5.56: Fragmentation or Expansion?

[1168]

Why do you say that bonded soft points are better than copper solids? I’ve only heard good things about the TSX

Low expansion threshold, inexpensive, good BC, good starting velocity with equivalent pressures. Gives up nothing on barriers, maybe better.

TSX’s are no slouch, by any means.

[vicious_cb]

Why do you say that bonded soft points are better than copper solids? I’ve only heard good things about the TSX

Copper solids are very good, they just don't do as well through tough barriers, anything that will damage, plug or collapse the tip will cause it to not expand so they aren't as consistent through barriers like SPs.

[BallisticHarmony]

Copper solids are very good, they just don't do as well through tough barriers, anything that will damage, plug or collapse the tip will cause it to not expand so they aren't as consistent through barriers like SPs.

Do they have any benefits over SPs?

[ABNAK]

Do they have any benefits over SPs?

More than likely have a better ballistic coefficient.

[C-grunt]

Really, just pick a round you like and stick with it. I do believe the bonded soft points are better because of the more consistent performance through barriers. That being said, fragmenting rounds can still be very effective through barriers. We use Federal TRU 223E which is a 55 grain hollowpoint. I've got several buddies at work who have shot successfully through windshields, car doors, and windows. I've personally seen it go through a forearm and still be effective.

Like I said, I do believe the bonded soft points are better. However I'm not worried about my duty ammo be ineffective.

[WS6]

Do they have any benefits over SPs?

Better BC, deeper penetration, no meat contamination for those who hunt.

[Glock9mm1990]

I think people really overthink the 5.56 round when it cones to personal defense. Just pick a round, and place those rounds where they need to go when/if the need arises. It is a rifle round after all.

[BallisticHarmony]

I think people really overthink the 5.56 round when it cones to personal defense. Just pick a round, and place those rounds where they need to go when/if the need arises. It is a rifle round after all.

DocGKR would tend to disagree with you, I’d assume.

[Mr. Goodtimes]

I think what I’m asking is pretty straightforward... is fragmentation or expansion a better wounding mechanism, and which one has a lower velocity threshold? I get that a bullet square in the chest pretty much means you’re done regardless, but I think it’s important to discuss the pros and cons of two very different ballistic approaches.

Neither is going to make a dramatic difference when placed where they belong, neither is going to make a dramatic difference when their not. Intermediate barriers aside, it’s really splitting hairs. However, since we live in an imperfect world and intermediate barriers are a thing, I think now that we have an abundance of quality SP and solid expanding ammunition, that is the best overall option.

Fragmenting ammunition may cause more tissue damage, but that’s not going to have any marked difference in the immediate outcome than a JSP or other similar round.


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[Glock9mm1990]

DocGKR would tend to disagree with you, I’d assume.

How so? Are you saying shot placement isn’t important? Because that’s what I was getting at. I do think people nick pick over shit when just about any 5.56 round will f**k someone up far more then any handgun round.