5.56×45 AR15 AMMO Test!…Soft Point vs FMJ!

both rounds are devastating, as always thanks for sharing your results

Self defense I would use the soft points for self defense but the FMJ did great as well

Imagine doing ballistics gel tests on different planets; curious how different gravities and atmospheres effect the bullet. Idk, I’m half asleep and just had a dream along those lines

If the barrel twist rate was discussed in the video, then I missed it.
But twist rate cannot be ignored with this particular round.
The 556 55gr FMJ was designed to operate in a 20” 1-14 then later 1-12 barrel. Shooting 55 fmj out of a faster twist barrel defeats the engineering that Stoner put into the rifle/round. I’ve done a fair amount of testing with 55 fmj and various barrel lengths and twists. If 55 fmj is shot out of a 20” 1-14 barrel the performance is radically different. Even in shorter barrels with slow twist the fmj will yaw way earlier and more violently, resulting in bullet shatter. At those very close distances I’ve never witnessed a properly loaded 55 fmj NOT shatter with the original slow twist rate.
I use IMI 55gr FMJ bullets, but any correctly constructed 55 fmj should show similar results with correct twist rate.

I remember seeing detail drawings from the Dr. Fackler "Wound Ballistics Institute" (probably not the correct name) testing way, way back. Those tracks in your blocks looked just like the detail drawings that were made from their testing. That tells me that your testing is valid, and that even after all these years, the characteristics of 5.56x45mm ammo really haven't changed. It's a known quantity which is a good thing. Great work, your channel is the best for ammo tests.

Nice test thanks

Overpenetration does not appear to be an issue with either bullet design and both performed well. I'm glad you chose 25 yards for your test because that seems like a practical distance for defense against man or beast, and one the courts might be willing to accept. I'd choose the FMJ since it is proven to feed reliably in any rifle and costs less.

How do you melt the gel and get it so perfectly smooth and clear???
Specifically so smooth.
What type of pan do you use???

Great test as always.

Thanks for all the testing you do it helps give us information we would like to gather ourselves thanks for the videos.

I like the clothing, but honestly it probably doesnt matter much for rifle cartridges going 2000+ fps.

Love these tests, thank you.

Always thought clothes. If it's for self defense evaluation.

Thanks Tools 🔧 ☺️ BE safe brother 🙏

Nice video again Toolman!

👍

Awesome. I was thinking about these SPs at PSA

Always awesome content!
Thanks bud I really appreciate what you do!
👊💪🇺🇸

Absolutely agree with you. In self-defense you need to know be as sure as possible where that bullet is going to go after it enters then target. We can never be 100% sure with any bullet, but the FMJ design is just too unpredictable.

I've got a great little piston driven AR carbine in 5.56 but my go to is 7.62X39mm because of its versatility. Good ammo doesn’t blow up on light barriers and after it encounters light barriers it still produces good penetration. The 5.56 is capable of this but you must pay very close attention to the ammo chosen and the effect on the target + the penetration on the target is less. With the 5.56 you tend to either get penetration or good effect on target. Getting both is difficult if a barrier is encountered. The 7.62X39 may have a little less effect in tissue without barriers at close range but it provides better effect after encounters with light barriers than the 5.56. My Ak's are capable of enough accuacy to engage out to 400 yards and that's as far as the weapon system (really both cartridges should be held to 300-400 yds) and cartridge are really good for.

Another great test! Really enjoy your videos! Another vote FOR the clothing barriers

Nice video Tools , love the angry joe tool brother 🇺🇸

Soft-points are the most reliable design, they don’t clog, disrupt upon impact unlike fmj (think Mogadishu), and will penetrate most common barriers to desired effect. I prefer Federal Fusion’s 62gr bonded round with their harder lead formulation.

Nicely done B!
The M193 performed just as it was supposed to, a slightly longer barrel and it would've fragmented for sure. Still one of the most effective loads in 5.56.

Perhaps an idea for testing pistol loads, do a bare gel and the FBI clothing test and compare the results.

Nice!!!!!! Been wanting to see this!

Nice. Finally someone who picks the most common AR barrel length of 16" for the test. Instead of 10.5" like the arfcom dude. Soft point did way better here. I prefer short or no neck to that long neck and unpredictability of fmj. BTW, may i ask what is your fav defense load for 223/5.56 (if you use this caliber)?

Fantastic test I would go with the soft point also I like the clothing test myself grate job 👍

Good thing you did the test with the clothing barrier. I saw a lot of deer last season wearing fleece, denim, and at least 2 T-shirts. Of course most of the bad guys still wear hoodies.

You know some Expert will say it 😂😂 " They tumbled because you used the wrong twist rate in the barrel " Lol. Both looked effective but I prefer the soft point. Just wish it stayed together a little better. Thanks!! 🙏 👍

I think staying with the heavy clothing is a good idea.

Great video I’d like to see some 62 grain stuff or maybe 62 vs 64gr federal deer season

A good test. Very glad to see a test not so close to the blocks.

Surprised at the lack of penitration for a rifle bullet. As for hunting I'd choose the FMJ as it has more power & penitration. However they are illegal to use as a hunting round.