S&W M&P 15 Sport - Brown Bear 62gr HP steel cased ammo review

[PeoriaGraphics]

Hello everyone. Thought I'd post my quick review on my new S&W M&P 15 Sport and the ammo I used in it today.

I always buy my ammo in bulk to save on cost since I'm an avid shooter. When I purchased this rifle, I got 500 rounds of Brown Bear 62gr Hollow Points. I would have bought 2,000 rounds then but have never shot Brown Bear before and have read mixed results on other reviews of using that ammo in AR-15's.

Today I went shooting with my buddy and only brought 2 full magazines. I wasn't going for accuracy because I plan on putting on optics soon. I just wanted to test the ammo to make sure it works good in the S&W M&P 15 Sport, and no FTF, FTE, FTL, or stovepipes or whatever else. Any sorta malfunction, I was looking for it. I shot both magazines with NO FAILURES! Even with 62gr hollow points (I prefer 55 grain fmj...personal preference) this rifle ate the ammo like it was starving.

Even though I really don't like hollow points for rifle rounds, this ammo for the price is at the top of my list. I will be purchasing another 1,500 rounds in a few weeks. Also, here are some pics of my S&W M&P 15 Sport on the wall in the gun room. You will also notice the modification I have done to the hand guard. I bought a quad rail to replace the standard stock hand grip.

[s&wtoter]

Nice rifle! I'm green with envy. I like the Brown Bear ammo for my Mosin Nagant in 7.62x54r. I usually get it in 174 grain FMJ. Nice to find some cheaper steel cased that works huh?

[PeoriaGraphics]

Definitely. I was kinda sceptic with getting the 63gr hollow points, but they work great with my M&P 15 Sport. I might just get all Brown Bear 55gr FMJ's on my next ammo run though cause that's my personal preference for the weight.

[gearchecker]

Peoria,
I'm just curious how many different type of ammo have you shot thru your M&P AR15?
Do you shoot it only for fun range time plinking, or are you trying to shoot for accuracy as well?

If getting the most for your money is the goal, you also might want to try some Ultramax remanufactured ammunition from stores like Cabela's or Ammotogo.
You can buy it when it's on sale for as little as $26 per 50 box (68 gr.MHP). For 55 gr FMJ's it's only $17.99/50. Those prices that are hard to beat for .223 ammo.
There are dozens of ammo types and brands that are reloadable too. Shooting ammo that you can't reload get's expensive very quickly if you do any reloading. If not the Brown Bear is an exceptionally priced ammo for cheap plinking fun.

Regards,
Gregory

[PeoriaGraphics]

Gearchecker,

This Brown Bear is the first and only ammo I have shot through this so far. I would love to stockpile on brass ammo mainly because of how smooth the casings are on brass compared to the steel cased ammo. The Brown Bear ammo is smooth though due to some sort of coating they put on the shells, unlike others like Tulammo which I have read and seen reviews of how they are less power and tend to get stuck and not feed or load properly because of the rough surface of the casings.

There is no Cabela's anywhere close to me as I live in Central Illinois. It's hard to find a good deal and I'm always looking for suggestions on good ammo for purchase. Any suggestions and links would be greatly appreciated.

[xman]

I have had my sport for about a mont now. Haven't shot it. I did pick up 500 rnds of federa 55gr. I would like to do a test on different ammo,also. The russian brands, BVAC, Lake City,etc. I read forums they give good, bad,etc. We shall see. For plinking, whatever is cheap. Defense I will figure out what. Maybe a good 62gr will be just fine.

[PeoriaGraphics]

Also, I don't plan on reloading for my M&P 15 anyway. I reload 9mm only for now. If I had a bolt action Savage or Remington 770 in .223 then I'd probably reload the .223/5.56. But for a semi auto rifle, no. Check out these reviews: Ammunition To Go : 1000rds - 223 Brown Bear 55gr FMJ Ammo [AB223FMJ55] - $244.95$221.95, Reviews.

1000rds - 223 Brown Bear 55gr FMJ Ammo for only $221. Plenty of good reviews, and I clean and lube the heck out of my firearms (one thing that stuck with me from being in the military) so I know my firearms are good to go at any time.

[PeoriaGraphics]

Xman,

The Brown Bear 63gr HP's are good to go. Just clean and lube your rifle after EVERY time you fire it. If you take care of your rifle, it will take care of you. I would probably use the 62 grain Hollow Points for home defense myself. I'm sure others would say otherwise but that's my personal opinion.

If you use others, please let me know how they shoot. How they load, fire, eject, sound, etc.

[gearchecker]

I have 2 9mm pistols and a Mossberg 500 SBS for indoor HD. An AR isn't the ideal weapon for HD, unless you're well trained in defensive room sweeping (Which I'm not).
[From this point in the thread, I'm going for a little humor......]
For HD, outside the home protecting myself from approaching zombies or Mall Ninja's and the like, I'll stick with my M-1 Garand. After I run out of the 4,000 rounds of ammo in my storage closet for it, I'll switch to my Swiss K-31. When that ammo runs out, I'm going fro my AR-15. If there are any BG's left after that, I'll probably have to grab the Mosin 91/30, and shoot till they get to me.

HD is a very serious matter, you need to be prepared for it, and pray you never need to use your training.
Be prepared, Be aware, and Be decisive if the need arises.

Regards,
Gregory

[xman]

Peoria,
Thanks for info. Currently using American Eagle Tactical, Winchester 55gr. Just bought some Tula. AE and Winchester has been flawless. For plinking I still would like to go with cheap. Ill try all brands and see. For defense load Ill go with a 62/64gr.