Federal Premium Gold Medal Match 223 Remington Ammo: A Review
As an avid shooter and firearm enthusiast, I was excited to put the Federal Premium Gold Medal Match 223 Remington through its paces. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this top-of-the-line ammunition, highlighting its features, performance, and any notable pros and cons.
Product Details
- Caliber: 223 Remington
- Bullet Type: Boat-tail hollow point (BTHP)
- Weight: 69 grain
- Packaging: 20 rounds
- Manufacturer: Federal Premium
Unboxing and Handling
The ammunition arrived in a standard cardboard box with a cleverly designed blister pack to keep the rounds secure and organized. The packaging is sturdy, and the label clearly displays the product information.
Ammunition Performance
I fired the Federal Premium Gold Medal Match 223 Remington through my AR-15 rifle, using a variety of shooting techniques and distances. Here are my observations:
- Accuracy: Exceptional! The ammo showed remarkable groups, with most shots landing within a 1-inch circle at 50 yards. The best group recorded was a surprising 0.7 inches, thanks to the rifle’s tight tolerances and the ammo’s precision engineering.
- Muzzle Velocity: Average muzzle velocity was around 2,850 FPS, with a max velocity of 2,900 FPS. This is decent for a 69-grain bullet and demonstrates the ammo’s agility.
- Expansion and Penetration: The BTHP design performed as expected, expanding aggressively upon impact and delivering consistent penetration downrange. The expansion patterns were consistent, with most staying between 0.5 to 0.7 inches in diameter.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of my experience with the Federal Premium Gold Medal Match 223 Remington:
Pros:
• Consistent accuracy: The ammo showed remarkable groupings, making it an excellent choice for target shooting, hunting, or competitive shooting sports.
• Performance: The BTHP design delivers consistent expansion and penetration, making it suitable for a variety of applications.
• Affordable: Compared to other high-end match-grade ammunition, the Federal Premium Gold Medal Match 223 Remington is relatively priced, especially when you consider its performance.
• Reliability: I experienced zero malfunctions or misfires during my testing.
Cons:
• Limited availability: At the time of writing, this product might be harder to find in local stores, as it’s a specialty item. Online retailers often have limited quantities or longer shipping times.
• Penetration limitations: While the BTHP design is excellent for many applications, its limited penetration may not be suitable for all hunting scenarios or heavy-duty use.
• Sensitivities: Some users might find the ammo sensitive to temperature fluctuations, which can affect its performance.
Conclusion
The Federal Premium Gold Medal Match 223 Remington is an exceptional ammunition choice for those seeking high accuracy and reliability. Its consistent performance, precision engineering, and affordable price make it an excellent value. While it may not excel in every aspect, it is an excellent option for target shooting, competitive shooting, or hunting small to medium-sized game. If you’re a serious shooter or hunter, I highly recommend giving this ammunition a try.
Remember to always follow proper safety guidelines and local regulations when handling firearms and ammunition. Happy shooting!
