The T.E.A.R. round is a specialized 12-gauge shotgun round produced exclusively for law enforcement. It’s primarily used for ballistic breaching, a method of creating entry points into buildings (often through doors) without sending projectiles ricocheting around the room. The round is frangible, meaning it breaks apart on impact, ensuring a safer environment during forced entry operations. This product is not available for sale to the general public.

We made our first delivery of T.E.A.R. rounds in 1995, which means law enforcement agencies have been utilizing them for about 30 years. Prior to 1995, a lead-based round was used, but concerns about contamination and poisoning led us to develop the first frangible, lead-free, non-toxic T.E.A.R. round.

The T.E.A.R. round’s effectiveness stems from its powerful kinetic energy and adherence to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) specifications. It features a 1.5-ounce payload, and when fired from a 12-gauge shotgun, it achieves around 1,850 PSI at the muzzle—delivering substantial force for breaching or specialized operations.

One of the key safety factors is its frangibility: the T.E.A.R. round breaks apart on impact while remaining effective at breaching door locks and hinges. It can penetrate a 14-gauge steel plate but does not pierce Level IIIA (HG2) soft body armor, even at point-blank range. This selective penetration significantly reduces the risk of unintended harm during operations.

This represents the latest version of the T.E.A.R. round, featuring a waterproof seal that makes it durable in various environments, such as high temperatures or underwater conditions. The cap also includes a UV-sensitive chemical, which allows for thorough quality control checks at the time of manufacturing. By sealing the primer and the brass rim, the design ensures reliable performance and durability for the user.

The T.E.A.R. round is designed to meet federal government breaching standards. It effectively breaches various doors—wooden or metal—installed on either wooden or metal frames, including locks and hinges. Heavier commercial doors (classified from Class 1 to Class 4) can also be addressed, though in more demanding scenarios, alternative methods may be used. To aid training, the T.E.A.R. round contains UV-reactive material that shows where shots land and how effectively they penetrate a barrier. This same UV material supports post-operation forensics by confirming that the rounds were used properly and for their intended purpose.

They appreciate the T.E.A.R. round’s ability to limit overpenetration, a critical safety factor given that hostages or bystanders could be on the other side of the door. Operators also report no significant blowback when firing at close range—reducing the chance of material coming back at them. These benefits are frequently cited as key reasons why law enforcement agencies choose T.E.A.R.

Officers rely on their training and protocols to assess door locks and hinges, often with advance knowledge about the building. The goal is to use a single T.E.A.R. round per hinge or lock by placing the shotgun muzzle at the correct position and angle, effectively taking out the target with minimal shots.

The T.E.A.R. round is a 12-gauge, 2¾-inch cartridge designed initially for pump-action shotguns, such as the Remington 870 with a shorter breaching barrel. It also functions well in many semi-automatic shotgun models. Rigorous quality control—ensuring consistent powder charges, projectile weights, and cartridge dimensions—prevents jamming or misfires, giving it near-100% reliability in the field. Tests have shown no issues with using T.E.A.R. rounds in shotguns equipped with suppressors.

While there are multiple options—including mechanical and explosive breaching—each method has limitations. Mechanical tools can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially if multiple doors are involved within a structure. Explosive breaching requires keeping a safe distance and then rushing in afterward. The T.E.A.R. round, used in ballistic breaching, offers a more versatile, immediate approach that’s especially useful for interior doors in hotels, commercial buildings, or multi-room residences.

While many tactical teams are already familiar with the T.E.A.R. round, there are specialized agencies and organizations that offer breaching training for teams new to ballistic breaching. These programs cover proper techniques, safety measures, and best practices to ensure effective use of the T.E.A.R. round in the field.

Yes. The T.E.A.R. round is 100% made in the United States, and its primary market is U.S. agencies and organizations. While exports do occur, they are typically limited to countries that have official cooperative agreements with the United States, either through military or law enforcement connections.