your AR should be compatible with both .223 and 5.56 NATO (probably is actually marked 5.56 on the barrel).

The twist rate of the rifling will determine what if the optimal bullet weight. 1:9 is best for for 50-62 grain, 1:8 or 1:7 will prefer heavier bullets.

at this point, there are limited options in available .223/5.56 ammo, so what you can find is more important than looking for something specific. Given the choice, brass cased is better than steel cased, but you have to start with what you can find.

 

Look for basic .223 55gr FMJ ammo with brass cases. You want brass cased ammo from a major US manufacturer ( Federal, Winchester, Remington, Hornady, etc) or good import brands like PMC, PPU, Fiocchi or Sellior & Bellot. The 5.56 M193 loads are good. The 62gr M855 Nato is more expensive and not necessary for target shooting. Clean and lube your new gun before shooting it. Have fun!

 

Winchester 5.56mm M855 Ammunition WM855200 62 Grain Full Metal Jacket Green Tip 200 Rounds
1 × $199.99 —- should hold me for a while.

 

A $1 a round? The last I bought was in the .27-.28 cents a round! What's happening out there? My grandson and I can go through 200 rounds each on a good day!

 

@Grey Beard

What you have is green tip, it doesn't shoot as accurately as standard 55 grain, but it will go through things, like things designed to stop rifle rounds. Keep some of this in reserve. They may well ban it, they tried before.

Look for some 55 grain ammo. It will shoot more accurately. Its a great round too, but without the evil reputation.

 

@Grey Beard

What you have is green tip, it doesn't shoot as accurately as standard 55 grain, but it will go through things, like things designed to stop rifle rounds. Keep some of this in reserve. They may well ban it, they tried before.

Look for some 55 grain ammo. It will shoot more accurately. Its a great round too, but without the evil reputation.

Thank you. This should do it for plinking.

1 x Maxxtech 5.56x45mm Ammunition PTGB556 55 Grain Full Metal Jacket Sleeve 200 Rounds
$159.99

 

Given the current ammo situation I would say that you can't really afford to be super picky right now. Buy what you can find and afford and worry about "ideal" ammo later when (if) it becomes easier to find. Cheap stuff will be fine for range work.

 

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I will also add that online isn't always the best choice when it comes to shortages unless you stick to major players who have a history of selling at MSRP. In my experience you can often find better deals going into the major chains for ammo. The purchase limits and supply issues are annoying, but Cabela's usually doesn't jack ammo prices in a shortage, for example. Online retailers all know exactly what the market will tolerate and often price accordingly. That's why when I found some 5.56 a month ago on Midway I bought it, because they don't take advantage like many others.

 

I bought the ammo at Outdoor limited. I’ve used Midway as well.

 

Welcome (especially if you've never been part of the shooting sports before). Sadly, you picked an "interesting" time to buy something that can't be used without ammo (and ammo is triple normal prices right now).