Types of 5.56 Ammo: Military and Civilian Options

Understanding Different Types of 5.56 Ammunition

The 5.56 NATO cartridge, developed in the 1960s, has evolved into one of the most versatile and widely used ammunition types worldwide. Each variant serves specific purposes, from military applications to civilian shooting, making it essential to understand their distinct characteristics and optimal uses.

Primary Types of 5.56 Ammo

M193 Ball Ammunition

M193 represents the original military loading for the 5.56x45mm cartridge:

• 55-grain full metal jacket bullet
• Approximately 3,250 fps from a 20-inch barrel
• High velocity creates significant terminal effects
• Ideal for general-purpose shooting and training

M855/SS109 Green Tip

The M855/SS109 offers enhanced capabilities:

• 62-grain bullet with steel penetrator core
• Enhanced barrier penetration
• Distinctive green tip identification
• Common NATO standard ammunition

Recent ballistic research findings have provided detailed insights into the structural composition and performance characteristics of M855 ammunition.

5.56 Tracer Rounds

Tracer rounds are designed to emit visible light during flight, allowing shooters to track their trajectory.

• Commonly used for low-light or tactical training
• Available in various weights and velocities

5.56 Armor-Piercing Rounds

Armor-piercing rounds are designed for specialized applications, such as breaching or defeating hard targets.

• Typically used for extreme scenarios
• Available in various weights and velocities (typically 77+ grains)

5.56 Ammo For Sale From Apex Ordnance

At Apex Ordnance, we offer 5.56 ammo created in the USA. Veteran owned and operated, we take pride in providing the best quality 5.56 ammo for sale.

5.56 Ballistics and Performance Comparison

Understanding the effective engagement distances is crucial when selecting ammunition for your intended use.

Match-Grade 5.56 Ammunition

Match-grade ammunition represents the pinnacle of 5.56 accuracy potential, featuring:

• Stringent quality control standards
• Premium components selection
• 77-grain Sierra MatchKing hollow point boat tail bullets
• Superior ballistic coefficients
• Exceptional accuracy beyond 600 yards

5.56 Match Ammunition Key Features

• Tighter quality control tolerances
• Premium brass cases selected for consistency
• Carefully selected powder charges
• High-performance match-grade bullets
• Optimal velocity stability

5.56 Defensive and Hunting Ammunition

Modern defensive and hunting loads optimize terminal performance through specialized bullet designs and construction methods.

5.56 Defensive Options

Several manufacturers produce purpose-built defensive ammunition:

• Federal Tactical Bonded: 62-grain bonded soft point
• Hornady TAP: Multiple weight options with polymer-tipped bullets
• Speer Gold Dot: Bonded hollow point design

Hunting With 5.56 Ammo

Ammunition selection for hunting varies by game and distance, consider reading our article on the best 5.56 ammo for hunting deer.

• Varmint Hunting: 40-55 grain expanding bullets
• Medium Game: 62-77 grain bonded soft points
• Long-Range: 77+ grain bullets with high ballistic coefficients

Training and Practice With 5.56 Ammo

Training ammunition prioritizes reliability and cost-effectiveness while maintaining similar point of impact to defensive loads. For more information on training with 5.56 ammo, read our blog post on the best range 5.56 ammo.

Bulk Training Characteristics

• Standard 55-grain FMJ loads
• Consistent primer and powder selection
• New or remanufactured brass cases
• Reliable feeding and function
• Cost-effective for high-volume shooting

Pressure and Safety Considerations

Understanding pressure differences between .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO chambers is crucial for safety:

• 5.56 NATO: 62,366 PSI maximum average pressure
• .223 Remington: 55,000 PSI maximum average pressure

Chamber Compatibility

• 5.56 NATO chambers can safely fire .223 Remington ammunition
• .223 Remington chambers should not use 5.56 NATO ammunition
• Always verify proper chamber designation before use

5.56 Ammo Selection Guidelines

Choose ammunition based on your specific needs:

Training and Practice

• Standard 55-grain FMJ
• Similar point of impact to defensive loads
• Cost-effective for high volume shooting

Competition

• Match-grade ammunition
• Consistent velocity spreads
• Superior external ballistics

Defensive Use

• Purpose-built expanding ammunition
• Reliable feeding characteristics
• Proven terminal performance

Hunting Applications

• Appropriate expansion characteristics
• Adequate penetration for intended game
• Suitable ballistic performance for expected ranges

Why Barrel Length Matters For 5.56 Ammo

Barrel length significantly impacts the performance of 5.56 ammo. Longer barrels allow for increased velocity and improved accuracy, while shorter barrels are more maneuverable but may sacrifice range and stopping power. For more information on barrel length and its impact on 5.56 ammo performance, read our blog post on the best barrel length for 5.56 ammo.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Types of 5.56 Ammo

• What are the main types of 5.56 ammo available?

  The main types of 5.56 ammunition include M193 (55-grain FMJ), M855/SS109 (62-grain green tip), Match Grade, and various hunting/defensive rounds with expanding bullets.

• What's the difference between M193 and M855 types of 5.56 ammo?

  M193 uses a 55-grain FMJ bullet optimized for velocity, while M855 features a 62-grain bullet with a steel penetrator core for enhanced barrier penetration.

• Which types of 5.56 ammo are best for accuracy?

  Match-grade ammunition, particularly 77-grain Sierra MatchKing loads, typically offers the best accuracy for 5.56 platforms due to consistent manufacturing and optimized design.

• What types of 5.56 ammo work best for training?

  Standard 55-grain FMJ ammunition is ideal for training due to its affordability, reliability, and similar ballistics to defensive loads.

• Are all types of 5.56 ammo compatible with .223 chambers?

  No, while .223 ammunition can safely fire in 5.56 chambers, not all types of 5.56 ammo are safe to use in .223 chambers due to higher pressure ratings.

• What types of 5.56 ammo offer the best terminal performance?

  Purpose-designed defensive ammunition with expanding bullets like Federal Tactical or Hornady TAP typically offers superior terminal performance compared to standard FMJ loads.