Choice of loads for an AR-15

J

Jedi Oomodo

New member
I have a simple question, which I'm sure doesn't have a simple answer.

For home defense, should I use .223 FMJ for my AR-15, or should I use hollow points? Would there be any benefit to hollow points against a human target, given the 3000fps velocity of the bullet, or would it pas through too quickly to expand, and thus make the hollow point irrelevant?

Also, my rifle has a 1:9" twist rate. I have read that faster twists neccessitate heavier bullets, as lighter ones will over-stabilize and be less accurate. Granted, where I learned it was stated that 55gr-62gr bullets would perform just fine in 1:9". I'm just wondering if I should switch from my 55grFMJ ball ammo to something else.

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Pray as though it's all up to God, act as though it's all up to you.

Aim small- miss small...

If it isna Scottish, it's CRAP! RKBA!
 
I'll not even address the FMJ vs HP for home defense (much). If the rifle's all ya gots, then I'd use the hollow points but then again, that begs the question of what kinda HP .... match grades tend to have heavier jackets than would a varmit bullet - on & on.
Rifle's just not the best choice for home defense in most situations.

The twist rate of the rifling doesn't neccessitate anything really. It only stabilizes bullets in a certain weight range better than others. You don't have to use the heavier bullets just because you have a certain twist rate.

Most bullets from 50-62 should work just fine for 1:9
 
Hollowpoints. They expand very "nicely" at 3000 fps. Take a look at Hornady's TAP line of ammo www.hornady.com in .223 they range from a 40 gr. tipped bullet up to a 75 gr. bthp. One of their design criteria is "100% Energy transfer to the target, for instant terminal results". Another is "reduced chance of collateral damage from overpenetration or ricochet."
Only problem is, if hp's are used, you will have more of a mess to clean up.
bergie
 
I'd use 40 grain HP's for home defense. At home ranges bullet stabilization isn't an issue. Actually having an unstabile bullet might be an asset as it would damage more and penetrate less.

For long range target shooting the 62 bullets will be perfect for a 1/9 twist. You will be surprised at the accuracy pick up you will see from your 55 grain bullets.
 
Just buy plain old vanilla M193 (55 gr) ball ammo. The hollowpoints and TAP ammo are good, but you'll get the same performance from M193 at home defense ranges.

At muzzle velocities above 2700 fps the M193 bullet breaks at the cannelure and fragments, these fragments create their own little permanent wound channels. This is what causes the devasting wounds the M16 is known for. Since this has everything to do with bullet construction, try to find military ammo. Cole Distributing and Ammoman.com both sell Israeli and South African M193 equivalent. Winchester Q3131A is a commercial equivalent.

I tested hollowpoints, TAP ammo, and various 5.56mm bullet weights when we were looking for duty ammo for the department's ARs. M193 had similar results to hollowpoints and TAP even through building materials. I like it because it's so much cheaper then the specialty" rounds.

As for over penetration in building materials, all the rounds will penetrate sheet rock and 2x4s. They will break up and the fragments lose their velocity quickly making them less likely to seriously injure the neighbors in case you miss.

All of the data on the military rifle calibers can be found at Firearms Tactical. M855 (62gr steel penetrator) had similar terminal effects as M193 according to Dr. Fackler in the study he did at the Army Wound Ballistics Lab. But with the steel penetrator and the heavier bullet you might not have the safety of the lighter bullet if you're worried about missing and shooting your neighbor. There is a link there from TFL.

HTH
Jeff
 
I'm not certain that the 55gr ball I have now is M193 equivalent. I got it from TFL's own ArmySon at the EOSM. I had some Winchester 55gr, I think it was 3131A, but not certain. I used it all at the EOSM... whoops.

Thanks, all, for the info. Guess I'll save the $$$$ and stay with Jeff's M193 rounds. :)

------------------
Pray as though it's all up to God, act as though it's all up to you.

Aim small- miss small...

If it isna Scottish, it's CRAP! RKBA!
 
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