Armscor .223 Remington 55 Grain FMJ Review: Best Bulk Ammo for AR-15 Training?

Table of Contents

1. What is Armscor .223 Remington 55 Grain FMJ?
2. Quick Specs and Ballistics
3. Armscor .223 55gr FMJ: Performance Snapshot
4. Best Uses: Where Armscor .223 55gr FMJ Excels
5. How to Choose Between FMJ and JHP in .223 Rem
6. In-Depth Ballistics and Grain Weight Considerations
7. Accuracy Expectations: What Shooters Report
8. Cleaning and Maintenance
9. Pricing: What Does Armscor .223 55gr FMJ Usually Cost?
10. Where to Buy
11. Armscor vs Other Popular .223 FMJ Options
12. How to Pick the Best .223 FMJ for Your Rifle
13. Ammunition Storage
14. Pro Tips for Experienced Shooters
15. Frequently Asked Questions

What is Armscor .223 Remington 55 Grain FMJ?

Armscor .223 Remington 55 grain FMJ is a full metal jacket training round designed for high-volume practice and plinking. It features a standard 55-grain bullet with a copper jacket over a lead core, ensuring reliable feeding and consistent ballistics. This ammo is brass-cased, Boxer primed, non-corrosive, and reloadable. It delivers standard .223 Rem velocity, balancing accuracy and affordability, making it popular among AR-15 users and bolt-gun shooters alike.

Quick Specs and Ballistics

• Caliber: .223 Remington
• Bullet weight: 55 grain
• Bullet type: FMJ (Full Metal Jacket)
• Casing: Brass, Boxer-primed, non-corrosive
• Muzzle velocity (20″ barrel): ~3050 fps
• Muzzle energy: ~1136 ft-lbs
• Country of manufacture: Imported

Velocity and Energy by Barrel Length (Approximate)

Notes on Ballistics and Velocity

• Ballistics vary based on chamber type (5.56 NATO vs .223 Rem), barrel length, gas system, and ambient temperature.
• FMJ construction emphasizes reliable feeding and stable flight; it does not expand like JHP or soft-point bullets and is not recommended for self-defense or hunting.

Armscor .223 55gr FMJ: Performance Snapshot {#performance-snapshot}

Accuracy

Real-world accuracy is "good for bulk FMJ", with typical 1.5–3 MOA groupings at 100 yards suitable for range training and general target shooting. It's not a match-grade load but offers consistent performance for practice.

Reliability

Known for dependable ignition, smooth feeding in AR-15 platforms, and consistent cycling. High-volume shooters often choose this ammo in bulk for minimal malfunctions.

Cleanliness

Some reports note it runs slightly dirtier than premium ammo, but fouling levels are normal for value FMJ loads. Routine cleaning effectively maintains rifle condition.

Best Uses: Where Armscor .223 55gr FMJ Excels {#best-uses}

• Range training and plinking: Perfect for drills, zeroing optics, and general practice.
• High-round-count days: Brass casing reduces stoppages over extended sessions.
• Budget skill building: Affordable, reliable bulk ammo to stretch training dollars.

When to Pick Something Else

• Self-defense: Opt for purpose-built JHP or bonded defensive rounds designed for expansion and stopping power.
• Precision or competition shooting: Use match-grade heavier bullets (69–77 grain OTM/HPBT) for smaller groups.

How to Choose Between FMJ and JHP in .223 Rem {#fmj-vs-jhp}

• FMJ (e.g. Armscor 55gr): Best for range training, reliability drills, and budget-friendly consistent ballistics. Minimal expansion and fragmentation.
• JHP/Soft-Point: Ideal for self-defense or hunting with controlled expansion and terminal performance but typically higher cost and sometimes lower velocity.

In-Depth Ballistics and Grain Weight Considerations {#ballistics}

55 grain classic load: Flat trajectory to 200 yards, light recoil, compatible with common AR-15 twist rates.

Twist Rate Compatibility

• 1:9 twist: Optimal for 55–62 grain bullets, especially 55gr FMJ.
• 1:8 twist: Versatile; stabilizes 55–77 grain bullets.
• 1:7 twist: Designed for heavier 69–77 grain bullets; still suitable for 55gr.

Zero Recommendations

• 50/200-yard zero: Popular "battle zero" keeping impacts close 0–225 yards.
• 100-yard zero: Simple for target work.

Accuracy Expectations: What Shooters Report {#accuracy}

• 50 yards: One-hole or tight ragged groups possible with proper fundamentals.
• 100 yards: Most AR carbines achieve 1.5–3 MOA using good optics and stable rests.
• Beyond 200 yards: Wind drift increases; consider heavier match bullets for precision.

Cleaning and Maintenance {#cleaning}

• Typically leaves light to moderate carbon fouling and some copper residue.
• Recommended: Clean bore and bolt carrier group (BCG) after each shooting session using CLP or specialized solvents, chamber brushes, and bore snakes.

Pricing: What Does Armscor .223 55gr FMJ Usually Cost? {#pricing}

• Bulk case or half-case prices typically range from $0.33 to $0.40 per round, varying by market and shipping.
• 20-round boxes cost about $7.99–$10.99 ($0.40–$0.55 per round).
• Best value: Purchasing bulk (500–1,000 rounds) during sales maximizes savings.

Where to Buy: Get Armscor .223 Rem 55gr FMJ at Zeth Ammo {#where-to-buy}

• Shop .223 Remington ammo (filtered)
• Compare 5.56 NATO training loads

Watch for case deals, manufacturer rebates, and Zeth Ammo promotions to snag the best bulk prices.

Armscor vs Other Popular .223 FMJ Options {#comparison}

Notes:

• Accuracy differences between these FMJ loads are minimal and often rifle-dependent.
• PMC Bronze is often regarded as slightly cleaner; Armscor frequently offers the best bulk pricing.
• All listed brands use brass cases, are reloadable, and non-corrosive.

How to Pick the Best .223 FMJ for Your Rifle {#how-to-pick}

1. Define your needs

• Range training and plinking: Armscor .223 55gr FMJ is an economical, reliable choice.
• High-round count or carbine classes: Emphasize brass case reliability; Armscor fits well.
• Precision shooting: Opt for heavier match bullets (69–77gr).

2. Confirm your chamber

• .223 Rem chambers accept only .223 ammo.
• 5.56 NATO chambers accept both 5.56 and .223.
• .223 Wylde chambers accept both and often yield good accuracy.

3. Check your twist rate

• 1:9 and 1:8 twist rates excel with 55–62gr bullets.
• 1:7 twist is also reliable with 55gr loads in most rifles.

4. Buy consistent lots

Ensure smoother shooting and consistent zero by purchasing case quantities from the same lot number.

Ammunition Storage: Keep Your Bulk Ammo Fresh and Reliable {#storage}

• Store ammo in cool, dry, and stable conditions at 50–80°F with low humidity.
• Use sealed ammo cans with fresh rubber gaskets and desiccant packs to prevent moisture damage.
• Keep ammo in original packaging or quality plastic organizers to protect primers and necks.
• Rotate stock with first-in, first-out method; mark purchase dates on cases.
• Avoid heat buildup and condensation during transport; do not leave ammo in hot car trunks for long durations.

Pro Tips for Experienced Shooters {#pro-tips}

1. Zero with what you train: A 50/200-yard zero with Armscor 55gr approximates many defensive POA/POI relationships inside 225 yards. Recheck zero if switching lots or loads.
2. Gas system tuning: For suppressed ARs, consider adjustable gas blocks or H2/H3 buffers. Armscor's velocity is typical for .223 Rem, and tuning can help recoil and fouling.
3. Chronograph your rifle: Measure your rifle-specific velocity for accurate range dope and to compare FMJ vs. JHP loads.
4. Reloading: Armscor brass is generally reloadable—inspect primer crimps and case condition; full-length sizing recommended for semi-autos.

Frequently Asked Questions {#faq}

Is Armscor .223 Rem 55gr FMJ good for self-defense?

While reliable and accurate, FMJ rounds are not designed to expand. For self-defense, choose proven JHP, bonded soft point, or barrier-blind loads. Train with FMJ but use purpose-built defensive ammo in critical situations.

Is Armscor .223 FMJ reloadable?

Yes, it is brass-cased and Boxer primed, making it reloadable. Always inspect brass for primers and case condition and follow standard safe reloading procedures.

Is it magnetic?

Typically no. Armscor's 55gr FMJ bullets have a copper jacket over lead core. Range rules may vary; testing with a magnet is recommended to confirm.

Will it run in my 5.56 NATO chamber?

Yes. .223 Rem rounds are safe to fire in 5.56 NATO and .223 Wylde chambers. Avoid firing 5.56 NATO ammo in a .223 Rem-only chamber.

What kind of accuracy should I expect?

Most AR-15 carbines achieve 1.5–3 MOA at 100 yards with good fundamentals and optics. Some premium setups may perform better. It's suitable for training, not match-grade competition.

How clean is it?

Slightly dirtier than some competitors but within normal range for bulk FMJ ammo. Routine cleaning ensures reliability.

What is the typical velocity?

Approximately 3050 fps from a 20″ barrel, ~2900 fps from 16″, and ~2300 fps from 10″. Actual velocity varies with barrel length, gas system, and temperature.

Ready to Stock Up on .223 Ammo?

Get the best bulk pricing on Armscor .223 Rem 55gr FMJ and other quality training ammunition at Zeth Ammo. Whether you're stocking up for range days or building your ammo reserve, we've got you covered with competitive pricing, fast shipping, and expert customer service.

Shop .223 Remington Ammo | Shop 5.56 NATO Ammo

Related Ammo Links at Zeth Ammo

• 9mm Ammo
• 5.56 NATO Ammo
• .223 Remington Ammo
• .45 ACP Ammo
• .308 Winchester Ammo
• 12 Gauge Ammo
• Zeth Ammo Homepage