Light or heavy?

[madmax61]

I'm in the process of building a 7.5 in 556 7 twist pistol to keep in my truck just in case the libtards go crazier someday. Question is I am not sure which ammo would be best 50g vmax or something similar or say 75 or 77g or maybe something like a 64g gold dot which would you use?
Engagement distance can only be speculative but assume 5 to 50 yds.

[Eric D.]

I think the vmax or any varmint load would be terrible - they don't penetrate enough, especially through intermediate barriers. Heavy OTM rounds are a good choice like MK318 and the gold dot is great too. Check out the terminal ballistics section, lots of info for you there and that's typically where questions like this will get more responses.

[Clint]

I'd recommend 10.5" minimum for 5.56.

Shorter than that, strongly consider an alternative caliber like 300 BLK, 277 WLV or 6.8SPC

ETA:

The 64gr Gold Dot should be a good choice.

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...-223-effective

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...-gr-SPEER-GDSP

[Eric D.]

^ I second that too.

[madmax61]

I understand the no shorter than 10.5 reasoning, I have an 11inch and 12.5 inch 556 uppers to go on my 2 300blk which are 8.5 and 10.5 inch. I am just trying to build something as short, and light as possible to keep in my vehicle which could if nessesary be deployed out the window relatively quick.
Or possible be placed in a get home bag. Thank you all for the responses thus far

[gaijin]

Speer's 64 gr. GD is in my "truck gun"- 10.5" "pistol".
Effective and accurate round.
I've used it deer hunting with success. Terminal performance was impressive- and encouraging.

[madmax61]

I have watched a few youtube videos on the 64g gold dots they do look impressive, I also noticed PSA has them on sale quite often for 9.99 and free shipping if you buy 10, I might just have to order a few and see how well they do. Thank you gentlemen

[markm]

Agreed. Less than 10 or so is useless.

[Eric D.]

Reliability and function issues aside - will the 64 gr gold dot even reach its expansion threshold for velocity from a 7.5" barrel? I don't recall what the velocity threshold figure is. If the gold dot won't expand at the low end of velocity, nothing will and you'd just be ice-picking a would be assailant.

[madmax61]

I think one thing is for sure nobody likes my 7.5 in 556 short, lite, truck gun idea perhaps I'll rethink my planned purpose and just build another 8 in 300 blk, the one I currently have is way to nice to be a truck gun.