Info on Aguila IQ Rounds?

[HMMurdock]

Two associates of mine debate the efficiency of Aguila's "IQ" rounds, namely the .45ACP. The .45 IQ is a bantam weight 117gr. alloy hollowpoint. DEEP hollowpoint.

The IQ, as I understand it, is a hotly loaded lightweight round marked as a "smart" round able to "know" how to react to hard surfaces versus soft tissues and perform accordingly.

We "backyard tested" a few rounds, firing a .45 round into a kevlar level II test patch and it obliterated it. Full metal jacket rounds against the same were simply caught. Very impressive performance from the IQ! The .45 IQ round was later used to shoot a steel high pressure air tank --empty, of course--, with the round penetrating through the front side and making a sizeable dent in the back. A .45 FMJ against the same tank simply ricocheted. Impressive again.

The argument comes in that this round will not perform well in a self-defense situation because too much energy will be expended too quickly and not provide a sufficient wound cavity when it matters the most. It is also concerned that the IQ round loses too much energy as it travels as compared too other rounds, and therefore losing its qualities over moderate distances.

Does anyone know anything about these rounds or care to chime in with personal experience or suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jim Watson]

Shot into water the zinc* hollowpoint breaks into three or four pieces along the grooves (sometimes the base stays with one of the wedges, sometimes it separates) and they veer off at random. Penetration is short. It is generally poo-poohed in the US where there is a wide selection of hollowpoint pistol ammo, but I have READ that it is popular in South America where it may be the only alternative to hardball.


*They don't say it's zinc but the shape and weight of the bullet, and the density of zinc fit. It is definitely heavier than an aluminum bullet of that form.

 

[1911ShooterTJ]

I tried some of the Aguila IQ rounds not too long ago. Although I did not test their performance in any sort of test medium, I think I will stick to any of the current hollow points available from the major manufacturers for self defense.

I think their biggest downside is that, to me, they seemed extremely loud.

 

[Deer Hunter]

I'd like to see how this stuff does against other HP designs.

Throw some of that old Quick-shot ammo into the mix too, just for grins.

 

[SDC]

They are definitely zinc, Jim, I had some run through a scanning electron microscope to determine what the material was after an internet rumour started circulating that "they're armour-piercing". They seemed to perform as advertised in water (breaking into 2 or 3 large leaves, plus a base portion), but LOUD, and with a bright flash.

 

[HMMurdock]

Interesting.

How do you guys think it'd fare when used against 2-legged varmints in a self-defense situation?

Do they have any benefits in self defense over the more common HPs or are they just a gimmick round?

 

[1911ShooterTJ]

HMMurdock,

I'm sure that the Aguila IQ ammo would work well enough in handling social issues. I know I would not like to get hit with one. I might even venture so far as to say it might be slightly superior to ball ammo, in terms of not over penetrating and expelling all of its energy into the target.

However, I don’t really see any sort of benefit to modern hollow-points, excluding the cost difference. I know some have suggested not to use anything but (popular) commercial HP ammo for self-defense; no “gimmick” rounds or hot hand loads. Whether you agree or not, it is one thing to consider.

And as others have suggested, these rounds do have a bright flash. It’s even visible in bright light. In a self defense situation in possible near darkness, you might be better off with a round with less muzzle flash.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Use the search button and you will find other threads discussing the ammo. If you need an extremely poorly penetrating round in soft tissue, then it is the round for you.