NCJ Number
172041
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 21 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1997) Pages: 29-31
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article examines trends in law enforcement ammunition for handguns, rifles, shotguns, and firearms training.
Abstract
Two schools of thought indicate a preference for different types of handgun ammunition: the high-velocity, lightweight bullet (.223) and the heavier, slightly slower bullet (.308). Both types of bulllets have their problems and advantages. Factoring in the requirements of a duty load, however, the current trend is toward the heavier bullets. After experiencing some failures with the .223 in counter-sniper roles, the overwhelming majority of SWAT teams have adopted the .308 as their precision rifle caliber. At the same time, testing with modern bullets in the .223 is causing many agencies to re-evaluate the 9 mm subguns like the HK MP-5 that are currently de rigueur for entry teams. Regarding shotguns, the low-recoiling buckshot and slug, as offered by two major manufacturers, has made the duty shotgun much more user-friendly. The features of Winchester's Ranger Frangible Law Enforcement Ammunition is top-notch for indoor training ranges because of its nontoxic, priming compound and performance out to 50 yards.