Anyone have experience with the Prvi Partizan PPU .223 55grn SP? It is supposed to be a controlled expansion loading and not a fragmenting varmint load. Since this is the best price I have found on a expanding non FMJ loading I was wondering how it may perform as a self defense round.
I shot ~500rds of the Prvi 55 JSP to consider it’s suitability as a contingency/alternative load for that weight and bullet. 500rds was enough to minimally assess reliability and consistency, which were both good.
I’ve also shot the Prvi against other 55 JSP loads for POI deviations. Other loads included the BHA 55 JSP new and reman (Hornady bullet), the HSM 55 JSP (also a Hornady, IIRC), Ultramax 55 JSP, Federal T223A and 223A. POI deviations were minimal. While no deliberate and quantifiable accuracy testing was done, accuracy was at least service grade and acceptable in the Colt carbine used. I didn’t do any gel, and I don’t remember shooting any critters with it.
55 JSPs are more favorable for varminting tasks, not self defense, and there are better choices for the latter.
I also believe that any ammo used for an important task should be domestically produced by a manufacturer I can hold accountable.
That being said, it’s likely the Prvi could serve as contingency ammo.
You shot 500 rnds of the stuff for practice? Mind sending me some of that money before you turn it into smoke and noise again? Hahaha!
I’ve used it. With a basic water test it experienced rapid expansion leading to violent jacket-core separation and a lot of weight loss. It severely fragmented just in the first gallon jug. Would it kill someone? Sure. Is there better: yes. You don’t need a case of a defensive ammo just to be able to keep it in your gun. If defensive ammunition is too expensive for you, you’re wasting ammo or don’t have enough money to feed yourself for a week. Look into some bonded ammunition or the other stuff listed in Doc’s stickies in the terminal ballistics forum.
Couple that come to mind which GR has in stock:
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=24455
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=24448
They’re hard to find on the website but iirc Grant said they were in stock.
tl;dr - It’s terrible for a purposed defensive load and is better suited for varmint work (in which case there are better bullets like the VMAX).
I couldn’t agree more. I couldn’t see a reason to buy that PRVI at all.
I’d be interested in hearing more about it being a “controlled expansion” load, and if it might have a characteristic making it unique or worthy of further consideration.
If it’s still nothing special, then there really isn’t a reason to choose it over the more widely available others. The Hornady cannelured 55 JSP is loaded by a variety of folks, and available in 50rd boxes from BHA and Hornady for ~$20-25.
I don’t put any stock in PRVI’s ammo descriptions. We’ve tried some of their “match” ammo too. :rolleyes:
Ive had pretty good luck with their 75gr match green box stuff, considering that it can almost hold its own with 75gr hornady match and it has decent terminal performance its pretty good bang for the buck. I hope they didnt drop the ball with recent lots in the new blue box.
Molon’s accuracy testing: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_16/491816_.html
I’ve never had thrilling results from Hornady 75 match either… or ANY of the 75-77 factory loads. I mean… they shoot better than ball ammo, but nothing too impressive.