5.56x45 AR15 AMMO Test!...Soft Point vs FMJ!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 20 апр 2023
- Testing some soft point and m193 full metal jacket 5.56 ammo. Are these good options for self-defense or hunting? Heavy clothing ballistic gel test using a 16" Palmetto State Armory AR15.
Join this channel to become a member of The Range Gang:
/ @toolsandtargets
I am not promoting, nor do I have any affiliation with, any of the retailers or manufacturers shown in this video unless specifically stated otherwise.
All shooting is performed on a private, closed range on private property under controlled situations. Do not attempt any activities shown in the videos on this channel
No firearms or ammunition are offered for sale in this video or video description. There are no links provided to sites where firearms or ammunition are available for sale.
Amazon Affiliate Storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/toolstarg...
* 35- 50% OFF Axil Affiliate Links!*
GS Extreme Earbuds bit.ly/3VfRMUH
Trackr Blu Ear Muffs bit.ly/3HpsR9x
Trackr Electronic Ear Muffs (Non Bluetooth) bit.ly/3X8DR4y
15% Off Code For Everything Else On Their Site: TOOLSTARGETS 
Развлечения
I prefer the clothing test. I really don't think it'll matter with rifle rounds, but if it did I'd want to know immediately.
😎👍
You dont have to worry about clothing, there are no average layers of clothes that can stop or deform a 5.56 55 grain bullet traveling at 3100fps.
Might as well keep the consistency. That’s why we love this channel so much anyways
There are lots of bare gel tests out there. I like adding the clothing for a different element.
You shoot a perp with anything it'll hurt them and make them run or stop.
I really like the clothing barriers. I think it simulates "real life" projectile performance more accurately, unless, of course, you're defending yourself in a nudist camp........
A more accurate clothing barrier would be to replace the denim with t-shirt material and a hoodie .
You gotta watch them naked ones. They're slippery!
I agree. What i would also like to see is the "huge winter bad guy" scenatio test. A 10% calibrated gel with layers of winter clothing to simulate a huge 300 lbs attacker wearing thick winter clothing. That'd be interesting to see the penetration of common 5.56 defense loads.
@@TheTruth-sd8ey Never seen any clothing .556 didn’t fly right thru. Usually tumbles and fragments,so it doesn’t need to be anything special. Tools, can you weigh in here ???
I have a feeling those 5.56 don't care about your heavy clothing barrier, or your feelings.
Facts!
I'm impressed with both of them The FMJ works much better than you would think for entry level ammo. You need to be doing a lot more testing on 223/5.56. You produce a lot of good data for a hillbilly in a fancy hat.
Thank you sir. I've got quite a few different 5.56/.223 rounds to test.😎👍
@@ToolsandTargets Rock on brother!
I do like that hat....
This is precisely why most people say round type does not matter for 5.56. All ammo variants are “self defense” lol.
(Only one that matters is penetrators if need that).
Thank you for testing those soft points. I have 300 on the way but they have not arrived yet. That expansion was great. Should be a great Coyote and self defense round.
Nice. I bought quite a few of em myself.😎👍
Good call. I too prefer to stick with soft points for self-defense. A couple of notable points: The velocity of the rounds is, at most, under 3000 fps. Velocity and energy are well under the frequently claimed numbers of 3200 fps and 1200 ft/lb energy.
The FMJs yaw LATE as they are known to do and this only gets worse as the range increases and velocity drops. They also deviate from the intended path which is not ideal.
Engineered expanding bullets perform more consistently, which is why they are preferred for hunting. The advantage for self-defense is similar. My preferred load is the Hornady 55gr flat base SP loaded to about the same velocity from a 16" bbl as your test SPs. This is a high .223 level load. The brass, and I'm sure the rifle, are much less abused by this load than full power 5.56 loads. The results are the perfect amount of penetration by my reckoning and excellent consistency of performance.
Dude, you rock! These have been on clearance on PSA, and no one else has a test on them.
Yeah, I bought a ton of em.😎👊
Another great test! You should do the AAC 75g BTHP and see how that compares in the gel to those soft points. Interested to see how a soft point compares to that Hornady HP projectile
We have mountains of them at our store. I may yet get some when I'm not snagging 308 Critical Defense rounds.
Buy all sp
Load only sp
It's nice to see a review of 5.56 without someone trying to sell ya something. And from a 16" barrel, too.
I gotta start doing some more rifle stuff.😎👍
I would prefer the soft point over the FMJ . Especially for self defense or hunting. Thanks for the gel test.
Agreed.😎👍
I'd rather have a round that spins like crazy in the subject and dumps it's load where I put it. We need to make this a self defense round.
I remember seeing detail drawings from the Dr. Fackler "Wound Ballistics Institute" (probably not the correct name) testing way, way back. Those tracks in your blocks looked just like the detail drawings that were made from their testing. That tells me that your testing is valid, and that even after all these years, the characteristics of 5.56x45mm ammo really haven't changed. It's a known quantity which is a good thing. Great work, your channel is the best for ammo tests.
Thank you sir. Appreciate that.😎👍
I always thought soft point would be more reliable out of shorter barrels and it is nice to see such good expansion.
Thanks for the test!
Thank you sir.
Nice! Both were impressive for sure. I’m right there with you. If I could only have one rifle it would be an AR in 5.56. Like you said jack of all trades. I do love my other calibers in the platform but good ole 556 just gets it done. I love these rifle tests. I’d keep the cloth imho. 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
Another great jelly test Brotha .. an AR is next in line , after I pay off my 692 Tracker ..
Appreciate ya, brother!😎👊
😎👊
For my money m193 does job well enough for most applications
Mhmm
For the 16” I’d pick the Gold Dot or Federal Fusion. Now for 10.3” I use Hornady Frontier 62gr. soft point. All that being said XM193 is what I’d keep the most of just for general purpose.
Plenty of good choices for 5.56/.223 for sure.😎👍
Lord have mercy on a boy from down in the boondocks 🤠👍
Great comparison as always, Tools. I'd be hard-pressed to find a name as cool as "Dog-faced pony-soldier" for one of my rigs that survived the awful boating accident. 😢 Thanks for this one!
Thank you again, my friend!😎👊
They both look like they would get the job done but I like the soft point because of the unpredictability of the FMJ. Thanks for the video and have a great evening 😊.
Nasty stuff for sure.😎👍
I like the gel tests with the cloth layers. I also love the AR platform and I even have a few boxes of both kinds of ammo you tested. Really like your AR too!
Thank you sir. Appreciate that.😎👍
Very cool video, and i like the clothing on the block in my opinion. Glad to see a test on those soft points. I would love to see a test on the federal 62 grain fusion round in 5.56 and see what your results are.
Thank you sir. I'll see what I can dig up.😎👍
I can tell you the Fusion rock in a .223 on deer and slay in an '06 on deer and bear.
Have we done a 77g open tip/hollow point test yet?
Sir, you have perhaps the best ammo reviews that I have seen! Thanks for all the great info.
Cant wait for more of these rifle tests btw! Thank you for all your hard work, and keep em comin T&T!
Appreciate that!
Another awesome Tools test for ius to enjoy. Stick with the clothing barrier and maybe on some of the rifle test try a hard barrier as well. Results are as I expected. Just proves you don't want to be on the receiving end of any of these rounds. Those FMJ's did exactly what my DI said they'd do. Go in one place and exit somewhere totally unexpected. All the whole doing significant damage along the way.
You be the man Tools. Really appreciate all your time and effort to turn out these always very useful test.
Be vigilant and always be safe my friend, I'd rather die on my feet then live on my knees.
Thank you sir. 5.56 is some mean little stuff.
The AR platform is the cats meow. I have a few in different calibers and like them all
Yessir 😎👊
I picked up a Ruger 556 2022! Great rifle. Excellent video and testing 🦅🇺🇸
Which model? MPR or HB? I just picked MPR version in 1:8. Great rifle, just don't know the production year.
The couple of Ruger AR's I have, have been great.😎👍
seriously this guy is a legend.
*I had no idea how much work youve put in sir ty for your time
Appreciate that!😎👊
Brother I've been wondering about those solved point 55 6 Very impressive
Good stuff.😎👍
Great test and commentary. Outstanding test management and control buddy. 5.56mm rules. FRAGTASTIC!! Love the 5.56mm testing as always. I like the rifle rest through the bare gelly. The SP’s are a great round. Anyway, thanks sharing. Outstanding. Be safe. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you sir.😎👊
Another great day at the range. Thank you sir!😎👍🏻
😎👊
Interesting video T&T. I was surprised that the FMJ didn't penetrate farther, but like you said - they are unpredictable.
Thank you sir.
Another good one Tools ! i am amazed at how much weight the fmj lost! i definitely would use the soft points for hunting and self defense , stuff is devastating ! i like the clothing tests better than bare gel .
Thank you sir.😎👊
Great video... I just got a good bit of that Federal soft point stuff nice to know it was a good buy. Thank you for your time making this video
I appreciate this video. I really love the pistol ammo tests and comparisons, I watch all of them. I was hoping to see an AR 15 ammo comparison too, so thank you.
Thank you sir. Plenty more on the way.😎👍
Another awesome gel test! I prefer the clothing myself. Great content brother!
Thank you sir. 😎👍
And the winner for household defense...300BLK! Know anyone with one of those? But if you have at least a 16" tube 5.56 is nice. The FMJ will defeat some armor. Ten percent is a lot. I'd expect more from the SP at the higher velocity. Thanks for the great testing!
😎👊
Thanks Brian really appreciate you getting to this one.
Absolutely.😎👍
both rounds are devastating, as always thanks for sharing your results
😎👊
Awesome test, both did really great. I really enjoyed watch this video like i do all of your tests. Thank you.
Thank you sir.😎👊
@@ToolsandTargets Your welcome.👍👍👍
VERY useful information. Thank you.
Good test. Good information. Thanks as always.
Appreciate that😎👍
This was pretty neat seeing the different results and a great reminder of how effective this cartridge is for a lot of needs, including self defense! I wouldn't feel underequipped with either round. I bought a bunch of the Winchester Deer Season XP 64gr and the equivalent from Hornady, because the shelves were full of the stuff last time I went. Never can go wrong with a big can of ball, though!
Yessir. Most stuff coming out the end of an AR is pretty potent.😎👍
Just bought some Fed 5.56 55 grn for first time . Your content help me of what to expect. Thanks brother.
You should test the winchester 223 64 gr deer season xp sometime. Alwags been curious to see how those so
😎👍
Enjoy the rifle tests Tools! Have some SP’s but my go to is the 193. Thanks for the video!
Thank you sir.😎👊
Personally I love the heavy clothing test! Love ❤️ that rifle 😵💫🤩 soft point for me unless I’m shootings through barriers.
😎👊
👍👍nice test, I really like the soft points. Have a great day tools
Thank you sir.😎👍
Thank you for this test with clothing. I truly appreciate and enjoy your videos for the information and knowledge gained. Thank you and have a great day
Keep the clothing barrier! Critters and bad guys aren't gel! lol! Nice test my man! 👊👍
Thank you sir.😎👍
I picked up a Diamondback DB15 the other day and will be going through your 5.56 testing videos now.👍
Nice. I have some more to test soon.😎👊
I agree: 5.56 with M193 spec 55 grain is my all-purpose SHTF choice.
I've been messing around with a lot of different 5.56/.223 stuff.
Varmagedon, Hog Hammer, Silver Tip & whatever Hornady calls those super fast 35 grain lead free bullets.
Still haven't tried any soft points.
M193 should always be really close to 3k FPS in a 16".
M193 at good velocity has the same problem as actual full power 5.7x28 in gel.
It tumbles like crazy, makes a nasty wound cavity, but tumbles out of the block.
I'm sure this would be 3k at the muzzle.😎👍
M193 has a historic past. It's what I buy at every chance.
It's what I use the most on my range for shooting steel.😎👍
This was a great test, I am glad you catch the second bullet. The performance on the HP is a great recipe for Self Defense
I have some more to test soon!😎👍
There goes the argument that soft points lose too much weight compared to a tube of toothpaste (FMJ). I bought a sh*t-ton of Federal brown box mil-spec 62 gr soft-points when I found a good price. Wonder if their fragspansion is more controlled?
Hmmm. Might be with the extra weight.
Surprising results. Great test
Thank you sir.
At that range, NOBODY will be saying "Please sir, may I have another" for either of those.😮
I would prefer the SP as it starts its damage earlier on, but would not fret if all I had were the 193s.
Yeah, either one is a whole lotta hurt.
Thanks for all the testing you do it helps give us information we would like to gather ourselves thanks for the videos.
Appreciate you always checking them out!😎👍
I've been going with Boat Tail Hollow Point rounds recently as they are cheaper than VMax for coyotes. That point collapses and then it tumbles, but FMJ will probably tumble most of the time anyway. But I have some PSP too. I probably use suspected distance to determine which I take in the field.
Cool video Tools. Appreciate the hard work. Glad you saved an entire gel block on this. Hopefully gave you a chance for another test before going home.
You try the Hornady boat tail HP? Icr the grain but they’re great
Thank you sir. I did get another pretty good rifle test done on the other end.
@@Aenima308 not specially. I've just been buying online mostly, and 69gn BTHP seem to be a norm. I don't know of they are Hornady prokectiles or not, but I know the VMax projectiles are from them.
Soft point damn spell check
I agree about the AR15 tools. I might have one or so. I can not confirm or deny. Great ammo test. Thank you sir.
Keep the barrier & please keep doing the good work for us. Thanks.
Lehigh the fence controlled chaos
Impressive! I like the performance of both rounds
😎👊
Keep the barrier incorporated in your tests. Soft points are much more consistent and have immediate expansion. On the other hand, FMJ's are too inconsistent. On this test, they were halfway through the block before they started to tumble. If you are using FMJ for self defense, tumbling might not occur before the bullet exists. Can you afford to take the chance? Great test as always.
Good thing you did the test with the clothing barrier. I saw a lot of deer last season wearing fleece, denim, and at least 2 T-shirts. Of course most of the bad guys still wear hoodies.
I usually check outside to see what the deer are wearing so I know what the weather is like.😆
I don’t carry a rifle for defense but I do use 5.56/.223 for prairie dog hunting. The soft points are my preferred bullets for that task. Mainly because you get more of the energy released sooner with the soft point and it will send the prairie dogs flying, where as the FMJs will sometimes just poke a small hole in them because it doesn’t start tumbling yet by the time it exits so they will just fall down and you don’t really know if you hit them or not unless you actually go out there and look for them
I remember doing some pest control on a family friends property and the .223 would tear varmints in half. Rabbits, squirrels, maybe a couple gophers didn't stand a chance.
😎👊
Adoro também a plataforma AR , tenho um no calibre 556 x45. Parabéns pelo vídeo 👏
É um rifle muito capaz e facilmente consertado se necessário.😎👍
Overpenetration does not appear to be an issue with either bullet design and both performed well. I'm glad you chose 25 yards for your test because that seems like a practical distance for defense against man or beast, and one the courts might be willing to accept. I'd choose the FMJ since it is proven to feed reliably in any rifle and costs less.
😎👊
I’m surprised you’re only one who mentioned that. It’s the only jam I ever get on properly maintained rifles , is a bullet catching on the feed ramp. Fmj seems to run fine, soft point and other various types catch more often.
Great jelly test.
Good to know.
Thanks for sharing 👍 😊
Thank you sir.
Always awesome content!
Thanks bud I really appreciate what you do!
👊💪🇺🇸
Thank you sir.😎👊
Nice test. Would like to see something similar with a heavier round if you could as I keep Winchester 64grain jsp in mine and I’ve heard 77 is also a popular weight. Great video as always.
Thank you sir.😎👍
Great test, I have been kind of looking for a jelly test using 556/223, I start looking then get side-tracked LOL, Thank You
😎👊
Clothing with the gel. Thanks for valuable information!
HELP!!! I'm trapped in a loop. Everytime I'm done wating one of your awesome videos, I glance over at the side collum and see another one, I just HAVE TO WATCH!
Definitely need the fabric .
😎👍
One thing is clearly illustrated in your test. With a 16" AR, there is really no great need for specialty ammo for general purpose use or defense. The 55gr SP would work as well as anything for defensive ammo. The ball too for that matter.
Yep
Great video Tools Really enjoy these jelly test Stay Safe Stay 2A Strong 🇺🇸
Thank you sir. Have a great weekend!
Great content appreciate it. I just ordered myself some 55gr soft pints for my ARs and AKs. Looks to do really nice.
Outstanding! Something about hydrostatic shock that gets your attention! Ballistic tips next please!🙏 Thanks for the vid brother!👍🏼😎
Yeah, you realize just how "weak" most handgun stuff is when you see a rifle test.
This channel is about to blow up in popularity
😎👊
Great test!
Thank you sir.
Best ammo tester on the internet, THANK YOU
Great test, shooting gel that far away, aligning everything and get proper results is not easy - could you do 69 and 77 grain BTHP match bullets some time in the future? I heard they expand very violently
Should be able to handle that. Thank you sir.😎👍
Those M193 rounds were designed to be shot through a 20 inch barrel (M16) . At around 3200 f.p.s. those will tumble and come apart. That extra 200 f.p.s. velocity makes a big difference.
Apparently someone forgot to tell Federal because they don't even claim those velocities on the box.
Excellent test, thanks for sharing!
Thank you sir.
Figured those Federal 5.56 SP rounds would do good. Be picking some up shortly.
Yeah, I figured so too so I took a chance and bought quite a bit.
I love Federal ammo of all kinds. Their round type consistancy is always excellant. Thank you. I love my AR and my 30-30. I have taken deer with both of them.
They still got these for 11.59/box at outdoor limited, think I’ll grab a few before they go up. Excellent video as always, thank you!
This was a great video
Appreciate that.😎👍
VERY GOOD TESTING
Catching up on some vids all around,this is tops.
thx
2.10.24
Good data & demo. Thank you a bundle.
Thank you sir.😎👍
Nice video again Toolman!
Thank you sir.😎👊
Fantastic test I would go with the soft point also I like the clothing test myself grate job 👍
Thank you sir.😎👊
Wow, I hope the PMC Bronze 55 gr. SP has an immediate wound cavity like that, so now I’m really curious about the PMC. I’d like to see bare gel, and barrier of clothing. Love your videos, dialogue and your editing. Hell, I’d send some ammunition to test if I new how, or what the law is.
Thank you sir. Appreciate that. I'll definitely grab some this week.😎👍
I think always using layers of on the gel test is a better idea, because when you don't use it you're always wondering if it would have made a difference. I personally believe the AR15 is better with the 277 Wolverine. Unfortunately it has not become popular. I hope maybe that will change.
Never even heard of it.
@@ToolsandTargets It is a .277 bullet on a necked up 5.56 case. Created by Mark Kexel of Mad Dog Weapons Systems around 2015 as a proprietary cartridge.
I have been waiting for you to test these soft points since you bought them.awsome performance.i believe I'm hitting psa up for some
Well worth the price.😎👊
As I recall, if you’re shooting beyond 55 yards with the 9mm you’re outside of the original NATO specification for the maximum effective range of this round in a handgun. This maximum range value made it’s way into the DoD specification for the M9 Beretta. So expected accuracy at that or longer ranges may be a bit sporting. I use your basic grip technique with my revolvers and while I’m not as good a shot as you, I can consistently hit steel targets out to 75 yards with my 3” Python shooting DA. Great video.
Another great test! Really enjoy your videos! Another vote FOR the clothing barriers
Appreciate that.😎👍
Was looking for a test on the Federal Champion SPs. They were on sale so I grabbed a bunch. Anything coming out of an AR is going to ruin someone's day, but it's good to see that it performs well.
I believe that testing with clothing, both light and heavy, would give a good test for self-defense. Good show, thanks
Thank you sir.😎👍
Favorite channel by far!😃Thanks so much!!
Edit: I do like the clothing barrier.
Appreciate that again, my friend! 😎👊
It's hard to argue with either of those results
Yessir