This is just my personal opinion and I hope I don't offend anyone. I am in LE and I don't know what the big deal is about selling 5.56 TAP to civilians. But for me I prefer to shoot something that is more accurate than fragment at a longer range. Most of my encounters will be from 0-100 yards. And for home defense the .223 will also do the job. In my opinion, in LE it is better to have a round that is more accurate than anything else. It is a liability issued. If you miss, you are fucked if it hits an innocent person. When I was in the Military, it was different, the extra velocity always helps with the fragmentation at a longer distance.
I purchsed 200 rounds of the Hornady 5.56 TAP and it shot well. I just ordered 500 rounds of the HSM .223 75 Grain TAP Version. If it shoots more accurate than the Hornady, I will switch. They are cheaper than the Hornady.
I know to some of you guys it is just a matter of principal. Everyone should be entitled to the ammunition of their choice and I agree. But don't loose any sleep or get all upset over it. For most other purposes, since the .223 is generally more accurate than the 5.56, the .223 is just as good for most of our intended purposes. Just my 2 cents.