[ULVER]

I have faith in my mil-spec Lake City FMJ ammo. The slug is designed to enhance the fragmentation, we are used to with the 5.56 round. Apparently, this may not be so with NON mil-spec .223 FMJ. I do NOT want .22 caliber icepicks!

I was thinking of getting some Georgia Arms .223 SOFT-points...
I would think a .223 soft-point would at least expand, if nothing else. What say you?

 

[dvdstdg]

The problem with soft points is the exposed lead gets nicked during the loading cycle and this affects accuracy. You would be better off getting hollow points or polymer tips.

 

[cajungeo]

Ulver, here is a link which shows different bullet types, before and after firing. It all depends on what you want to kill. I am looking at poping coyotes at up to 300 yds. I use the 63 gr Pointed Soft Points (PSP). They expand, and penetrate to the vitals. Animal is dead before it hits the ground. How accurate are they in my mini? Avg 5 shot groups at 100 yds is 1.15". Best 5 shot group .85" I thought the Nosler balistic tip boat tail would be the best, but my mini didn't like them no mater what powder I used. avg group 2". Check out: http://www.arizonagunrunners.com/Products/...ullettypes.html

 

[codger]

Although I haven't used soft points in my Mini-14, I handloaded Sierras SPs for an AR180 I owned and got sub-MOA groups. I also found them to be more devastating on coyotes than hollow points.

 

[Brad D.]

I’ve been following this thread with interest. Here are my little brain’s thoughts:

I look at self-defense needs as being roughly equivalent to deer hunting needs – in other words, “two-legged varmints” weigh about the same as a deer (depending on your part of the country). We all know the .223/5.56 is a varmint cartridge and that it is generally considered inadequate for deer hunting. So, we’re starting at a disadvantage using the .223 for self-defense. If a .223 must be used for deer hunting, you usually see the heavier, soft pointed bullets recommended (e.g., the 64 grain PSP). I therefore think this carries over for self defense purposes – if you’re looking to drop your target immediately, something like the 64 gr. PSP would be the optimum .223/5.56 loading. This logic should of course be adjusted if you have other concerns like penetrating armor, over-penetration through walls, etc.

I just wish those boxes of 64 grain PSP were cheaper.

Brad

 

[cajungeo]

Brad you, and I think alike. If you really want Kill power for whatever your shooting at do try Nosler Partitions. Available to reload or most major brands offer factory loads with the Partitions. All energy is spent in very controled penetration, expansion, bullet remains in one piece! So wound channel is huge. Shure it cost more, but ya don't need much for hunting or self defense.

 

[trippletap]

I've had great luck with Sierra 55gr SBT. Tested in water thy mushroom and hold their mass, and accuracy is superb.