.223 bullet selection for home defense AR

[fabsroman]

Debating what I want to load up for home defense/self defense. No idea if I want something as frangible as a Barnes Varminator bullet or something like a Barnes TSX bullet.

What do you guys think would be a good idea? Even thought about alternating the bullet types in the mag, but that would be confusing as can be and they might not group well that way.

 

[Russ D]

50 grain vmax. Less over penetration and explosive expansion.

 

[CroftonBilly]

Winchester PDX1 223 are relatively new and marketed for this application. See if that'll work for you.

I've read a few threads on here about this same issue and think Lord Chad had some good input. I'm on phone, so can't post direct link.

 

[stu929]

I would agree with a mid weight varmit / med game bullet.

More frag less penetration.

 

[Pinecone]

I am concerned that a varmit bullet will not penetrate far enough to be effective against a 200 or so pound animal.

 

[dwsjr]

I am concerned that a varmit bullet will not penetrate far enough to be effective against a 200 or so pound animal.

In a distance found in a normal house? It will be lucky not to go through, what are we talking 50-60ft at a maximum extreme...

 

[mopar92]

Do NOT alternate rounds. It's stupid and pointless.

 

[Mickey the Dragon]

I plan to use Black Hills ammo with the 77gr Sierra Match Kings. Where You Can Buy It and Ballistic Information

Someone mentioned penetration concerns regarding the 55gr V-Max, which I believe is a valid concern. While I couldn't find the data for the 55 gr V-Max, the 55gr TAP only penetrates to 10" in bare gelatin. Most people recommend at least 12" of penetration for self defense purposes.

Here's a link to the ballistic tables for all of Hornady's offerings.
http://www.hornadyle.com/assets/site/files/hornady_tap_report.pdf

 

[Marauder]

I plan to use Black Hills ammo with the 77gr Sierra Match Kings.

But Match Kings are not designed to expand, it will penetrate like a FMJ.

A 55gr soft point would work better.

 

[Mickey the Dragon]

But Match Kings are not designed to expand, it will penetrate like a FMJ.

A 55gr soft point would work better.

That particular load uses the Open Tip Match (which is a way of calling them hollow-points while still being legal for military use) SMKs. If you look at the link provided, you'll see that they expand and fragment quite nicely and produce a superior wound channel to FMJ.

 

[pbharvey]

I plan to use Black Hills ammo with the 77gr Sierra Match Kings. Where You Can Buy It and Ballistic Information

Someone mentioned penetration concerns regarding the 55gr V-Max, which I believe is a valid concern. While I couldn't find the data for the 55 gr V-Max, the 55gr TAP only penetrates to 10" in bare gelatin. Most people recommend at least 12" of penetration for self defense purposes.

Here's a link to the ballistic tables for all of Hornady's offerings.
http://www.hornadyle.com/assets/site/files/hornady_tap_report.pdf

That's interesting.
I find it odd that Hornady would make a line specifically for LEO and that it not be optimal for home defense. I keep some mags loaded with the TAP and the PDX1.
Frankly though, 30 rounds of just about anything will stop the threat.

 

[Mickey the Dragon]

That's interesting.
I find it odd that Hornady would make a line specifically for LEO and that it not be optimal for home defense. I keep some mags loaded with the TAP and the PDX1.
Frankly though, 30 rounds of just about anything will stop the threat.

Well, when you're offering several different flavors of projectile for LEO/HD use, it's impossible for all of them to be optimal. If you're running an orphanage out of your home, the threat of over-penetration might be enough to warrant the use of 40- or 55-grain bullets. In my domicile, I feel comfortable using heavier bullets because it's just the wife, the dog, and me. And those "heavy" bullets still pose less of an over-penetration risk than handgun rounds or buckshot.

 

[SOMDSHOOT]

Debating what I want to load up for home defense/self defense. No idea if I want something as frangible as a Barnes Varminator bullet or something like a Barnes TSX bullet.

What do you guys think would be a good idea? Even thought about alternating the bullet types in the mag, but that would be confusing as can be and they might not group well that way.

How about just put some .223 of some kind in a mag and call it a day.

 

[Marauder]

That particular load uses the Open Tip Match (which is a way of calling them hollow-points while still being legal for military use) SMKs. If you look at the link provided, you'll see that they expand and fragment quite nicely and produce a superior wound channel to FMJ.

I did read your link, the ballistics are for a Nosler 77gr BTHP which is designed to expand. The midway link use a Sierra 77gr Match King totally different bullet that is not designed to expand.

 

[Mickey the Dragon]

I did read your link, the ballistics are for a Nosler 77gr BTHP which is designed to expand. The midway link use a Sierra 77gr Match King totally different bullet that is not designed to expand.

Sierra developed an identical bullet to the Nosler to win the government contract for the Mk262 cartridge.

From the Midway link: "Bullet Style: Sierra MatchKing Hollow Point"

You can actually see the hollow point in the picture.

EDIT: Upon further research, you are correct that the Nosler had improved terminal performance due to its thinner copper jacketing, which caused increased fragmentation. However, the Nosler is unavailable in a commerical load and the Sierra version has very similar terminal ballistics.

 

[6t5Goat]

Why not just a shotgun.. buck buck slug slug...

 

[fogman]

Why not just a shotgun.. buck buck slug slug...

 

[SOMDSHOOT]

Why not just a shotgun.. buck buck slug slug...

I vote for a handgun. "point and click" I can't see trying to aim with a rifle in the dark. This "home defense" and "Zombie" bullet stuff baffles me to no end.

 

[TxAggie]

Whatever you choose, PLEASE use factory ammo and not handloads.

There are 2 primary reasons for this:
- regardless how good of a hand loader you are, factory ammo is simply more reliable. Especially when considering used vs new brass

- the legal implications if using hand loaded vs factory ammo can be huge, especially in this state.

Personally, I say choose a purpose made self defense/law enforcement round. Again, mainly due to legal issues.

For me, I prefer a pistol caliber carbine for inside the home. You get the control and recoil advantages of the AR/ rifle platform, larger cavity size of a pistol round, and less risk of over penetration. Outside, different story.

 

[SOMDSHOOT]

Whatever you choose, PLEASE use factory ammo and not handloads.

There are 2 primary reasons for this:
- regardless how good of a hand loader you are, factory ammo is simply more reliable. Especially when considering used vs new brass

- the legal implications if using hand loaded vs factory ammo can be huge, especially in this state.

Personally, I say choose a purpose made self defense/law enforcement round. Again, mainly due to legal issues.

For me, I prefer a pistol caliber carbine for inside the home. You get the control and recoil advantages of the AR/ rifle platform, larger cavity size of a pistol round, and less risk of over penetration. Outside, different story.

This is because Home-Invaders and Burglars have Rights in this country damn it.