BATF M855 ammo ban??
Here is my understanding of the BATF M855 ammo ban proposal:
BATF Position:
Since the proliferation of AR15 pistols that can shoot 5.62/223, the possibility of a bad guy shooting at a cop with the armor piercing M855 ammo that can penetrate protective vests, the BATF wants to ban it to the general public.
Argument Against M855 Ban:
The argument against this ban is that so far there is no record of a cop being shot with M855 ammo and it has be allowed by the BATF for recreational shooting for 30+ years by the BATF. M855 is very popular for use by the masses and has been for more than 30 years. This ban is perceived as the liberal administrations efforts at gun control through the ban of a popular ammo. In addition, almost any rifle cartridge, including all lead bullet 223 ammo, will penetrate most protective vests offered today.
My Questions:
I have questions about all of this. Why is an armor piercing ammo one of the most popular AR15 ammo? Paper targets don't need armor piecing projectiles. In fact most ranges don't allow armor piercing ammo as it is a fire risk (steel core hits a rock, makes a spark, and starts a fire…a real risk as I observe it myself years ago). M855 terminal ballistics are reportedly poor on flesh (hunting use). There are many other AR15 ammo choices out there. Why do we care about the loss of M855 which is of dubious use?
I resist any attempts of gun control (ammunition bans are gun control through the back door) but should we waste our effort on this M855 ammo which has little real use to 99% of us when there are many other offerings to feed our AR15's? Is this BATF ban just the "camel's nose under the tent"?
Can anyone answer these questions? I am a target shooter and don't hunt. I have little knowledge of tactical shooting for recreation. I find it hard to believe that loosing M855 ammo will impact anything except that it might set a precedent for for future ammo bans by the BATF(???).
LDBennett
Here is my understanding of the BATF M855 ammo ban proposal:
BATF Position:
Since the proliferation of AR15 pistols that can shoot 5.62/223, the possibility of a bad guy shooting at a cop with the armor piercing M855 ammo that can penetrate protective vests, the BATF wants to ban it to the general public.
Argument Against M855 Ban:
The argument against this ban is that so far there is no record of a cop being shot with M855 ammo and it has be allowed by the BATF for recreational shooting for 30+ years by the BATF. M855 is very popular for use by the masses and has been for more than 30 years. This ban is perceived as the liberal administrations efforts at gun control through the ban of a popular ammo. In addition, almost any rifle cartridge, including all lead bullet 223 ammo, will penetrate most protective vests offered today.
My Questions:
I have questions about all of this. Why is an armor piercing ammo one of the most popular AR15 ammo? Paper targets don't need armor piecing projectiles. In fact most ranges don't allow armor piercing ammo as it is a fire risk (steel core hits a rock, makes a spark, and starts a fire…a real risk as I observe it myself years ago). M855 terminal ballistics are reportedly poor on flesh (hunting use). There are many other AR15 ammo choices out there. Why do we care about the loss of M855 which is of dubious use?
I resist any attempts of gun control (ammunition bans are gun control through the back door) but should we waste our effort on this M855 ammo which has little real use to 99% of us when there are many other offerings to feed our AR15's? Is this BATF ban just the "camel's nose under the tent"?
Can anyone answer these questions? I am a target shooter and don't hunt. I have little knowledge of tactical shooting for recreation. I find it hard to believe that loosing M855 ammo will impact anything except that it might set a precedent for for future ammo bans by the BATF(???).
LDBennett