I was a bit skeptical about using the AR for home defense, but this article kinda changes that. It would be nice to have an SBR to use in the house but we all know that won't happen in this state.

 

This test is scientific as per the writer but it does seem pretty good to me. I had my 9mm AR setup for home defense but I think the 223/556 may be better way to go.

 

I would like to see a comparison with buck and bird shot also.

 

http://www.outdoorhub.com/stories/ar-15-appropriate-home-defense-part-one-penetration-issues/

I can't wait to see people start running these tests with .300blk.

I can't wait to see people start running these tests with .300blk.

 

Why don't we do it our selves? I'm sure someone here on the forum has a .300 blk AR, ballistics gel is easy enough to make, and scrap dry wall can be had any where.

Mine is 2-3 weeks away, but it'll take me awhile to finalize a load for it before I can start doing ballistics testing.

I have a 300blk. Who has the ballistics gel?

Fort Dix drywall penetration test of .223 ammunition conducted by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice in 2003:

 

http://www.state.nj.us/lps/dcj/njpdresources/pdfs/wallboard_test.pdf

 

They tested 55gr Federal FMJ, 69gr Federal OTM, 60gr Hornady TAP, and 55gr Remington SP. Each was tested out of a 19" barrel and a 14.5" barrel.

 

Like everything, "it all depends" -- but yes, loaded with the correct ammunition, a .223 AR carbine could be a very good choice for home defense.

 

^Nice read bob

Cue vladtepes doing a happy dance

 

 

I have been stating 

 

AR15 go to gun inside.. and posting that image for god only knows how long.. lol

What do the two vertical lines represent?

What do the two vertical lines represent?

Approx thickness of the human torso.

 

http://www.ar15.com/ammo/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/

What about percussion/noise? I know it's a life and death situation but the sound and percussion from an AR is so much more than a 9mm round, does it disorient you and make the over penetration issue secondary? My compensated AR will knock things over on the adjacent bench sometimes.

Next I'm going to learn my AK with FMJ's is good for home defense. ....just kidding

Next I'm going to learn my AK with FMJ's is good for home defense. ....just kidding

I have not seen a chart on that but since you mentioned.. My guess is the lack of mass in the 556 is part of the reason you net this performance...

I have not seen a chart on that but since you mentioned.. My guess is the lack of mass in the 556 is part of the reason you net this performance...

Also a reason why .22tcm is good for HD. The KelTech PMR 30 is becoming more popular in free states.

I have a 300blk. Who has the ballistics gel?

 

Tons of recipes on line on how to make it. The thing is you have to 'calibrate' the gel to with in 10% of standard FBI testing specifications. But that's usually done with a .177 caliber pellet and measuring the depth of the wound channel. Stats are provided on line I believe. 

 

There are also some places where you can buy the actual ballistics gel. Comes in a kit and you just mix it like paint in a 5-10 gallon bucket.