[Jiml3]

Since their are so many knowledgeable members on this board,
please tell me the purpose of the frangible bullet. My understanding is that it splatters upon impact. I have seen it used in an indoor range against steel knockdown plates.
I assume that is not it's sole intended purpose. How does it compare with FMJ or hollowpoints? What was the purpose of this
design?
Many thanks for any input.

[Sven]

Intention is to cause maximum damage to the target and to prevent over-penetration.

When the bits break apart, they all have their own wound channel, making for a mess.

[stans]

They also minimize the ricochet potential.

[cratz2]

There are several benefits to the frangibles but I think the primary purpose is to ensure the entire energy of the projectile is transferred into the target... which by definition will greatly lower the risk of over penetration.

I've also found that some of the very high velocity/light weight rounds can have a similar effect. The CorBon 115 Gr +P loads don't do a great job at penetrating floors and walls... which is a good thing in my book.

[zahc]

They vaporize small vermin and reduce ricochets.

[Hkmp5sd]

While minimizing over-penetration can be a good benefit, this same lack of penetration can also be a bad thing. Glass, thick clothing and other minor obstacles can defeat or reduce the damage from the round before it enters the BG.

[Jeff OTMG]

Frangible and pre-fragmented are generally not the same thing. Frangible ammo is intended for shooting against steel targets or backstops and don't splatter. As a person who has been cut by a piece of flying jacket off a steel target being frangible is highly desirable. I do not know how frangibles act in clay or gelatine. I don't know anyone who has tried it since it is intended for use as target ammo.