[mbwatson]

I've been on the SWAT team here in Abilene, TX since '93 when we were using MP-5's. When I become the assault team leader about '03 we followed the trend to M-4's based partly on the horrendous over-penetration of the 9mm round. We conducted our own ballistic trials and chose the Winchester .223 ballistic silvertip in 55 gr. The round functions flawlessly and the plastic polycarbonite projectile fragments excellently in both ballistic gel and bodies. We experienced zero overpenetration situations. The round remains effective for exterior short to medium range engagements. We just ensure that each operator has at least 2 - 3 mags of green tip in the event of a subject who has barricaded positions, which greatly reduce the effectiveness of the ballistic tips. Here is a link to the specific ammunition:

winchester.com/products/rifle-ammunition/supreme/ballistic-silvertip/Pages/default.aspx

I hope this info helps. And as you already know, the best way to avoid overpenetration and colateral damage are well placed "center mass" hits! Best of luck to you.

Just to add, not trying to belittle your knowledge but essentially the "ballistic tip" is Winchester's "tap round" so I am sure Hornady's tap round would be equally effective. I have a buch of those personally myself but have not duplicated the same exhaustive tests that were conducted with the ballistic tips.