Bulk SHTF Stash/Bulk Plinking

[MiddTennTaco]

I've been looking around at bulk ammunition. I'm planning on buying some for SHTF/TEOTWAWKI purposes (which obviously will never happen). Regardless, I like to keep a large store of ammunition in case of ammunition shortages or price hikes. I'll probably end up having fun shooting at the range anyway and end up replacing it. Does anyone have any experience at gun ranges where steel penetrator ammo is not allowed? I know its not AP, but it does poke deeper holes supposedly, right?

But basically it has come down to the regular PMC 55gr .223 ammo vs PMC X-Tac 62gr Green Tip Penetrator 5.56 in the quantity of 1,000 for the SAME PRICE.

That being said, I have a Colt AR-15 with a 1/7 16" chrome lined barrel. From what I understand, 1/7 twist barrels handle 62gr better with 55gr being too light to "stabilize." This only adds to a growing list of factors to make my decision more difficult.

55gr Pros:

Lighter .223 55gr load, compatible with more guns (SHTF/TEOTWAWKI)

Less throat/barrel wear?

For plinking purposes, less damage to steel targets

Without a doubt, not restricted at any rifle ranges

62gr Pros:

Supposedly more powerful 5.56 (higher velocity? Better or worse ballistics?)

62gr optimized for 1/7 twist

Steel penetrator for thick velociraptor skin

Sexy green colored tips

I'd really like the X-Tac ammo but the logical part of my brain tells me I should get the regular PMC stuff. $300 is a lot of money for me. Thanks for helping with the decision making process.

[bigwakes]

I have both. If it's for a SHTF cenario (that, of course, will never happen) you might need a little of each depending on the situation. I would probably ask which one should I buy FIRST. Check with the ranges you frequent and ask if penetrators are allowed. The only rifle ranges I know of where it's no allowed is an indoor range for fear of damage to the metal bullet trap and 3 gun shoots involving metal poppers.

[PolePosition]

I'm in the same boat. I was told by a well respected AR builder to just get the 55gr for the 1/7 16". Basically, even though the 55 vs 62 in theory supposedly have different characteristics in the 1/7, in real life in the types of distances you or I would shoot in, there is very little difference. For competition or something, obviously you want to go with heavier match grade, but for plinking or killing zombies, 55gr bulk ammo is just fine.

The next debate was whether to get Federal XM193 or get PMC X-Tac 55gr...was told that right now the XM193's are pretty much the rejects and are not very consistent in accuracy. The PMC X-Tac is much better for consistent accuracy. Its not match grade by any means, but you should get the same accuracy from batch to batch.