The current PDW thread has me wondering...
A few years ago I built a 7.5” AR pistol as a range toy. However, somewhat to my surprise I’ve found it is actually very handy and reliable over the course of 800 or so rounds, and with current events it has been pressed into trunk service. I figure it’s better than throwing rocks, and I can easily make accurate hits under stress out to the limited distance that I could reasonably and legally be expected to defend myself as a civilian. It has a 1/7 barrel.
By way of background (and as an attempt to head off the “7.5” 5.56 is crap and will get you killed” comments) I’m using it strictly as a “oh shit” weapon - when I feel the need a more capable carbine rides on the floor behind the front seat. The 7.5” currently stays in the car all of the time stashed and tether locked under the parcel deck just like my fire extinguisher, trauma kit and jack. I realize it’s not optimal, but neither is the small fire extinguisher I carry.
My question - has anyone seen testing on what type of quality load is likely to stabilize best in such a short barrel? Heavy or light? I’m not concerned about terminal effects beyond the ability to stabilize at this point - there is a bit of talk in the PDW thread where commonly used defensive rounds tumble. I’ve shot mostly crap range ammunition through it (probably 90% WWB .223) and have never seen evidence of tumbling.
This is likely to get rebarreled as a .300 BLK at some point but it’s what I have right now.