I just picked up 1000 rds of Hornady .223 60 gr TAP FPD for my shtf personal protection stash. I will be using it in 2 DD rifles I have. Should I have went with the 75gr? Are am I making a big deal out of nothing? 
The 60 grain does not meet the minimums for pentration because of the ballistic tip bullet design. It is however reliable accurate ammo in the few hundred I have shot.
If that is a problem is up to you to decide. I wouldnât buy either as a first choice but from a two leg varmint perspective the 75 is a better performing round.
What would be your first choice?
Iâve shot the 60gr TAP, and a lot more of that 60gr VMAX bullet in other loadings. Itâs superbly accurate and a great varminting and small-critter round.
However, it has limited penetration, increased fragmentation, and poor barrier performance. If those arenât a problem for your mission, it may be an option for you.
Here is a good place to start when deciding upon ammunition.
For training use whatever.
For real life use, select something off DocGKRâs list and consider a barrier blind load instead of a fragmenting load. You never know what youâll encounter.
Ah well I guess I had a major brain fart then. I thought it was a good round for defensive purposes and now have 1000 new rounds of it. Live and learn I guess, but I suppose it will do in a pinch.
Itâs glorified varmint ammo. How many several hundreds of dollars did you spend on that lol?
You do know itâs dangerous to kick a dog when heâs down and in a corner donât you?? LOL Yeah spent something like $900 on the lot.
SON of a BITCH!!!
Donât throw yourself off a bridge. You have a sub-optimal choice, not a case of blanks. You noted that it was for your âshtf personal protection stash.â Take a hard look at your most likely defensive scenario. Best ammo remains ideal, but you have a serviceable option.
CPB
So you might have to shoot them more then once! Thats why you have an AR. I gaurentee if you shoot someone with the 60 gr TAP theyâll not bother you for long! Unless your getting attacked by Sumo wreslers your going to put a round into the vitals of anyone you shoot! :rolleyes: Donât get hung up on the 12" rule, 10" will go through most skinny drug atics!
If its that much of concern, use it at the range and replace it with something better.
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I would say keep it in the stash or shoot it. Worrying about it wonât make that $900 reappear magically. It is still ammo you can defend yourself, your family and your home with. If it makes you feel any better, my stash has a mixed mongrel of Rem/Fed 55gr FMJ and some LC 62gr green tip. However, I do plan to get some serious stuff in there soon. Now I know to go for heavier weight! Enjoy.
You could try to resell it, better than being out all 900.
Its true.
I use the 55gr TAP for my primary HD loads right now.
I usually use only in the summer months but I didnt swap it out this year.
Im completely confident in the round and it is fine and capable for an HD round.
Im not planning on shooting through walls in my house to reach a bad guy and I seriously doubt anyone would get up with a well placed shot at 2,400fps
It isnât horrible ammo and with the exception of generally having poor penetration after obstacles it is quality stuff.
I get issued ammo but if I was buying I would get the 62 gr Federal TBBC (what I am issued) or the 50 gr Barnes load from Black Hills.
As they say, it beats the hell out of a pointy stick.
Roger that Gentleman.
Thanks for the input, all suggestions and criticism is welcome.
I like the round thatâs all that matters and in a little while I will get some heavier loads so itâs all good.
Hey dont second guess yourself man.
I LOVE that round.
The accuracy is incredible.
There is nothing wrong with that round for HD.
Well, Im sure 60 grain will be âgood enoughâ for unobstructed shots if you have a few of them, but It frags very quickly. Personally, Id use the 60grain for coyotes and such, maybe sell it to some hunters you know, and buy some 75gr T2 if you can. The experts highly suggest you stick with the 75/77grain for fragmenting SD ammo. Just for comparison :
60 gr tap
75 gr tap
75gr tap T2
