Low muzzle flash ammo. Does it matter?
Here's a post from another forum where this question was raised.
quote:quote:
Originally posted by ripley16:
I just bought some HST to compare to the Hornady TAP I now carry. I think I have some DPX also, so I'm going to do a comparison on all three. I seem to remember the CorBon being pretty "flash heavy". If I notice anything worth mentioning, I'll report back.
I was able to go to the range today and test three different rounds; Hornady TAP, Federal HST, and CorBon DPX. All three rounds are more or less top of the line quality wise. They are expensive, all hollow points and all accurate. I can tell little substantive difference in the groups I shot. The HST was the only +P load, and it did have a bit more recoil in my P2000SK.
Where there was a difference is in the muzzle flash. First the HST has a noticable but low flash, especially when compared to "range" ammo. The CorBon, (which I expected to have a bright flash), has an even less noticable, very concentrated, short flash that I would say would offer little problem at night.
Then there was the TAP! I shot the 124 gr. black nickel coated rounds. There is virtually no flash at all. I was astonished, in particular due to the short barrel of my test weapon, the HK P2000SK. If for no other reason this gives the Hornady a leg up in my opinion.
While both of the other rounds were perfectly acceptable the TAP was most impressive. Losing one's vision at the offset of a dangerous situation is a bad thing. I've found my carry ammo.
Do any of you use muzzle flash in the consideration of what ammo you carry. Does it really matter or not? What do you think?
quote:quote:
Originally posted by ripley16:
I just bought some HST to compare to the Hornady TAP I now carry. I think I have some DPX also, so I'm going to do a comparison on all three. I seem to remember the CorBon being pretty "flash heavy". If I notice anything worth mentioning, I'll report back.
I was able to go to the range today and test three different rounds; Hornady TAP, Federal HST, and CorBon DPX. All three rounds are more or less top of the line quality wise. They are expensive, all hollow points and all accurate. I can tell little substantive difference in the groups I shot. The HST was the only +P load, and it did have a bit more recoil in my P2000SK.
Where there was a difference is in the muzzle flash. First the HST has a noticable but low flash, especially when compared to "range" ammo. The CorBon, (which I expected to have a bright flash), has an even less noticable, very concentrated, short flash that I would say would offer little problem at night.
Then there was the TAP! I shot the 124 gr. black nickel coated rounds. There is virtually no flash at all. I was astonished, in particular due to the short barrel of my test weapon, the HK P2000SK. If for no other reason this gives the Hornady a leg up in my opinion.
While both of the other rounds were perfectly acceptable the TAP was most impressive. Losing one's vision at the offset of a dangerous situation is a bad thing. I've found my carry ammo.
Do any of you use muzzle flash in the consideration of what ammo you carry. Does it really matter or not? What do you think?
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i dont consider it 0 -
Better yet would be using one of those point and click digital thermometers.....load up a 30 round mag of Tap ammo....check barrel temperature before firing and after firing...check chamber temperature.
Then repeat with other ammo.
Which ammo works the best with the less heat generated? That would result in longer barrel life during actual sustained use....combat.0 -
I don't consider it.
In a true combat situation, my firearm would be emptied before my eyes had a chance to react.
D.0 -
depends on what the purpose is. I don't need it. but, I think that suppressed flash ammo has some filler in it to reduce flash, which gives it more fouling. which is not a good thing. 0 -
The supposed reason for this is so you aren't temporarily blinded if you ever have to discharge your gun at night, or in a very low light situation.
I think, for the most part, it is meaningless. If you look at the sun for 1 second or so, you'll see a little blurb in your vision for several seconds or more after your eyes have turned away... but this blib will not last permanently. The sun emits ultra-violet, incredibly high intensity rays... muzzle flashes do not.
But even if you had a blib in your vision after firing in a defensive situation, it would only reduce your vision temporarily, not completely blind you. The blib would be centered around the muzzle flash (so if it was dead center in front of your nose, you'd still be able to see almost normally out of the upper left hand corner of your eye).0 -
My house guns are loaded with low flash rounds. If you do not think it is important, go shoot at a range in very low light and see how fast your eyes can adjust after firing the first shot.
Maybe it seems like overkill to some, but I think it is an important factor to be considered in home defense situations....0 -
Just try it some time. Go to the range at night and fire a shot of non-low flash ammo and see how well you can see the target. Not very well. Then allow your night vision to come back and shoot a low flash round and see how you can see the target now. Bet it will be better. I use the low flash stuff in my house and carry guns. And it is also why I do not carry "regular" full power 357 magnum ammo in my carry guns, it produces a big fire ball. I think anything that will give you an edge is worthwhile. 0 -
...muzzle flash is a factor in a lot of situations...but for me to factor it in would be like wearing ear protection 24/7; just "in case" I needed it...[;)] 
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If it "blinds" you that much, it is probably going to blind your assailant just as much... 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Clarentavious
If it "blinds" you that much, it is probably going to blind your assailant just as much...
You want to take a chance on "probably"? Not me.0 -
While you're on the can read the Cabela's Shooting catalog. Under the TAP ammo they sell it says it has low muzzle flash to prevent damage to night vision optics. 0
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