SKS and frangible ammo for home defence

[Newton]

I found an on-line source for 7.62x39mm frangible rounds that are manufactured from powdered metal and was wondering if these would be effective home defence loads for an SKS as they virtually guarantee no issues with over-penetration.

Has anyone tested similar loads on wetpack or gelatin, even if they break up on contact with soft media, I would imagine the resultant wound to be devastating.

Thoughts, opinions ?

 

[Preacherman]

Frangible ammo is designed to break up on hitting something hard - e.g. a backstop. It's training ammo. There's a good reason no-one in the professional world (e.g. armies, SWAT teams, etc.) use it for anti-personnel work: it doesn't do nearly as well as more conventional ammo.

When in doubt as to whether or not a particular round is good for defensive use, ask yourself whether any major anti-personnel outfit is using it. If not, there's usually a simple explanation - they have something better.

 

[benEzra]

A better choice would be the Cor-Bon 125-gr JHP, or the Georgia Arms (I think?) 123-grain VMAX (plastic tipped varmint round), if they use mil-spec primers. I'm trying to figure that out myself. I think Silver Bear (Russian brand) makes a 123-grain softpoint that would probably do well also. But none of the above will keep the round from penetrating drywall or studs; you'd still need to think carefully about your fields of fire.

I live in a brick house, so even Wolf JHP is fine for HD in my case as long as I am cognizant of windows and doors and such, but if I lived in a non-masonry house I'd be looking for ammunition that is a lot more fragile, if I used 7.62x39 at all in that role.

As far as frangibles in general, I think frangibles designed as defensive ammunition (Glaser, Magsafe, Quik-Shok) are a fine choice except for small calibers. BUT, these are often so expensive that you can't afford enough to test for function or to rotate regularly. Frangibles designed for target shooting are probably not as good a choice.

 

[rbernie]

Georgia Arms (I think?) 123-grain VMAX (plastic tipped varmint round),

Just remember that these loads are made using .308 diameter bullets instead of the (appropriate) .3105 or .311 diameter bullets. This means that they may or may not shoot worth a darn in your rifle.

As far as I know, right now there are NO commercially-available varmint bullets for .310-.311 bore chamberings. If you want a .310-.311 bullet for anti-personnel use, the most frangible one I've found is the Hornady.

 

[Dr.Rob]

At 'home defens" range will .308 vs. .311matter? (ie 20 feet) I doubt it.

If a rifle is all you have (for defense) then so be it... just don't miss.

Sintered metal rounds are designed for target shooting at steel, not for shooting at bad guys. It's better than a sharp stick.

You'd be better off with a good soft point bullet designed for hunting.

 

[Mulliga]

I'd go with Wolf JHP or softpoints (though they might be in short supply right now). The JHP may or may not expand (probably not), but I've heard positive reviews on other threads about the JSPs.

I think frangible bullets are a bad idea, as the posters above have said.