If any LEOs in here, what do you recommend for .223 home defense?

[Newowner574]

As the title states, any leos in here lurking around? My question is, what does your department use for your rifles ( ar15) while in the field. Ive read and read but havent really found a solid answer. Ive read both, where people prefer not to use an ar15 for home defense and vise versa. Ive also read where for example fiocchi 40gr vmax rounds are a good option. Like i said any help or advise is greatly appreciated. Along with non leos as well. Thanks guys!

 

[Frank_N_Stein]

IMPD issues old Colt A2s and some Bushmaster XM-15s. I personally have an issued Bushmaster. My personal rifle is a Rock River/DPMS. I also have an issued and a personal 870. Either the rifle or shotgun could be used for home defense. I don't know anything about the ammo you mentioned.

 

[avboiler11]

Not a LEO but...

My choice would be a Mk262 clone, or 55-65gr soft points.

 

[Fargo]

Most local le depts use hornaday TAP-le which is the brass cased stuff or the federal tactical bonded which is a "trophy bonded bearclaw" bullet if memory serves. The federal stuff is supposed to be real good at penetrating barriers so I wouldn't pick it for HD.

 

[Newowner574]

what i have right now is fiocchi 40g polymer tip .223 http://www.qgunsupply.com/Fiocchi 223 40VMAX.jpg

 

[Newowner574]

im just trying to find the most happiest medium of enough penetration with out way to much over penetration if possible.

 

[hammer24]

Not LEO, but I prefer a shotgun for dedicated HD. To your question of the 40 gr. Vmax, I've personally seen that round splash on the shoulder of a coyote, so I'd go with something with a little more mass and a more solid construction. Even a 50 or 55 vmax would hold together better...55 gr. Soft point better yet. At HD distances the velocity will cause the sp to shed mass quickly.

 

[SEIndSAM]

I have no personal experience, but I know some recommend Frangible ammo for home defense. Less chance of over penetration.

 

[FredMcIntire]

I'd never choose an AR for home defense, unless I was trying to stave them off 300 yards away from the house.

I'd go with a 12 gauge, pump action shotgun. You can load 2 different scenarios.

Scenario #1: The first 2 rounds could/would be deer slugs. The remaining rounds would be #4 lead shot rounds.

Scenario #2: All rounds loaded could/would be #4 lead shot.

In the first scenario, you eject the slugs if you don't need them, and all the action is going to be up close and personal.

Some will say load 00 buck shot. The only problem with this is that you can get wall penetration with 00 buck shot, especially in newer homes.

Personally, I'd choose scenario #1.

The other thing I would highly suggest is to add some type of gun mounted shooting light to your shotgun. You MUST be able to identify your target BEFORE you shoot.

 

[looney2ns]

As the title states, any leos in here lurking around? My question is, what does your department use for your rifles ( ar15) while in the field. Ive read and read but havent really found a solid answer. Ive read both, where people prefer not to use an ar15 for home defense and vise versa. Ive also read where for example fiocchi 40gr vmax rounds are a good option. Like i said any help or advise is greatly appreciated. Along with non leos as well. Thanks guys!

Not a leo, but Hornady TAP comes well recommended for .223 SD use.

 

[Newowner574]

Thanks for all the replies so far. My thinking is this. ( I didnt buy my ar for home defense per say) but im just thinking worst case scenario that if for some reason i need my ar for defense, what round would be the best. Also im not going to be clearing any homes, im not a leo but a body piercer lol. But if a leo is clearing a house with say an ar, what round do they choose to not harm neighbors of the fugitive ect? god forbid another office was behind a wall that the criminal was in front of and an officer shoots. Maybe im just over thinking this but i just like to think worst case.
My mom was working at a movie store part time, and got held up and gun point. The robber held a gun to the back of her head and had her plea for her life. This happend only a few years ago. They never got caught. But after all this happend to her, it just has me really thinking about things.

 

[chezuki]

I'd never choose an AR for home defense, unless I was trying to stave them off 300 yards away from the house.

I'd go with a 12 gauge, pump action shotgun. You can load 2 different scenarios.

Scenario #1: The first 2 rounds could/would be deer slugs. The remaining rounds would be #4 lead shot rounds.

Scenario #2: All rounds loaded could/would be #4 lead shot.

In the first scenario, you eject the slugs if you don't need them, and all the action is going to be up close and personal.

Some will say load 00 buck shot. The only problem with this is that you can get wall penetration with 00 buck shot, especially in newer homes.

Personally, I'd choose scenario #1.

The other thing I would highly suggest is to add some type of gun mounted shooting light to your shotgun. You MUST be able to identify your target BEFORE you shoot.

1. The idea that you'll be evaluating and ejecting rounds to select your preferred shell for the situation during the stress of a home defense situation is kinda ridiculous.
2. No matter what you've heard at a gun shop, anything that will reliably penetrate a human body deep enough to effectively stop an attack will also penetrate 1/2" drywall. Fill the tybe with 00 Buckshot, know how that particular load patterns in your gun, and always BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEHIND IT.

 

[Who Dares Wins]

You can look on YouTube and see examples of rounds going through multiple layers of drywall. It is amazing how much they will penetrate.

I would go with the Hornady TAP or similar, and probably the higher weight versions would be better.

 

[Who Dares Wins]

I know a guy at work who lived next to where some bad guys had a quick shootout and some rounds came into his apartment and got into the water heater. He didn't figure it out until his feet got wet walking around a few hours later. Thankfully he was renting and didn't have to pay for it.

 

[phylodog]

We use a Federal 55gr bonded round with an exposed lead tip.

 

[hondatech2k2]

We use a Federal 55gr bonded round with an exposed lead tip.

That is interesting, why not something similar to TAP? Does the exposed lead tip flatten/expand when it encounters an obstruction?

 

[Fargo]

That is interesting, why not something similar to TAP? Does the exposed lead tip flatten/expand when it encounters an obstruction?

The federal bonded does much better against barriers such as windshields than does the poly tipped TAP. The federal uses a bonded soft point hunting bullet. I believe the projectile is marketed as the trophy bonded bearclaw.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

We use a Federal 55gr bonded round with an exposed lead tip.

Common law enforcement load in .223.

FWIW, this bullet is the two shot cow stopper of the famed Downtown Lafayette Rampaging Cow.

 

[Expat]

If you look at actually testing the .223 has much less penetration involving walls than pistol rounds. I assume it is due to the light weight of the bullet. After going through a typical wall cavity it is almost completely fragmented with little energy.
Real World .223 Testing
.223 Drywall Penetration: Results

 

[DRob]

That 40 gr round would be good for small varmints in a 1:12 barrel. Great choice when you get caught in a prairie dog stampede!