Before buying ammo, you should watch this:
FMJ, why it's not the ammo you should be stocking up. Uncomfortable Truths
The military is limited by Hague conventions regarding expanding projectiles and supply chain concerns. They do not standardize on the BEST performing ammunition.
5.56 RIFLE AMMO
Best vs Steel armor
55gr M193 5.56
Older Standard 5.56 US Military ammo
High Speed FMJ / No Penetrator
Best vs UHMWPE armor
M855 Green Tip
Old Standard 5.56 US Military ammo
Mild Steel Core Penetrator
Inherently inaccurate
M855A1 EPR (Enhanced Performance Round)
62 Grain Solid Copper with a Hardened Steel Core Penetrator
Current 5.56 Standard US Military ammo
Hotter Charge and greater wear on Firearm
Inherently inaccurate
Best for Sniping/Hunting
5.56 BTHP (Boat Tail Hollow Point) / OTM (Open Tip Match)
Black Hills 77-grain Sierra MatchKing OTM (D556N9 or MK262 Mod 1-C)
Weight: 77 grains
Bullet Type: Open Tip Match (OTM)
Muzzle Velocity (16-inch barrel): ~2700–2800 fps
Winchester 5.56x45mm NATO 77-grain Open Tip Match (MK262 Mod 1)
Weight: 77 grains
Bullet Type: Sierra MatchKing Open Tip Match (OTM)
Muzzle Velocity (16-inch barrel): ~2700 fps
AAC 5.56x45mm NATO 77-grain Sierra MatchKing OTM
Weight: 77 grains
Bullet Type: Sierra MatchKing Open Tip Match (OTM)
Muzzle Velocity (16-inch barrel): ~2700 fps
DEFENSIVE NON-SHTF
5.56 NATO SCS TUI - 55GR AMMO
by Fort Scott Munitions
Good Penetration w/ Hydrostatic energy dump
Solid Spun Copper Spear Point
Tumble Upon Impact
24" barrel = 3426fps
https://fortscottmunitions.com/collections/rifle-ammunition/products/5-56-nato-scs-tui-55gr-rifle-ammo-bulk-ammo
Hornady Critical Defense .223 - 55gr FTX
Medium Penetration
55gr poly-tipped FTX Hollow Point
3240 fps
1282 ft/lbs.
Nosler Varmageddon .223 Remington
53 Grain Flat Base Tipped
No Penetration
3350 ft/s
9mm PISTOL AMMO
Penetrator/Defender
9MM+P LUGER TUI - 80GR AMMO Fort Scott Munitions
1564 fps
Extreme Penetration
Solid Spun Copper Spear Point
Not as accurate as JHP/FMJ
Tumble Upon Impact
https://fortscottmunitions.com/products/9mm-p-luger-tui-80gr-handgun-ammo-bulk-ammo
DEFEAT 3A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLyla_Db-a0&ab_channel=TheChoppingBlock
Underwood loaded 9mm Lehigh 90 gr Extreme Defender = Fail
Velocity Tactics 80 grain Fort Scott solid copper = Pass
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fXLGOIkI4c&ab_channel=TacticalSht.Official
Fort Scott Spun Copper Tumble Upon Impact = Pass
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UtXbSMTN-o&ab_channel=PaulHarrell
Fort Scott 80 Grain Spun Copper Tumble Upon Impact = Pass
STOPPED BY UHMWPE 3A HARD ARMOR (PCC w/16inch barrel)
Fort Scott 80 Grain Spun Copper Tumble Upon Impact = Fail
9mm Luger +P 115gr. Xtreme Penetrator® Solid Monolithic Hunting & Self Defense Ammo
Extreme Penetration with fast Hydrostatic energy dump
This is an Anti-Bear round. Overpenetration very likely.
https://underwoodammo.com/9mm-luger-p-115-grain-xtreme-penetrator
9mm Luger +P 90gr. Xtreme Defender Solid Monolithic Self Defense Ammo
Good penetration with fast Hydrostatic energy dump
Not as much overpenetration risk on good hit.
https://underwoodammo.com/9mm-luger-p-90gr-xtreme-defender-solid-monolithic-self-defense-ammo-816-1/
9mm Luger Hornady Critical DUTY Tactical
135 Grain Handgun Ammo (for full size pistols)
1010 fps
+P 135 Grain Handgun Ammo (for compact pistols)
Good Penetration
Expanding Hollow Point
9mm Luger Federal Personal Defense HST
124 Grain, HST Jacketed Hollow Point
1150 fps from a 4 inch barrel
LITTLE PENETRATION
Hornady Critical Defense 9mm 115 Grain
Reliable Expanding Hollow Point
1140 fps