New Product Highlight: Franklin Armory Rabbit Rounds
Apparently, your AR-15 is now a shotgun. What a time to be alive. Here’s what we know about Franklin Armory's Rabbit Rounds.
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The mad scientists at Franklin Armory are always up to something, and this time it’s Rabbit Rounds, a clever new shotgun load for the AR-15 platform.
It’s a pretty clever design, so let’s check it out and see if you need to bring this ammo on your next range visit.
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Franklin Armory Rabbit Round Specs & Features
Specs
- Cartridge: 5.56 NATO
- Projectile: 4 x BB shot, thermoplastic sabot
- Projectile Weight: 45 gr
- Muzzle Velocity: 3,150 (16” barrel)
- Muzzle Energy: 992 ft-lbs (16” barrel)
- Country of Origin: USA
- MSRP: $67.99 (box of 20)
Features
- Drop-in compatibility with 5.56 NATO AR-15s and magazines
- Four lead BBs per shot
- Spin-stabilized thermoplastic sabot
Externally, Rabbit Rounds fit the profile of standard 5.56 NATO or .223 Rem ammo. The telltale difference is a white plastic projectile where you usually see a copper jacket.
That’s a thermoplastic sabot that contains four lead BBs. It interfaces with your barrel’s rifling just like a normal bullet to achieve that critical stabilizing spin.
The sabot separates from the BBs at the muzzle, allowing them to spread like shot from a shotgun.
According to Franklin Armory, you can expect patterns of 5 inches at 10 yards, 10 inches at 20 yards, and 15 inches at 30 yards.
Thanks to a seal created by your bore and a copper gas check at the rear of the sabot, this round has a claimed muzzle velocity of 3,150 feet per second out of a 16-inch barrel. Try getting that from your old .410!
Now, are these rounds as effective for rabbit hunting as a small-bore shotgun? I highly doubt it – you’re only unleashing four BBs, after all. But this ammo does look fun; just watch the Franklin Armory guys shooting clays with AR-15s!
Franklin Armory lists an MSRP of $67.99 for a box of 20 Rabbit Rounds.
We have a few boxes on the way, so stay tuned for a hands-on review. In the meantime, let us know what you think – and maybe start challenging your friends to a round of tactical sporting clays.
What do you think of the new Franklin Armory Rabbit Rounds? Let us know below. For more great ammunition recommendations, check out our guide to the Best AR-15 Ammo!