I am trying to decide whether to get premium defensive .223 ammo like Hornady TAP (FPD), etc. or 5.56 ammo for my new AR-15.
I'll probably buy in bulk at some point as I will likely buy another identical AR to have as a duplicate.
On one hand I know 5.56 usually has higher velocity due to the hotter loading, and I could always get something like Black Hills MK262 (or whatever the civilian equivalent designation is)..... but then I have all ball ammo.
On the other hand if I get something like Hornady TAP (FPD) it will likely have lower velocity (unless I'm mistaken), but I get a hollow point design.
Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Given that the scenarios I'd be using the AR for defense would be likely extreme (assuming it EVER sees real defensive action - the chances of which are slim) as I use a handgun and/or shotgun for regular HD, I am leaning towards 5.56 to have that extra velocity and not worry about the HP as I probably would be more conerned about my life and the lives of my family members than I would about over-penetration at the time.
On the other hand, .223 has advantages as well in that (if I remember correctly) .223 conforms to tighter specs.... and a HP is always nice. Perhaps the HP's expansion would do more to disable the CNS of an attacker at rifle velocities..... or maybe it will do nothing.
Honestly - I'm no ballistics expert as you can tell. I admit my knowledge of this stuff is not what it should be, so any help is appreciated.
A little info about the rifle(s): 16" barrel with a 1/7 twist.
I'll probably buy in bulk at some point as I will likely buy another identical AR to have as a duplicate.
On one hand I know 5.56 usually has higher velocity due to the hotter loading, and I could always get something like Black Hills MK262 (or whatever the civilian equivalent designation is)..... but then I have all ball ammo.
On the other hand if I get something like Hornady TAP (FPD) it will likely have lower velocity (unless I'm mistaken), but I get a hollow point design.
Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Given that the scenarios I'd be using the AR for defense would be likely extreme (assuming it EVER sees real defensive action - the chances of which are slim) as I use a handgun and/or shotgun for regular HD, I am leaning towards 5.56 to have that extra velocity and not worry about the HP as I probably would be more conerned about my life and the lives of my family members than I would about over-penetration at the time.
On the other hand, .223 has advantages as well in that (if I remember correctly) .223 conforms to tighter specs.... and a HP is always nice. Perhaps the HP's expansion would do more to disable the CNS of an attacker at rifle velocities..... or maybe it will do nothing.
Honestly - I'm no ballistics expert as you can tell. I admit my knowledge of this stuff is not what it should be, so any help is appreciated.
A little info about the rifle(s): 16" barrel with a 1/7 twist.