.223/5.56 for home defense

[derek45]

Take a look at the infamous 1986 Miami FBI shootout

The FBI rounds hit bank robber Michael Platt, struck his hands, and failed to penetrate the felons heart.

He continued to fight with a Ruger Mini-14

This shooting started the whole 12-15" ballistic gelatin requirement

 

[yugorpk]

I have seen that, interesting that he did not test any FMJ or OTM 5.56mm bullets.

Ive tried it. Several times. Typical military grade 55 grain and 62 grain handily go through 2 wall sets and penetrate a 3rd. Thats 5 sheets of 1/2" drywall. The first wall isnt even slightly stopping one. Lath and plaster fair better and the bullet will not make it through 2 walls.

For comparison a 45 Colt buffalo bore round will penetrate 4 walls, 3 doors and a thick glass mirror and vinyl siding before getting stuck in the last wall.

 

[Dr.Rob]

If you use a short barrel use a soft point or a v-max,but 55gr M193 will very likely break apart at 'across the room' distance unless your barrel is under 10 inches.

 

[Swampman]

Get some Black Hill or equivalent 77gr OTM

The military uses "Open Tip Match" because it has good long(er) range ballistics and it's what JAG says they can use, not because it's the most terminally effective ammunition available.

 

[derek45]

"...The military uses "Open Tip Match" because it has good long(er) range ballistics and it's what JAG says they can use, not because it's the most terminally effective ammunition available....."

go shoot some hogs or coyotes with it

it made an impression on me

it's wound pattern in ballistic gel is impressive too

 

[Swampman]

Originally posted by: Swampman
The military uses "Open Tip Match" because it has good long(er) range ballistics and it's what JAG says they can use, not because it's the most terminally effective ammunition available.

Originally posted by: derek45
go shoot some hogs or coyotes with it

it made an impression on me

it's wound pattern in ballistic gel is impressive too

My statement referred to why the US military adopted OTM ammunition.
Do you honestly think the fact that you're impressed with the performance of Black Hill's 77 grain OTM load somehow changes that?

Did I say Mk262 wouldn't kill a hog or 'yote?

I've shot a hog or two over the last 35 years, I've probably killed more with .223/5.56 than any other caliber since that's what I'm issued. I've never shot one with Mk262, but I've killed them with M193, Winchester 64 grain SP's, 64 grain Speer Gold Dots, Speer TBBC's and quite a few others.

I've also shot them with a .338 Winchester Magnum.

I doubt I'd be that impressed by a 77 grain OTM 5.56 load.

I dunno if you've ever heard of Dr. Gary K. Roberts, but here's what he had to say about Mk262:

"Mk262 is not the be all end all for carbine use, but it is currently the best readily available choice for the military*--it would NOT be my first choice for LE or civ use. I would also not recommend Mk262 for general military issue, because that is NOT what it was designed for."

*Keep in mind that he wrote that almost 10 years ago, well before they had Mk318 and the current iteration of M855A1.

 

[Tenncvol]

Back in November Tirod made the excellent point that relying solely on a firearm for home defense was like concentrating on seat belts and air bags instead of tires and brakes for car safety. That said, is there a good forum, website, or other source to get a more comprehensive education on home defense?

 

[sappyg]

There is a lot of info here... http://www.m4carbine.net/forumdisplay.php?91-Terminal-Ballistic-Information

 

[Nick Burkhardt]

First choice Winchester PDX1 .223 Defender 60 grain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Msci2ciZ4yo

Second choice Winchester .223 Power-Point 64 grain soft lead point

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2uMOv1YSXo

 

[JShirley]

Take a look at the infamous 1986 Miami FBI shootout

Then, understand that home defenders are much less likely to have to take a cross-body shot, or shoot through obstacles than LEO. Either a home invader is coming towards you, or it's almost always not a "good shoot".

Conclusion: home defense rounds are optimized for less penetration than good LEO rounds.

In any case, almost any .223 or 5.56x45mm from a 16" or longer barrel penetrates less at close range than 00 buckshot.

John