Best .223 Defense Ammo Ever? Federal 5.56mm 62gr FBIT3 Gel Test

Published on February 5, 2018
Duration: 4:33

This review details the performance of Federal's 5.56mm 62gr FBIT3 (XM556SBCT3) ammunition in ballistic gelatin. Tested from a 10.5-inch barrel, the round demonstrated excellent barrier blind performance, immediate expansion, and consistent weight retention. It achieved textbook terminal ballistics, making it a top contender for self-defense applications, especially when compared to non-bonded OTM rounds.

Quick Summary

The Federal 5.56mm 62gr FBIT3 (XM556SBCT3) is a top-tier defensive load due to its 'barrier blind' bonded soft point construction. Tested from a 10.5" AR-15, it achieved 17.6" penetration, 0.468" expansion, and retained 61.0gr of weight, demonstrating reliable terminal ballistics through barriers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Federal 5.56mm 62gr FBIT3 (TBBC)
  2. 00:18Why Bonded Soft Points Are Best for Defense
  3. 01:14Ballistic Gelatin Test Setup (10.5" AR-15)
  4. 01:36FBIT3 Velocity & Terminal Data Results
  5. 02:08Performance Analysis: Textbook Expansion & Penetration
  6. 02:53FBIT3 vs. Heavy OTM Defense Rounds

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Federal 5.56mm 62gr FBIT3 ammunition good for self-defense?

The Federal 5.56mm 62gr FBIT3 (XM556SBCT3) is highly regarded for self-defense because it's a bonded soft point round. This design makes it 'barrier blind,' meaning it maintains consistent expansion and penetration even after passing through common household barriers like auto glass or drywall.

What were the results of the ballistic gel test for the Federal FBIT3 ammo?

In a 10.5-inch barrel AR-15 test, the Federal 62gr FBIT3 achieved an average velocity of 2,576 fps. It demonstrated textbook terminal ballistics with immediate expansion to 0.468 inches, excellent weight retention (61.0gr), and a penetration depth of 17.6 inches in 10% ballistic gelatin.

How does the Federal FBIT3 compare to heavy OTM rounds for defense?

While heavy OTM (Open Tip Match) rounds like 75gr or 77gr might fragment more, the Federal FBIT3's bonded construction makes it 'barrier blind.' This means the FBIT3 offers more reliable performance through intermediate barriers, a critical factor in self-defense scenarios.

What is the significance of 'barrier blind' ammunition?

'Barrier blind' ammunition, like the Federal FBIT3, is designed to perform consistently even after impacting intermediate barriers such as car doors, windshields, or drywall. This ensures reliable expansion and penetration, crucial for effective self-defense where barriers might be present.

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