mk262 vs TAP T2 for shorter barrels?

[NotObvious]

I see lots of info, but, from a side by side comparison, is there much difference in performance?

My 2 ARs (yeah, I only have 2) are my M&P15 VTAC (1x7 16" 5.56 chamber) and my DPMS SPR (1x8 18" 5.56 chamber).

I have SOME MK262 mod 1, but, TAP T2 is so much easier to get ahold of an cheaper.

From what I have seen, TAP might be a better expanding round and overall performance.

Or am I way off?

[Nightvisionary]

I just could never get any kind of decent accuracy with the Hornady 75 grain bullet. Nosler and Sierra 77's are about twice as accurate through my rifle as the Hornady's.

[NotObvious]

I have had really good success with the Hornady 68gr BTHP but never tried the newer T2 design TAP loaded round.

My 16" M&P likes the Nossler 77gr, my 18" DPMS prefers the SMK 77gr.

Both have 5.56 nato chambers, zero feeding issues.

Just looking for a more defensive round than a match bullet to round out the ammo inventory.

[Evil1969SS>LS6]

I have SOME MK262 mod 1, but, TAP T2 is so much easier to get ahold of an cheaper.

From what I have seen, TAP might be a better expanding round and overall performance.

First of all, if TAP T2 is easier to find and cheaper...this is some news to me!?

Second, TAP is not a Soft tip or Hollow point round so, it's not designed to "expand' but fragment. If you read through Doc's research, you'll find it's the best performing of the open-tipped match rounds.

The Nosler MK262 performed better than the Sierra Match King in the new MK262 Mod 1 but, not a bad choice either way. If you do have access to TAP T2 8126N then, get as much as you can!

You lso mentioned you wanted a more defensive round, and not so much a "match"? Why not look into some of the bonded type or the new BH 50 gr. Barnes TSX?

[RAM Engineer]

TAP T2 is so much easier to get ahold of an cheaper.

I bought about 1000 rounds of T2 a few years ago. If someone knows where I can get more, I'd love to hear it. I NEVER see it for sale anymore.

[NotObvious]

I'll be the first to admit that its more appropriate to have 2 different bullets for two different purposes.

"There is no magic bullet"

I like the idea of the TSX... I have no personal experience with it, so, I am interested in what folks have found with it from a 16" carbine.

The Hornady TAP I see is 80265 (223 loading with the T1), 81264 (I believe its the TAP1C bullet in civilian loadings), and 8126N (limited stocks at my dealers, but, a few here and there).

I don't plan on buying thousands of anything but practice ammo. But, 300-500 rds is all I was after.

I am keeping an eye out for the Black Hills "red box" 75gr loadings as well. I don't believe it uses the T2 bullet, but, its pretty good from what I have been reading.

The other option is to just fall back to handloading them myself. :D

As I recall, there is not that much difference in performance for expansion between the T1 and T2 bullet at this time.

[Evil1969SS>LS6]

I am keeping an eye out for the Black Hills "red box" 75gr loadings as well. I don't believe it uses the T2 bullet, but, its pretty good from what I have been reading.

The MK262 MOD 1 has been in "new" production for several months now. Ammotogo.com, G&RTactical.com and some others have it in stock.

As I stated before, the MK262 MOD1 uses the Sierra Match King bullet, not the T2.

But, I suggest you read the sticky that DocGKR has in the top of the forum, if you already haven't....:cool:

[NotObvious]

I am still on the look out for the BH 75gr OTM red box...

I'd prefer to stick with a few hundred of the factory loads and then find a handload that "matches" the performance and POI for practice.

This is for my SPR type rifle.


I'm going to do some more searching for the TSX and see if I can find it locally first. For shorter barrels, I figure its likely to be a bit more effective for close range and deer.


I do appreciate all the follow up info people have provided. :)