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

Published on February 5, 2018
Duration: 4:33

This guide details the process used by ARFCOM News to test the Federal 5.56mm 62gr FBIT3 ammunition. The test involves firing the round from a suppressed 10.5-inch barrel AR-15 into calibrated ballistic gelatin to measure velocity, penetration, expansion, and weight retention. The results are analyzed to assess its effectiveness as a defensive round, highlighting its barrier blind capabilities.

Quick Summary

The Federal 5.56mm 62gr FBIT3 (XM556SBCT3) is a top-tier defensive ammunition known for its 'barrier blind' capability, ensuring consistent performance through intermediate barriers. Tested from a 10.5-inch barrel, it achieved 17.6" penetration, 100% weight retention (61.0gr), and 0.468" expansion, offering reliable terminal ballistics.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Federal FBIT3
  2. 00:18Bonded Soft Point Advantages
  3. 01:14Ballistic Gelatin Test Setup
  4. 01:36Velocity and Terminal Data
  5. 02:08Performance Analysis
  6. 02:53Comparison with OTM Rounds

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Federal 5.56mm 62gr FBIT3 a good defensive round?

The Federal 5.56mm 62gr FBIT3 is highly regarded for defense because it's 'barrier blind.' This means it maintains consistent expansion and penetration even after passing through materials like auto glass or drywall, unlike many other types of ammunition.

What were the key terminal ballistic results for the Federal 5.56mm 62gr FBIT3?

In a test with a 10.5-inch barrel, the Federal 5.56mm 62gr FBIT3 achieved 17.6 inches of penetration, retained 100% of its weight (61.0 grains), and expanded to 0.468 inches, demonstrating textbook performance.

How does the Federal 5.56mm 62gr FBIT3 compare to OTM rounds?

While heavy Open Tip Match (OTM) rounds might fragment more, the FBIT3 excels due to its barrier blind nature. This bonded round offers more reliable terminal performance through intermediate barriers, making it a preferred choice for self-defense scenarios.

What equipment was used to test the Federal 5.56mm 62gr FBIT3?

The test utilized a suppressed AR-15 with a 10.5-inch barrel and a 1:7 twist rate, firing into 10% calibrated organic ballistic gelatin. A chronograph was used to measure velocity, and a tape measure documented penetration and expansion.

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