I'm researching (holding back my extreme gluttony for more guns) on the purchase of a Sport II.

Since this is my first "non-handgun" purchase other than an M&P 15-22 and a Henry last year, if I understand correctly it will shoot both .223 and 5.56.

This is going to get very seldom use since I don't have good access to an outdoor range and since that will be my primary use - range shooting - what do I want to purchase for ammunition?

Which type of ammo should I invest in? Also, since I haven't read the break in procedure, am I better off using brass or steel?

If you think these are silly newbie questions, you would be correct. Wait until I get the gun.

Thanks for all of your expert guidance!

For range shooting, I would suggest going with what ever ammo that you can get the best deal on. Some ranges have rules concerning the ammo they allow, so that has to be taken into account. Generally, what you'll be using is some brand of 55gr fmj.

As far as break in, just clean and relube the AR prior to shooting the first time.

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Peace was my Profession

If you can buy online, Wolf or Independence are usually among the cheapest when buying in bulk. If you are just going to stock a couple hundred rounds from a store shelf, Tullamo-.223 55gr fmj is about the cheapest. Wal-mart keeps if for around $4.75/20rd box. It performs well enough for range use and I've shot at least 1000rds of it thru my Sport with no problems. It is steel case, so make sure your range allows that.

Make sure you clean and inspect your rifle before shooting. Then learn to dry fire on the livingroom floor, or a small table, there are some laser devices that folks find helpful. Then find a good range, day trips are not unusual to get to a good, pay to shoot range. Get some practice with the least expensive BRASS ammo about 100 rounds. Then get a box of every kind you can lay your hands on, look for mail order with free shipping if necessary, and carefully shoot a box of each in 5 shot groups and WRITE DOWN the results. Targets can be downloaded and printed from many sources. Many videos on youtube will show you how.
Geoff
Who is still working his ARs, heat in FL encourages the bugs and discourages me!

Do you want "spray and pray" ammo or are you interested in tight groups? I light tight groups and make my shots count. Wolf Gold, is not that expensive and groups very well, as does more expensive IMI.

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NRA R.S.O. & Life Member

At typical indoor ranges, shoot whatever ammo you can find cheap. I doubt the difference in group size between match ammo and the cheapest you can find would be noticeable.

I don't shoot steel case, but many shooters and well respected web sites say that it does not increase wear unless it has bi-metal bullets. If you can afford to buy the ammunition to wear out a barrel, you can afford to have your rifle re-barreled.

As far as break in is concerned, I assume you are talking about the barrel as much as anything. AR barrels are generally chromed or nitride treated. Either process makes the controversial shoot one, clean, shoot one, clean process a waste of time and ammo. Shoot and enjoy.

As others have said, first check with your range and see what they allow... some may not allow FMJ rifle rounds, like my local range. Others may not allow the bi-metal projectiles that are most common with the cheaper, imported steel case ammo.

Once you know what your range allows, I recommend getting good, brass cased ammo to start out with... Like Federal XM193 if your range allows FMJ. If you shoot a couple of hundred rounds with this with no failures, you have a good baseline for how your rifle is supposed to function. If you can shoot this ammo, but your rifle will not cycle Tula, you can safely assume that it is the ammo, not the rifle. Once you know that the rifle functions properly, then you can experiment with other ammo to see what is more accurate, or what is cheaper that still meets your needs.

For general rangeplay, the least expensive configuration that your range allows will be sufficient.

If you would prefer to support American industry rather than foreigners, you could choose the least expensive ammunition made in the United States.

I'd recommend PMC Bronze 55 Gr FMJ or Wolf Gold 55 Gr FMJ as two good ammo's for range use and fun to shoot. Both also have brass cases so you can reload them if you reload.

Rifles tend to have differences when it comes to what they like to eat. If you are going to look for accuracy buy different brands and weight's to see what yours likes. I like to buy american manufactured ammo and it don't cost a lot more to do so if you shop around.

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Stay safe people!

WOW, wow, wow. What a great group with great answers and didn't waste any time. Thank you, all!!!

I went to my local LGS today to shoot some pistols that were recently acquired and had not had any range time.

That was a great experience with no failures of any kind other than hitting the target.

While there I got into a huge discussion with the owner, his assistant and a couple of customers about AR rifles. There was a lot of talk about guns ranging from $500.00 to $2000.00 and what is with each one.

A lot of points were brought up and helped me evaluate what I'm getting for my money. I can't remember all of the reasons given but after looking at about 5 different brands of AR, I zeroed in on an Armalite M-15. I think I'm going to get one.

I also found that if I use the LGS's preferred ammo for the range I can shoot .223 indoors. I was unaware of this previously.

So, things are looking up.

Thank you again, for all the advice and information.

I'm going for accuracy. I don't like Spray and Pray....

Thank you!

Some of the best "deals" on ammo that I have found is at Targetsports USA (lots of free shipping too) and Academy sports.