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View Full Version : What HD ammo for 556 SBR?



DutyUse
15 February 2016, 16:37
What kinds of ammo are you guys using for self defense (75 yards and in) in your 10.5 & 11.5" uppers in 5.56? I've been considering Barnes 62gr Vor-Tx or 75gr TAP but have seen some less then impressive gel testing in short barrels. Any advice would be appreciated

alamo5000
15 February 2016, 16:44
I have asked that here and have done my own sort of testing and researching... 77gr nosler bullets work excellent 50 yards and in. Between 50 and 100 I still wouldn't want to get hit by one.

I have also heard the Hornady 75 gr BTHP is also excellent. I bought 100 of each to test out.

I pretty much distilled everything everyone told me right there...

If you can afford it shoot the 75gr Barnes TSX.

Stone
15 February 2016, 16:59
Federal LE223T3
Black hills 50g TSX
Gold dots .223 64g,62g
T556TNB1 AKA MK318

Huge fan of bonded rounds. The way I see it is, that barriers will be involved. I am getting excellent accuracy and feeding out of those four rounds out of my 10.5-14.7" barrels. Federal has officially released the XM556SBCT3 for the commercial side but at $1.85-$2.00 a round its a little steep even for me. I have seen what the MK318 does to flesh and its devastating.

UWone77
15 February 2016, 17:00
This is what we use. Department did some extensive testing a few years back, and this had some of the best results as far as shooting at humans vs overpenetration, and shooting through barriers such as glass. I wish I had the testing results handy. I'll have to look for it.

http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/104460/ra556b/winchester-ammo-5.56mm-64-gr-ranger-bonded-solid-base-20box

Brahmzy
15 February 2016, 17:33
I've got a bunch of the 5.56 TAP T2 stuff. Hopefully it expands at 10.5" velocities.

JGifford
15 February 2016, 23:55
This is what we use. Department did some extensive testing a few years back, and this had some of the best results as far as shooting at humans vs overpenetration, and shooting through barriers such as glass. I wish I had the testing results handy. I'll have to look for it.

http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/104460/ra556b/winchester-ammo-5.56mm-64-gr-ranger-bonded-solid-base-20box

Killed me a deer dead with that, and holy crap that's a good price!

That said, I am looking at the 5.56 pressure 55gr GMX, and the 75gr Gold Dot. The 75gr Gold Dot is doing NASTY in every test I have conducted, or heard about.

SINNER
16 February 2016, 07:29
This is what we use. Department did some extensive testing a few years back, and this had some of the best results as far as shooting at humans vs overpenetration, and shooting through barriers such as glass. I wish I had the testing results handy. I'll have to look for it.

http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/104460/ra556b/winchester-ammo-5.56mm-64-gr-ranger-bonded-solid-base-20box

Friends of mine swear by this as hunting ammo. I just shot some for the first time a few weeks ago. Grouped well from 1/7 and 1/9 twist barrels in multiple lengths. Honestly surprised by the consistency from different platforms. May have shot the best group ever out of a 16S.

BC98
16 February 2016, 09:04
75gr Speer Gold Dot

Former11B
16 February 2016, 10:04
I am using 64gr Winchester Power Points because I loaded up a the 250ct box that I bought. However, when I decide to cull those from the herd, I'll switch to 77gr TMKs. Saw some nice gel tests of them and some deer that took a beating after getting hit with them.


PSA is having a sale on 62gr Federal Bonded ammo, $11.99/20rd

Manufactured by Federal Cartridge Company under contract for the FBI, the XM556FBIT3M is a 62 grain Tactical Bonded bullet in boxes of 20 rounds on 2 10rd Stripper Clips. This ammo is classified as “Factory Seconds” by Federal Cartridge Company because we were told that it failed the FBI’s accuracy requirements by .1 inch. It has crimped primers and sealant around the projectile. It is head-stamped “FC15 223 REM”. This limited supply is available for purchase until it is gone.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/catalog/product/view/id/23995/s/federal-5-56mm-62gr-tactical-bonded-fbi-load-ammunition-20rds-on-10rd-clips-xm556fbit3m

Stone
16 February 2016, 10:32
I saw that sale but am confused on whether its .223 or 556 since it says both on the box. I get the feeling its a dumbed down training version of that ammo.

Former11B
16 February 2016, 11:08
I'd have to go with .223 Rem, since that's what's on the head stamp. The XM556FBI3TM is the bullet type, I think

Former11B
16 February 2016, 11:08
I'd have to go with .223 Rem, since that's what's on the head stamp. The XM556FBIT3M is the bullet type, I think

Molon tested some a while back (Thanks, Google) and out of a 16" barrel said:


2953 FPS with a standard deviation of 15 FPS for a 10-shot string.

BC = 0.224

Stone
16 February 2016, 11:28
Agreed, I would follow the head stamp. But that round is supposed to be 556, weird. Regardless, the bullet is the T3 which is the Trophy bonded Bear claw. Normally when they reject/reclassify a round the box is changed to denote this as an (R) is placed before the XM that's why some of it is marked RXM. This time they just put a sticker on the box that says factory seconds along with an explanation. I am also curious as to what the (M) at the end means. Between the Nosler Bonded Solid Base that UW posted, the T3 and the TSX are about as terminally efficient as its going to get. I have been watching scattered testing on the 75g GD but am concerned about velocity and expansion out of a 10.5" barrel since its rated at 2775 from a 20" barrel. Based off the information at hand personally I go with the 62g or 64g GD's out of my 10.5" SBR.

Stone
16 February 2016, 11:50
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSQiM67Yq54

Thompson
16 February 2016, 18:22
That said, I am looking at the 5.56 pressure 55gr GMX, and the 75gr Gold Dot. The 75gr Gold Dot is doing NASTY in every test I have conducted, or heard about.
Just curious, what/how are you conducting your tests? Gelatin?

Former11B
16 February 2016, 19:04
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSQiM67Yq54

Wow did a number on that gelatin.

Too bad Speer discontinued the bullets for sale....but $12/20 isn't horrible for "high end" ammo

DutyUse
16 February 2016, 19:32
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSQiM67Yq54

Wow that's some impressive stuff! Thanks for posting.

Does anyone know if it will it still expand fairly well out of short barrels? If so this may be the ammo to stock up on. Thanks all for posting

Stone
16 February 2016, 21:17
If I remember correctly out of a 14.5" a gentleman chrono'd it at 2875fps so a 10.5" should be GTG. I believe the expansion threshold is around 1600ish. I am pulling these numbers off some threads I read a while back so don't quote me on them. Molon tested this round but for the life of me I cant find his data. Hopefully he will chime in with the factual data. FWIW Here is a thread on the Ranger load, excellent round. http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?7489-Range-Report-Winchester-RA556B Also that round in the video and the stuff from PSA are not the same. What's in the video is running around $1.85-$2.00 a round.

JGifford
17 February 2016, 02:12
Agreed, I would follow the head stamp. But that round is supposed to be 556, weird. Regardless, the bullet is the T3 which is the Trophy bonded Bear claw. Normally when they reject/reclassify a round the box is changed to denote this as an (R) is placed before the XM that's why some of it is marked RXM. This time they just put a sticker on the box that says factory seconds along with an explanation. I am also curious as to what the (M) at the end means. Between the Nosler Bonded Solid Base that UW posted, the T3 and the TSX are about as terminally efficient as its going to get. I have been watching scattered testing on the 75g GD but am concerned about velocity and expansion out of a 10.5" barrel since its rated at 2775 from a 20" barrel. Based off the information at hand personally I go with the 62g or 64g GD's out of my 10.5" SBR.

Expansion from a 10" barrel with the Gold Dot 75gr round is not a problem at all.

Sak007
17 February 2016, 03:09
I use whatever 223/5.56 I can get fire it take the brass and convert it to 300 Blackout and throw a 220gr .............I kid I kid . I do have a box of G2 research Rip Out Trident 65gr 223 that legally I'm scared to use in a hd situation .

DutyUse
17 February 2016, 06:55
I use whatever 223/5.56 I can get fire it take the brass and convert it to 300 Blackout and throw a 220gr .............I kid I kid . I do have a box of G2 research Rip Out Trident 65gr 223 that legally I'm scared to use in a hd situation .

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/02/17/7aa239eec471fab78bd6fe4f8887e92c.jpg

No arguments here [BD] it's good to have quality rounds for each gun though.

Former11B
17 February 2016, 08:20
If I remember correctly out of a 14.5" a gentleman chrono'd it at 2875fps so a 10.5" should be GTG. I believe the expansion threshold is around 1600ish. I am pulling these numbers off some threads I read a while back so don't quote me on them. Molon tested this round but for the life of me I cant find his data. Hopefully he will chime in with the factual data. FWIW Here is a thread on the Ranger load, excellent round. http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?7489-Range-Report-Winchester-RA556B Also that round in the video and the stuff from PSA are not the same. What's in the video is running around $1.85-$2.00 a round.


Well, the stuff PSA is selling has the "M" number on the end....otherwise I am not sure of the difference. Regular price at PSA is about $1 a round. The difference, they said, is that what they're selling missed the FBI's accuracy requirement by .1 MOA, so it's probably discounted due to being deemed insufficient for the contract it was made for. The "M" probably has something to do with the classification

Stone
17 February 2016, 10:33
Things that are different are not the same. I am all for getting a great deal but theres too many red flags for me. Buyer beware. Hope it works out for you.

Here's the latest I am comparing it to. "NOTE: NOT for use in 223 REM chambered guns."
"Federal 62 grain Bonded Softpoint FBI Equivalent Load XM556SBCT3, per the manufacturer this is the same as XM556FBIT3, they just give it a different SKU # for non-FBI contract. This ammo is one of the most advanced designs for personal protection or law enforcement."

659
660
661

voodoo_man
17 February 2016, 12:34
I put everything in two 40rng coupled pmags. Like...everything from 77otm to 55gr soft tips.

Because fuck logic.

JGifford
17 February 2016, 15:39
New option...
http://www.hornadyle.com/products/rifle-ammunition/556-nato/75-gr-tap-sbr

It also wins the award for shittiest ballistic coefficient for a 75+gr .224 caliber bullet. Ever.

alamo5000
17 February 2016, 16:13
New option...
http://www.hornadyle.com/products/rifle-ammunition/556-nato/75-gr-tap-sbr

It also wins the award for shittiest ballistic coefficient for a 75+gr .224 caliber bullet. Ever.

WANT!

That looks great! I want to see where I can get some of those!

JGifford
17 February 2016, 17:49
WANT!

That looks great! I want to see where I can get some of those!

Done.

Former11B
18 February 2016, 03:35
New option...
http://www.hornadyle.com/products/rifle-ammunition/556-nato/75-gr-tap-sbr

It also wins the award for shittiest ballistic coefficient for a 75+gr .224 caliber bullet. Ever.

Not sure how they can claim it won't "overheat" suppressors either. That's a byproduct of the powder combustion and in a 10-11" platform, that's a really bold statement

Jerry R
18 February 2016, 07:02
I want to see where I can get some of those!

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/118191/hornady-tap-personal-defense-ammunition-223-remington-75-grain-jacketed-hollow-point-box-of-20

Stone
18 February 2016, 08:26
I don't believe that is the same round Jerry. 223 Remington 75 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Box of 20 Hornady #: 80268

JG posted: 75 gr. TAP® SBR- Critical Duty FlexLock bullets- Item No. 81295- 5.56 NATO

They have several 75g loads and I did a double take because they are similar. Not trying to bust your balls just wanted to point that out.

Jerry R
18 February 2016, 09:16
I don't believe that is the same round Jerry.

You are absolutely correct - my bad !

My search Kung-foo is weak before coffee [BD]

Stone
18 February 2016, 10:10
"My search Kung-foo is weak before coffee" You and me both!

DutyUse
18 February 2016, 11:02
That TAP SBR load looks very interesting.

Since gel is so expensive, is there a way to compare performance yourself for multiple rounds using a cheaper medium?

Farva
18 February 2016, 12:21
That TAP SBR load looks very interesting.

Since gel is so expensive, is there a way to compare performance yourself for multiple rounds using a cheaper medium?

Old phone books? It wouldn't be the same density but at least you be able to see the damage done.

Stone
18 February 2016, 12:24
Pork shoulder. Flesh and bone is flesh and bone...

JGifford
18 February 2016, 14:42
I use water. It is extremely consistent and shows good comparisons regarding penetration, , and really stress tests over expansion.

BoilerUp
18 February 2016, 19:37
That TAP SBR load looks very interesting.

Since gel is so expensive, is there a way to compare performance yourself for multiple rounds using a cheaper medium?

I have so many inappropriate responses to this...

JGifford
18 February 2016, 21:41
Another option is the 62gr 5.56 TSX loading from Black Hills. Also, Hornady 81255

voodoo_man
19 February 2016, 02:04
Btw when all else fails 77otm and or 77 razercore is pretty much (should be) your go to ammo.

SINNER
19 February 2016, 04:44
I know I would not want to be hit with a OTM. Those 77gr SMK's shred soft tissue.

JGifford
20 February 2016, 01:36
I noticed in my testing yesterday thay tsx bullets are just violent. I don't know what it is, as they expand to similar diameters, and Penetrates to similar depths, as other rounds I've tested in milk jugs, but they just explode the jugs, and the ones they don't, the split the seams of, even 3 jugs deep in the stack. They are just more destructive. Experiences with hunters seem similar when comparing them to cup and core designs.

Former11B
1 March 2016, 05:12
https://www.ar15.com/ammo/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/Barnes/Barnes%20Gelatin%20Data%20for%20.223%20and%205.56. html


This link has some good images of gelatin and different bullets and barrel lengths, 10", 14.5", 16", 20", and some 24"

The 70gr Hornady GMX and 10" barrel looks serious.

DutyUse
1 March 2016, 05:21
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/01/7e465c51c6f44c46b69a14aab2a1fa5a.jpg

DutyUse
1 March 2016, 05:22
https://www.ar15.com/ammo/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/Barnes/Barnes%20Gelatin%20Data%20for%20.223%20and%205.56. html


This link has some good images of gelatin and different bullets and barrel lengths, 10", 14.5", 16", 20", and some 24"

The 70gr Hornady GMX and 10" barrel looks serious.

Nice find. Thanks for posting

Former11B
3 March 2016, 16:14
http://palmettostatearmory.com/catalog/product/view/id/24051/s/speer-223-remington-75gr-gold-dot-ammunition-20rds-24475/?trk_msg=M5TFBLG5N9UKH7V560FLV4H374&trk_contact=IP3Q9N7BS510MRKS37KDLFUUCG&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Gold+Dot+.223+-+LT&utm_campaign=Daily+Deals+Email&utm_content=5%3a00+Email

75gr Speer ammo on sale $14.99/box