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Posted: 7/22/2025 8:49:01 PM EDT
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So I have been using the hornady 55gr FMJ with cannelure for my plinking ammo in 223. These are usually very reasonably priced. I have found a load using some pulldown powder that gets me 1 moa and I am very happy with it for the price I have invested per loaded round. 1 moa is better than a lot of factory loaded ammo I have tried. I have loaded all I have, and while I still have several hundred rounds still loaded, I do not have any bullets setting on the shelf for when I need to load some more. I was looking at ordering some more and noticed they also have a soft point 55gr with cannelure. Seems prices are really close to each other, depending on where you get them, sometimes the same. I am seeing prices from 9 cents to 11 cents each. That is cheaper than some pulled bullets I have seen before. Has anyone done any accuracy testing of these side by side? Or does anyone use and/or prefer the SP over FMJ? The soft point does seem like it could possibly be more versatile, as it would not be just a plinking ammo, and could be used for varmint/pest and other uses if the need arises. I hear the soft point is a little softer on steel plates too. Sometimes me and Mrs J&G will fill up old milk jugs and other gallon bottles with water and shoot them with hollow points for a cheap and fun reactive target. These might expand enough to be fun for that too. Just curious if anyone has any input in the hornady 55gr JSP. The part number is 2266B |
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Hornady .224" diameter bullets are a bargain, their 55 grain FMJ usually groups under 1.5 moa for most people. 1.5 moa from a FMJ is amazing. People report that Hornady's 55 grain SP actually shoots around 1 moa, many believing the closed base contributes to better accuracy. I routinely buy match grade bullets in bulk and became a reloader in the mid-1980's because I was so disappointed with FMJ's, mostly M80 ball that I fired through M1-A match rifles with hideous results. I would not hesitate to buy the 55 grain SP in bulk for basic blasting duty. I am confident they will shoot better than M855. |
| I tend to work backwards I start with what do I want the bullet to do. If I want a 223 to transfer energy and expand in live animals like a coyote then first it has to be an expanding bullet, next I look at the ballistic coefficient and the amount of energy it retains at the distance it is likely to be used at. Barrel twist rate determines what weight bullet stabilizes best. |
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Quoted: So I have been using the hornady 55gr FMJ with cannelure for my plinking ammo in 223. These are usually very reasonably priced. I have found a load using some pulldown powder that gets me 1 moa and I am very happy with it for the price I have invested per loaded round. 1 moa is better than a lot of factory loaded ammo I have tried. I have loaded all I have, and while I still have several hundred rounds still loaded, I do not have any bullets setting on the shelf for when I need to load some more. I was looking at ordering some more and noticed they also have a soft point 55gr with cannelure. Seems prices are really close to each other, depending on where you get them, sometimes the same. I am seeing prices from 9 cents to 11 cents each. That is cheaper than some pulled bullets I have seen before. Has anyone done any accuracy testing of these side by side? Or does anyone use and/or prefer the SP over FMJ? The soft point does seem like it could possibly be more versatile, as it would not be just a plinking ammo, and could be used for varmint/pest and other uses if the need arises. I hear the soft point is a little softer on steel plates too. Sometimes me and Mrs J&G will fill up old milk jugs and other gallon bottles with water and shoot them with hollow points for a cheap and fun reactive target. These might expand enough to be fun for that too. Just curious if anyone has any input in the hornady 55gr JSP. The part number is 2266B No formal accuracy testing but I buy the soft point bullets because they tend to be more accurate than the FMJ's. kwg |
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Yea I was quite happy and surprised when I was able to get 1 moa from the FMJ's from two different rifles with the pulldown powder. Sounds like the SP's might be the way to go. Now I am not going to expect one hole groups with them, I will expect realistic results, but if I can still maintain 1 moa, I will be more than happy. While I do not need high dollar match bullets just for plinking, I do not want bottom of the barrel junk that gives 3-4 moa. I have seen mixed lots of pulldown bullets for very cheap, where you can not get any consistency with seating depth because of the mixed lots with different profiles, and accuracy suffers as a result. However if I was just spraying them from a machine gun with no regard for accuracy, that would be different, and the pulldown mix lot would be fine. I am looking for cost effective with decent performance, as I want to actually be able to hit what I aim at. I think I am going to order a 100 box of the SP's to test out before I jump in the deep end and buy a 6k box. I just want to make sure I can still get 1-1.5 moa with them. I do not think it will be a problem, but I just want to try them first. I do like the positive things about them I am hearing from you guys. All the guns I would be shooting these out of are 1-7 twist. |
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Seems to me the safe bet would be to buy a box of 100 of the softpoints and test them in your guns . You can listen to all sort of other folks results but for you to load them with your powders and loads and shoot them in your guns is the real deal. same load that you have worked up with the FMJ might or might not be the best bet but common sense indicates you should drop back a bit and work back up. Most reports here indicate the soft points are a bit more accurate , hope you find that to be true. As in most things about shooting and reloading , if you find something that works well , stack it deep if you can buy it cheap . Generally you can count on the prices being higher in the future . EDIT Seems like we were both thinking about buying the 100 count box to test as we were typing our posts! I also agree with you about the beat up pull down bullets. Yes , they might be pretty cheap but you still have to buy the powder and primer so the % increase of a decent bullet (bought in bulk) over the pulldown is not all that great and the results of the new bullet is generally better |
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In my own tests, I found the 55 FMJ to be the more accurate. Apparently Im the outlier. That was back when you could get 6000 count boxes at 5 cents a pop. Accuracy was best loaded long with a mild Lee FCD.below cannular. Donno if Hornady turned up the production machine speed since then - but at the time, they were remarkably accurate FMJs. I like the FMJ as they don't lead smear the feed ramps and are more field abuse tolerant while mimicking M193. But the reasons noted by others for preferring 55 SP are all valid as well. for the same price, I'd get some - but I dont pay any more for SP 55s. Rarely is 55gr the choice weight for performance or ballistics- regarless of configuration. And at social distances, 55 FMJ is supposed to yawn and fragment anyway. With slightly better barrier and windshield penetration (maybe). If a 4 man Cartel kill-team busted down the door, I'd probably prefer 55FMJ to SP in my M4, personally. |
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I shoot a lot of the FMJs through various ARs in 223 and 223 Ackley. They are an awesome bullet for a screaming deal. Even a better deal when you buy them by the 6,000 count case. Below is 5 rounds of 55 FMJ through an 8 twist 223 Ackley at 300 yards. The bullets are poking along at about 3,300 fps. I was using mixed brass and the ammo was loaded on a Dillon 1100. If I was using a scope with a little more oomph and was doing more than holding center of mass on that target, I am sure I would have cut that group in half.   
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Quoted: With cost per projectile being the same, my choice would be the Hornady soft points. Another good cheap projectile are the Midsouth Varmint Nightmare 55gr fmj and soft points. I shoot a lot of Varmint Nightmares, I need to order some more pretty soon, I like to have a thousand or so on the shelf for the winter reloading sessions. |
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Quoted: I have loaded all I have, and while I still have several hundred rounds still loaded, I do not have any bullets setting on the shelf for when I need to load some more. I was looking at ordering some more and noticed they also have a soft point 55gr with cannelure. I stockpile those in the flat base version and would suggest those (and in big bulk if you can help it) over the boat tail variety. Those boxes don't take up very much space at all but hold a good many projectiles. Right about 50lbs of Hornady goodness! :) Will be cheaper per buying the big boxes AND those bullets in the big box will all be from the same lot.  |
| My records only go back about 25 years and 11 AR's... Overall I have a lot more good Hornady JSP < 1moa than Hornady FMJ <1moa... but then my FMJ buying habits were cheaper yet back then and i only have 5 for hornady brand FMJ... however one thing stands out - don't buy Armscor bullets at any price. |
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Quoted: I stockpile those in the flat base version and would suggest those (and in big bulk if you can help it) over the boat tail variety. Those boxes don't take up very much space at all but hold a good many projectiles. Right about 50lbs of Hornady goodness! :) Will be cheaper per buying the big boxes AND those bullets in the big box will all be from the same lot. https://i.imgur.com/wUvzUhm.jpg Interesting, I did not realize there was a flat base and boat tail version of this bullet. I just checked horandys website and they show the 2266 that we have been talking about, and that is the boat tail version. But the flat base version has part number 2265, but does not show it as having a cannelure. Is the smaller box the only reason you like the flat base? Or does it give you better accuracy? |
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I load both. The FMJ is my standard replacement clone load for M193. It shoots just over 1 MOA consistently from my 16 inch carbine. That has an old CMMG 1:9 twist nitride barrel. The SP version is used for varmints and pests when just walking around. From that barrel, the identical load (same LC cases standard grade Federal primers, 25.0gr H335 charge) also shoots just over 1 MOA consistently. I can discern no difference in five shot group size. I have shot bench prepped match loads developed for my precision rifle through that same old carbine. Same grouping - just over 1 MOA. That is a 52gr flat base Berger in Lapua cases and Federal match primers, laddered H4895, that is 1/2 MOA capable in my precision AR (Lilja barrel). My modest conclusion is that in my old CMMG carbine barrel, the limit is the barrel, itself. To be clear, I have not shot either of the Hornady canalure 55gr. bullets in the Lilja barrel and have no reason to do so other than curiosity. For my purposes both Hornady bullets perform close to MOA in the barrel they are used in and represent great value - bargains at their respective price points. |
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So one of my local gun stores has a really good selection of reloading supplies, and that includes a lot of hornady and sierra bullets. I stopped by there on my way home from work today and they had some of these on the shelf. So I picked up a box of 100 to try out. More expensive than online, but I did not have to go through ordering some online and waiting for them to get here. Sadly, I do not think I am going to have time to test them this weekend. Most than likely next weekend at the soonest. |
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Quoted: Interesting, I did not realize there was a flat base and boat tail version of this bullet. I just checked horandys website and they show the 2266 that we have been talking about, and that is the boat tail version. But the flat base version has part number 2265, but does not show it as having a cannelure. Is the smaller box the only reason you like the flat base? Or does it give you better accuracy? Their website is jinky. I did look... 2266 is the flat base version I have stacked deep (with cannelure) and prefer. I 'believe' the 2266b part number is for the boat tail version? Big brown boxes on the bottom / right are 6k Hornady boxes with the same 2266 number and a flat base. (cheaper per when bought in bulk)   I like the way this guy explains things - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyTGoHUQG7s |
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Quoted: So one of my local gun stores has a really good selection of reloading supplies, and that includes a lot of hornady and sierra bullets. I stopped by there on my way home from work today and they had some of these on the shelf. So I picked up a box of 100 to try out. More expensive than online, but I did not have to go through ordering some online and waiting for them to get here. Sadly, I do not think I am going to have time to test them this weekend. Most than likely next weekend at the soonest. That 2260 box of bullets in my picture above on the bottom left (55 gr SP SX) is the same as the 2266 (both have flat bases) but 'cept with no cannelure and thinner jackets for easier expansion / fragmentation. Mentioning it because you said something about pests and milk jugs in your first post this thread... 
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Quoted: Their website is jinky. I did look... 2266 is the flat base version I have stacked deep (with cannelure) and prefer. I 'believe' the 2266b part number is for the boat tail. The 2266 and 2266B are the same bullets. The B signifies that it is a 6000 package. Maybe it means bulk. |
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Quoted: Their website is jinky. I did look... 2266 is the flat base version I have stacked deep (with cannelure) and prefer. I 'believe' the 2266b part number is for the boat tail version? Big brown boxes on the bottom / right are 6k Hornady boxes with the same 2266 number and a flat base. (cheaper per when bought in bulk) https://i.imgur.com/jjleXHF.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NbKeuZR.jpg I like the way this guy explains things - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyTGoHUQG7s 2266 is the boat tail version https://www.hornady.com/bullets/rifle/22-cal-224-55-gr-sp-with-cannelure# 2265 is the flat base version, and on their site, does not have a cannelure, but I'm guessing it was a option at some point. https://www.hornady.com/bullets/rifle/22-cal-224-55-gr-sp# |
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Quoted: 2266 is the boat tail version https://www.hornady.com/bullets/rifle/22-cal-224-55-gr-sp-with-cannelure# 2265 is the flat base version, and on their site, does not have a cannelure, but I'm guessing it was a option at some point. https://www.hornady.com/bullets/rifle/22-cal-224-55-gr-sp# Guessing you confirmed with the box that you just bought? |
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Halfway down the sub-page here is another thread on the JSP. I just tested them down to around 1950fps impact velocity the other day. They still expand nicely and drive straight enough. In a while I should have some more jugs, among other choice projectiles (for the cost minded reloader) to test out. I want to get with 75gr GD and quit messing around, but those and the 62gr are just unobtainable. |
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Alright, I finally had a chance to try these out today. I had tested the fmj's up to 26.5gr of the pulldown powder I have been using, but found 25.5gr gave me the best accuracy (1 moa). So I load up the soft points and load 10 rounds each of 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, and 26.5. Surprising but not surprising, the exact same load the fmj's like, is the same load these like. 25.5gr. I got 1 moa from them as well. The charges above and below it were larger, but only about 1/4 inch. I am sure I could improve the accuracy more with a different powder, but I have a large stockpile of this pulldown powder and if I can get 1 moa using it, I am more than happy with it. I am not trying to get match grade accuracy from these, I am simply wanting decent plinking ammo. I just placed a order for a 6k case. |
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Quoted: I think you're set, dude. You've discovered a good load, go with it, no need to chase the dragon. I have found the same thing, with 55gr & 62gr, SP vs FMJ, same charge produced same accuracy, with the SPs shooting just a bit tighter, as they should. Yea, I have so much of this powder, and this load worked out really well, I have no need to take this further. |
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Quoted: Alright, I finally had a chance to try these out today. I had tested the fmj's up to 26.5gr of the pulldown powder I have been using, but found 25.5gr gave me the best accuracy (1 moa). So I load up the soft points and load 10 rounds each of 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, and 26.5. Surprising but not surprising, the exact same load the fmj's like, is the same load these like. 25.5gr. I got 1 moa from them as well. The charges above and below it were larger, but only about 1/4 inch. I am sure I could improve the accuracy more with a different powder, but I have a large stockpile of this pulldown powder and if I can get 1 moa using it, I am more than happy with it. I am not trying to get match grade accuracy from these, I am simply wanting decent plinking ammo. I just placed a order for a 6k case. Curious if the cannelure was where it should be or off as in the previous pictures above. Did they change that too or is it the same as they were doing? Appreciate your thread here and the info you are sharing. :) |
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Quoted: Curious if the cannelure was where it should be or off as in the previous pictures above. Did they change that too or is it the same as they were doing? Appreciate your thread here and the info you are sharing. :) The 100 round box I bought to test looked identical to the one on the right in the picture in post #17. They are boat tail and not flat base. The 6k case I just bought has not shipped yet. But they should be the same. They are the same part number as the ones I just tested. |
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Quoted: The 100 round box I bought to test looked identical to the one on the right in the picture in post #17. They are boat tail and not flat base. The 6k case I just bought has not shipped yet. But they should be the same. They are the same part number as the ones I just tested. So you are not using the cannelure at all or seating short so you do hit it? |
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Quoted: The 100 round box I bought to test looked identical to the one on the right in the picture in post #17. They are boat tail and not flat base. The 6k case I just bought has not shipped yet. But they should be the same. They are the same part number as the ones I just tested. Missed this earlier... THAT was a good move buying in bulk like that. You scored by having a fairly large lot of projectiles that are going to be very consistent AND reduced the costs per. :) |
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Quoted: The 2266 is more accurate then a fmj because of how its formed. The 2266 gers 1 more trip into a finish die. The most accurate bullets for me- Nosler 55 gr ` Sierra 69 gr. The longer bullets will need a 9 twist barrel. https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?media/bearing-surface-224-bullets.485/full&d=1482103715 I never been able to get any kind of comparable accuracy out of anything Hornady compared to Nosler, Sierra 52 and 69g bullets. |
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Quoted: I never been able to get any kind of comparable accuracy out of anything Hornady compared to Nosler, Sierra 52 and 69g bullets. If I want the upmost accuracy, then hornady is almost never the bullet I choose. For that I will use something like sierra or berger. However if I was reasonable performance where winning a match or one hole accuracy is not needed, and I want it for a reasonable price, then hornady is a great choice. I have found them to be more accurate than other brands that are at the same price point. These bullets we are talking about in this thread, are more accurate than any M193 ammo I have tested, and even the FMJ version is still more accurate than off the shelf M193. |
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Quoted: These bullets we are talking about in this thread, are more accurate than any M193 ammo I have tested, and even the FMJ version is still more accurate than off the shelf M193. Yep. You gonna need at least a few 8lb jugs of powder now to make sure you can load those. :) My advice stays the same when you buy that powder. If it is something you like - Buy it in bulk! :) |
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Quoted: Yep. You gonna need at least a few 8lb jugs of powder now to make sure you can load those. :) My advice stays the same when you buy that powder. If it is something you like - Buy it in bulk! :) Already there. I got the powder long before I got the bullets. I went full send last year and bought 32 pounds of pulldown powder from CDVS. It was advertised as "similar to SMP-735" and was from 223/5.56 ammo with a 55gr bullet. I had a thread on it that has went into the archives. I tested it and found my current load using it. Loading up the remainder of the 55gr fmj's I had (about 1500), I have used one 8lb jug and a tiny bit of a 2nd. I ended up buying another 32 pounds of it a couple months ago. So I am pretty set up on powder. I even tested it in 308 and found a good load using it with a 150gr bullet. So I have about 1k of those to load up too. This fall/winter, the dillon is going to be earning it's keep. |
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