5.56x45 AR15 AMMO Test!...Soft Point vs FMJ!

Published on April 21, 2023
Duration: 16:10

This video compares the terminal ballistics of Federal Champion 55-grain soft point and Federal American Eagle 55-grain M193 FMJ ammunition fired from a 16-inch AR-15 at 25 yards. The test involved gel blocks with a clothing barrier, chronograph readings, and projectile recovery. The soft point demonstrated significant expansion and fragmentation, while the FMJ exhibited tumbling and unpredictable flight paths after initial penetration.

Quick Summary

In 5.56x45mm AR-15 ammunition tests, Federal 55-grain soft point averaged 2812 fps and showed significant expansion and fragmentation. Federal 55-grain M193 FMJ averaged 2959 fps, tumbled unpredictably, and penetrated further, but its flight path after tumbling is a concern for self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 01:01Ammunition Overview: Soft Point vs FMJ
  3. 02:34Firearm Used: PSA AR-15
  4. 03:08Velocity Testing: Soft Point
  5. 04:12Velocity Testing: FMJ
  6. 05:01Velocity Results Comparison
  7. 06:09Gel Test: Soft Point
  8. 06:53Gel Test: FMJ (First Shot)
  9. 07:49Gel Test: FMJ (Second Shot)
  10. 08:38Gel Test Results: FMJ Recovery
  11. 09:16Gel Analysis: Soft Point Track
  12. 09:44Gel Analysis: FMJ Tracks
  13. 10:43Penetration Depth Comparison
  14. 12:04Projectile Analysis: Soft Point
  15. 12:30Projectile Analysis: FMJ
  16. 13:33Expansion Measurements
  17. 14:10Conclusion: Soft Point vs FMJ
  18. 14:52Final Thoughts on AR-15 Platform

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in terminal ballistics between 5.56x45mm soft point and FMJ ammunition?

In gel tests, 5.56x45mm soft point ammunition typically expands significantly and fragments, creating a large wound channel. FMJ ammunition, especially at rifle velocities, tends to tumble after initial penetration, causing unpredictable flight paths and significant disruption, but with less consistent expansion.

What were the average velocities for 5.56x45mm soft point and FMJ from a 16-inch AR-15?

From a 16-inch AR-15 at 25 yards, the Federal Champion 55-grain soft point averaged 2812 fps. The Federal American Eagle 55-grain M193 FMJ averaged 2959 fps, showing a notable velocity advantage.

How did the penetration depths compare between 5.56x45mm soft point and FMJ in the gel test?

The 55-grain soft point penetrated approximately 14.25 inches into the gel block. The 55-grain FMJ projectiles penetrated further, with one exiting at 16.5 inches and another stopping at the same depth.

What are the pros and cons of using FMJ versus soft point ammunition for self-defense with an AR-15?

Soft point ammunition offers predictable expansion and fragmentation for effective self-defense. FMJ ammunition provides significant disruption through tumbling but its unpredictable flight path after tumbling is a major drawback for self-defense due to potential over-penetration or ricochets.

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