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Posted: 3/23/2008 4:51:52 AM EDT
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Just picked up some Hornady TAP yesterday. What's the scoop on this stuff? Is it frangible? (Well, more so than normal .223?) |
There are several 55gr loads in TAP...  ETA: I run 55gr TAP (red box, ballistic tip) in my 11.5" AR for home defense. I like the 55gr weight, because it's good with my 1/9 barrel, and I like the ballistic tip, because it's not totally dependant on velocity to get decent fragmentation. But I wouldn't call it frangible... that is usually reserved for ammo designed for target use on indoors ranges where you can't afford to have bullet jackets ricochet. |
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I was lucky enough to attend a seminar with Giles Stock and Hornady back in CA when they were first starting to market the ammo. They did test shoots and seminars around the country where LEO were invited to attend for free and bring guns and ammo currently used by the departments. They went over the tactical applications (hence the name of the ammo) and when and why different calibers were used, also things like over-penetration and "shoot-through". Then we got to go to the range and see how our current ammunition compared to TAP in ballistic gelatin and see the actual results right there, not just read about them. I was very impressed with the ability of TAP ammo to expend it's energy into the gel within the first 7-10 inches, no matter what caliber it was, we tested 9mm, 40, 45, 223, and 308 that day. It was a fun and informative day... good ammunition. Unfortunately at the time, my department wasn't able to justify the added expense of the ammunition, and my current department just switched to the Federal TRU rounds for our patrol rifles, which I guess is supposed to be the same stuff just by a different maker. So no, it's not frangible, but it does expend it's energy very well into a target. |
55gr TAP penetration is insufficient. I have heard of very few 1-in-9 barrels that won't stabilize 75gr pills - most have no problems. |
75gr TAP, it's the only one that meets FBI/IWBA criteria for minimum penetration. The 75gr is also one of the best performing .223/5.56 rounds available for self defense/duty work. The 55gr stuff is their Varmint ammo packed in a new box. |
My 1/9 stabilized it wonderfully. Grouped amazingly well at 100 yards. Some will disagree...but if you are just looking at it for home defense....it's not going to really matter within the ranges you'd be using it...its not like the bullet is going to deviate 12" within 15 yards. |
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