Fade To BLACK!...5.56 Hornady Black HD SBR Ammo. Short Barrel AR-15 Test!

Published on June 17, 2023
Duration: 14:50

This video provides an expert-level analysis of Hornady Black HD SBR 5.56mm NATO 75gr ammunition, tested through both a 10.5-inch AR pistol and a 16-inch AR rifle. The presenter, demonstrating deep technical knowledge, meticulously documents velocity, penetration, and projectile expansion using specialized equipment like LabRadar and ballistic gel. The insights offer practical data for shooters considering this ammunition for short-barreled AR platforms.

Quick Summary

Expert testing of Hornady Black HD SBR 5.56mm 75gr ammo revealed significant performance differences between a 10.5-inch and 16-inch barrel. The 16-inch barrel produced higher velocity (2513 fps vs 2254 fps) and energy (1052 ft-lb vs 846 ft-lb), along with superior bullet expansion and penetration (21 inches vs 18.25 inches).

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Range Setup
  2. 00:30Ballistic Gel Preparation
  3. 00:53Ammunition Introduction
  4. 01:26Firearms for Testing
  5. 02:05Additional Firearm for Comparison
  6. 02:15Expectations for Ammo Performance
  7. 02:2910.5 Inch Barrel Velocity Test
  8. 03:2810.5 Inch Velocity Readings
  9. 04:2410.5 Inch Barrel Velocity Stats
  10. 04:4716 Inch Barrel Velocity Test
  11. 05:0416 Inch Velocity Readings
  12. 05:3016 Inch Barrel Velocity Stats
  13. 06:0310.5 Inch Barrel Gel Test
  14. 06:4316 Inch Barrel Gel Test
  15. 07:21Gel Damage & Penetration Analysis
  16. 08:0710.5 Inch Gel Penetration & Expansion
  17. 09:07Penetration Measurements
  18. 10:04Recovered Bullet Expansion
  19. 11:28Bullet Weight & Diameter
  20. 12:19Conclusion & Recommendations
  21. 13:23Final Thoughts & Channel Promotion

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Hornady Black HD SBR 5.56mm 75gr ammo perform from a 10.5-inch barrel?

From a 10.5-inch barrel, the Hornady Black HD SBR 75gr ammo averaged 2254 fps with 846 ft-lb of energy. In ballistic gel, it penetrated 18.25 inches and showed moderate expansion, retaining 74.0 grains of its original weight.

What were the performance differences between a 10.5-inch and 16-inch barrel for Hornady Black HD SBR 5.56mm ammo?

The 16-inch barrel yielded higher velocities (2513 fps vs 2254 fps) and energy (1052 ft-lb vs 846 ft-lb). Crucially, the 16-inch barrel resulted in significantly greater bullet expansion and deeper penetration (21 inches) compared to the 10.5-inch barrel.

Is Hornady Black HD SBR 5.56mm 75gr ammo worth the higher cost for short-barreled rifles?

The video suggests that while the ammo performs adequately, the significant cost increase over standard soft-point rounds may not be justified, as standard rounds might offer similar or better performance from SBRs, making direct testing advisable.

What equipment was used to test the Hornady Black HD SBR 5.56mm ammunition?

The testing utilized a LabRadar chronograph for precise velocity measurements, ballistic gel blocks for penetration and expansion analysis, digital calipers for measuring bullet diameter, and a scale for recovered bullet weight. Firearms included a 10.5" AR pistol and a 16" AR rifle.

Related News

All News →

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Tools&Targets

View all →