after you shoot it.

This is all based on what they have online ... Your local store may not have these in stock.

 

[bribri]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: allen200</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pmc are also a great choice. I've run bout 300 rounds through my stag carbine without fail. Nice brass to reload too. </div></div>


This.......IMO it is the best bulk ammo on the market. The primers are not crimped either, which makes reloading easier.

 

[bigbore74]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

Stay away from Tula or any steel casing. Two things will happen which is Stove Piping or the Rim will flake and your BCG will slip off.

 

[fnbrowning]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

I have ordered enough Ultramax to keep us shooting until my my reloading gets up and going again.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

A good compromise is Prvi-Partizan 69gr Match.

It can be had for somewhere between $10 and $13 per 20. It shoots much better than the bulk 55gr FMJ stuff, and the brass is quite good for handloading, better than the Federal bulk.

If your rifle has 1:8" twist, their 75gr Match will be even better, same prices apply.

I've used both with my Stag Model 6 Super Varminter (24" 1:8" heavy barrel) and I'll buy more.

I'm still trying to develop a handload that's more accurate. My Grandkids shoot that Stag in FV250 matches.

Ultramax Reman isn't bad, but you have no control over what brass you end up getting.

Greg

 

[ShakyDave]

Re: Which Cabala's inexpensive 5.56mm ammo?

I've bulk-shot all of the above except the PRVI Partisan, and my favorite is Bitterroot Valley. I've only been shooting it for a couple of years and was talking to a guy on the range the other day who said he'd bought some in .45 ACP that was total crap about four years ago. He looked my .223 over and was pleasantly surprised. We opined that during the Great Ammo Shortage of 2008 the company was whipping it out as soon as possible with pretty crappy materials, but since then has improved their quality control. I came to them after that, and I've bought .40 Smith and .45 ACP myself and been pleased with the product when it's available.