teach me how to buy HP for my AR!

[k3nnex]

Ok I am about to make my first hollowpoint self defense ammo purchase. What do you guys recommend I get for a 1/8 16" AR? I been doing some research and I have learned that if the bullet is too light it will open up too early and won't be as effective? Would you guys recommend HP or JHP?

what would you guys choose out of this list?

http://www.ammoengine.com/find/ammo/.223_Remington_5.56x45mm?sort=1&group=1

[18sam2011]

Hornady TAP ammo is generally well liked.

Also, check out Winchester Ranger 64gr Power Point ammo. (There is a member here (dirtbiker) who is selling some at a great price)

[k3nnex]

What grain would be appropriate for my 1/8 twist? I heard if the bullet is too light it will shred in my barrel or something?

I am still very new to buying ammo for my barrel. While we're on the topic are 55gr FMJ ammo good for my barrel?

[tsname]

I don't think the bullet will shred in the barrel, but from what I've read, the bullet will spin so fast that the jacket would separate from the core during flight.

[k3nnex]

so should I get 55gr 60 gr or 75 gr HP? Should I get JHP?

[ocabj]

For such a small caliber, the use of Hollow Points are pretty much reliant on very high velocity for good expansion and/or disintegration of the jacket when it hits the target. So I'd be inclined to go on the lighter side.

I'm not sure what 75gr HP you're looking at, but a 75gr HP is most likely a 'target' bullet an not a varmint bullet. In which case, the bullet isn't a HP for expansion, but specifically a byproduct of design to get the bullet to stabilize better in flight (for mid-range 200-600 yards).

[FLIGHT762]

Before too much FUD is posted, here's a good read from AR-15.COM.

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm#.223

[problemchild]

I got HP's in my 500 smith...

[bruceflinch]

Cool Pic, PC!

[k3nnex]

according to this link

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/AR15_Ammo_FAQnRules/index.htm#What%20bullet%20can%20I%20shoot%20in%20my%20(1/9,%201/8,%201/7,%20etc.)%20rifle

I should be shooting 75gr for my 1/8 16" barrel. But it doesn't say if I should get the same for hollowpoints. Ocabj says to get a lighter bullet for HP. Right now I have 40 rds of Hornady TAP 55gr. Would you guys say I stick with 55gr for HP and 75 for plinking?

[ocabj]

Well, I'm saying to get a lighter one if you're looking for pure expansion.

The match HPBT like the Hornady 75gr HPBT, Sierra Match King 77gr HPBT, etc, were not designed to expand. The HP aspect of those bullets are simply a byproduct of the design for accuracy.

Most of the lightweight HP in 22cal are varmint bullets and hence are designed for maximum expansion.

If anything, I would think a soft point would be a better round for expansion since you'll get good weight retention and mushrooming.

But for a rifle, I don't really think bullet selection is going to be as huge an issue for 'home defense' like a pistol round.

[k3nnex]

o thanks for the info. I'm still a noob a serious noob haha. I didn't realize there was a thin selection of HD rounds for a rifle. I will be picking up a 9mm handgun around next year. So I guess I'll just hoard up on FMJBT 75gr instead than. Thanks <3

[popeye4]

What are you defending yourself against? If you live in THAT kind of neighborhood, I'd go buy a $200 pump shotgun for home defense against bad guys. Nothing like the sound of racking the slide to put the fear of god in anything that goes bump in the night. I'd use the AR with hollowpoints if I was fighting off zombie ground squirrels.....

[Beelzy]

+1 with the soft points.

If they make good game rounds, they should work on the two-legged variety
just fine.