Recommended .223/5.56 defense ammo

[sca1985]

Does anyone have a good recommendation for .223 or 5.56 defense rounds? Was looking at the hornaday tap fdp. Not sure if that's a good round or not. Would also like to be able to find the ammo in the Indianapolis area instead of having it shipped. Thanks!

 

[Sheepdog Gear]

For in home use or SHTF stockpile? I stock XM855.

 

[halfmileharry]

For in home use or SHTF stockpile? I stock XM855.

My preferred Dragon Slayers as well. I like the 62gr in my Colts.

 

[Sheepdog Gear]

My preferred Dragon Slayers as well. I like the 62gr in my Colts.

For dragons, XM80.

 

[TiMMaY]

For in home use or SHTF stockpile? I stock XM855.

I am assuming from the post that your rifle is chambered for 5.56. I believe the Hornady TAP FDP is only available in .223 55 and 75 GR. Because of the cost of personal defense ammunition, most people do not cycle very many rounds their firearms, so when the SHTF, they do not know how the firearm will react with the ammunition.

I would also recommend the XM855 for both the range and when the SHTF. You can find a 420 round can at Gander Mountain in Greenwood for $229 on sale or $249 normally Federal XM855F 5.56x45mm NATO 62 Gr. FMJ Ammo Can-611302 - Gander Mountain or you can find it at Midway USA Federal Ammo 5.56x45mm NATO 62 Grain XM855 SS109 Penetrator Full Metal for $179 plus shipping which is less then $14 to Indianapolis .

 

[halfmileharry]

For dragons, XM80.

I think that's what I've been using in my AR10-4

 

[Sheepdog Gear]

I think that's what I've been using in my AR10-4

Yep. That's what I run and stock for the DPMS GII AP4.

 

[halfmileharry]

Yep. That's what I run and stock for the DPMS GII AP4.

I had to go look to be sure. It's cold out and I'm in "sweats". LOL

 

[GIJEW]

sca, you won't have any problem using .223 in a 5.56 chambered rifle, it's the other way around. 5.56nato, while dimensionally the same as .223, has thicker case walls and you can get higher than normal pressure using it in a barrel rated for .223.
For general HD I think a light weight (40-50gr) HP would be ideal. As for a SHTF stockpile, I think quantity is more important. Mine is mostly 55grFMJ but I also have some XM855 set aside for 'hard' targets along with some 62gr MSR for precision shots at longer range. IIRC, hornady TAP is designed for LE 'tactical' use and is made to have both effective 'terminal ballistics' and minimized penetration of walls etc so it should work fine for HD
As has already been said, go to the range to 'sight in'.

 

[wsenefeld]

If running it through a SBR or AR pistol I'd recommend a heavy soft point.

 

[NyleRN]

I had to go look to be sure. It's cold out and I'm in "sweats". LOL

Ugh, sweats....

 

[halfmileharry]

Ugh, sweats....

To be specific and gross.....Sweats, sandals, and camo hunting coat. Proper attire for a 2 minute trip to the barn.