5.56mm Shooters: How important is fragmentation to you?

[Ktulu]

One of the primary reasons I choose an AR-15 as a HD weapon is fragmentation. I can't have over penetrating or stray bullets finding the neighbors, etc.

Fragmentation is very important to me!

 

[geekWithA.45]

Ktulu & everyone else:

Please understand that there is a difference between a fragmenting bullet, and a frangible bullet.

Fragmenting bullets will still go through walls and steel, and retain a great deal of energy on the other side, although .223 will have less energy after that than say, 9mm or .45 (according to the .223 faq)

Frangibles, otoh, are designed to pretty much splatter when hitting the first thing in their path.

So yes, lanes of fire are still important to using .223 defensively.

 

[DMK]

Distance to 2700 fps, from a given barrel length (typical):

M193
20": 190-200m
16": 140-150m
14.5": 95-100m
11.5": 40-45m

M855
20": 140-150m
16": 90-95m
14.5": 45-50m
11.5": 12-15m

Is it just me or is this data saying that under 140m, out of a 20" barrel, there is no realistic difference between M855 and M193 except possibly POI?

 

[Ktulu]

Geek, understood.

 

[P95Carry]

Back again so soon GunKid??

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Aha ... ''Poof'' .. now ya see him ... now ya don't!

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Meant to add earlier ... seems for many that the .223 ''tumble'' is regarded with as much usefulness as any fragmentation ...... not that I have put it to the ultimate test!

 

[QuarterBoreGunner]

GunKid!?! noooooooooooooooooooo don't say it... do not speak the name of the evil one!

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Aha ... ''Poof'' .. now ya see him ... now ya don't!

That happens sometimes