Which Factory Load for .223 Remington

[Rol Page]

I just acquired a .223 Super 14" with TC 2.5X7 Scope for my Contender to go along with the Encore 15" .243 Winchester and .260 Remington that I have.  I am set up to reload the .243 and .260 but lack the time to reload more.  That may change in the future, but for now it's not feasible.

I figured the .223 Remington would be a good varmint round with plenty of readily available relatively inexpensive ammo.

Question:  What is the your experience using factory .223 in a 14" Contender?
Which brands perform well and what price is a "fair price".

I'll be going to a gun show late next month and expect to find plenty to choose from, but need some guidance to keep me from buying the wrong stuff at the wrong price.

Thank you in advance for your guidance, and Happy Holidays to you and your families.  Rol

[quicksdraw45]

I have never used factory .223 ammo from my super 14 but i have in one of my rifles and I found that the blackhills ammo and winchester in the white box varmit pack were both good from a short barrel rifle .
With the somewhat slow twist rate of the thompsons you will probally find that accuracy suffers if the bullets are much over 55 grains .
It is true that the length not the weight is the true deciding factor on what a twist rate will stabilize at a given velocity but i am yet to see a manufature tell you how long a bullet is or how fast it will come out of a barrel when you buy factory ammo.

[fast*eddie]

I had exceptionally good luck with the American Eagle ammo. It is inexpensive and manufactured by Federal Ammo.

[MnMike]

I agree that the white box Winchester 223 HP is great stuff. In my barrell it shoots about 1/2" if I do my part. I can get 3/8" out of handloads with Norma brass and using a Lee collett die for neck sizing. I do handload most of my stuff, but also use the Winchester for when I'm lazy.

Mike