Drywall testing of Hornady varmint bullets, Pics included.

This grew out of a post at calguns.net -- http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=670439

Decided to see what would happen with Hornady Z-max (V-max, TAP-FPD) ammo, after some controversy arose about penetration through drywall using an AR-type rifle.

The short version is it penetrated 3 walls, but not 4. Pistol, FMJ ammo, and buckshot all penetrate much more according to other tests I have done and seen.

Here's the link to the testing write-up:

http://landryreloadingdocs.com/6.html

You can mostly ignore the rest of that site. That business is mostly on hold until I can source labels with a better adhesive.

 

So in conclusion, traditional theory applies; If you don't want over-penetration, fire a projectile that will expand and/or fragment on impact.

 

Pretty much.

What we were specifically looking at, though were claims/testing that Hornady TAP ammo would penetrate 12+ layers of drywall. The research that remains to be done (or found) is if there is a difference between TAP-FPD (Civilian product) and TAP-Urban (LE product). I strongly suspect there is, but don't have the time, money, or ability to source the ammo for testing.

This test was more to confirm what I suspected all along, in the face of some disturbing evidence to the contrary. It worked out in my favor, but if testing had shown a lack of fragmentation, I would be shopping for soft-point ammo, or a lighter V-max bullet which was proven to fragment.

 

Caliber?
Bullet weight?
Barrel length?

 

It's all in the writeup, but if you can't go to the link...

5.56mm, Lake City 09, 55 grain, .224 bullet, 27.0 grains BLC-(2), Moderate Lee FCD crimp.

Stag 16" 1/8 twist melonite barrel.

 

Pretty cool, thanks.

 

No problem. Needed to answer a question for my own needs (and that of my shooting buddy), but figured we'd share. I was REALLY concerned when I heard that people were getting massive overpenetration with TAP ammo. I'm not sure if the problem was that they were spacing their 12 sheets of drywall only 1 inch apart (not giving time for round to fragment/tumble, lose velocity?) or if they were using a barrier-blind variant of TAP ammo. My money is on the second possibility, but I can't test it because getting the ammo is basically impossible now.

Anyone out there have both kinds of TAP ammo and some drywall? I suppose that if I can get someone to send me ammo samples I can run the test again, but it would be nice if someone else could run the test.

 

What about with fiberglass insulation? Maybe mimic an exterior wall with drywall, insulation, plywood and then some siding. It would be interesting to see the difference.

 

Interesting? Yes. WAY more work than my last test? Yes. WAY more expensive? Yes. Also, doesn't really make sense for me to test that particular combination, because my personal threat axis is going to have different materials downrange if I somehow miss my attacker. I can't test the exact material combination, since cost and construction would be prohibited (plus our building is 30 years old...so equivalent materials may not be available), but if you are so inclined, please do. I'd love to see results.

I'm basically done testing, since I've answered the question I need to, unless someone wants to send me ammo.