*Hangs head in shame*
The cheap stuff: Serbian made Monarch .233rem/55GR soft point
I like plinking in volume, and the Bushy loves the stuff. Makes for longer cleanup, but I got more time than money
Nothin to hang yer head about.. 5.56 is cheap and plentiful. I remember when I could get mil surp 7.62x51 fer about a nickel a shot... chewed up tons of the stuff. these days it's about .50-.80 a shot.. when you can find it. Still run the kids thru familiarization and general range practice with the old surplus stuff... I save the hand loads for when I'm using the sub MOA rifles.
Besides, if the dookie hits the fan, the kids will be using mil surp till the supplies run out anyway.
BTW, the accuracy requirement for the kids on the battle rifles, opens sights 200 yards, 9" paper plate 80% , scoped, 5" 90% or better. For the carbines, same but 100 yards. They love the 'challenge'.. they earn the steak dinner afterwards.
Here's my daughter workin up her lil commie martyr carbine..
7.62x39 Short Para, modded with stainless bolt and garand type rear sight and tritium front sight. Lethal lil bastage... it's her favorite.