The 5.56x45mm M855 cartridge, easily identifiable by its green-tipped bullet, has a long and storied history within the military and civilian shooting communities. This guide delves into the specifics of this ammunition, exploring its design, performance characteristics, legality, and applications.
Understanding the M855 Green Tip Round
The M855, officially designated as the "SS109" by NATO, is a full metal jacket (FMJ) round designed for military use. The distinctive green tip isn't just for aesthetics; it contains a steel penetrator core, enhancing its ability to pierce through hard targets like body armor and light vehicles. This contrasts with earlier rounds like the M193, which relied solely on lead cores for projectile weight.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
- Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) with Steel Core
- Bullet Weight: Approximately 62 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: Typically around 3,100 feet per second (fps)
- Green Tip: Indicates the presence of the steel penetrator core.
Performance and Ballistics
The steel core in the M855 green tip significantly impacts its ballistics. While effective at penetrating harder materials, this design can also lead to increased fragmentation upon impact with softer targets. This characteristic has been a subject of debate, particularly concerning its use in civilian settings. The fragmentation potential presents both advantages and disadvantages depending on the intended application.
Advantages:
- Increased Penetration: Effective against hardened targets like body armor and light vehicles.
- Long Range Accuracy: The heavier bullet maintains better trajectory at longer distances compared to lead-core rounds.
Disadvantages:
- Fragmentation Potential: Increased risk of fragmentation upon impact with softer materials, potentially causing more extensive wounds.
- Potential for Overpenetration: The significant penetration power poses a significant risk of overpenetration, particularly in civilian environments.
Legality and Availability
The legality of 5.56 M855 green tip ammo varies considerably depending on location. Some states and jurisdictions have imposed restrictions or outright bans on its sale or possession due to concerns regarding its potential for harm and overpenetration in civilian settings. It is crucial to research and understand the specific laws and regulations in your area before purchasing or possessing this ammunition.
Applications and Use Cases
While primarily designed for military use, the M855 green tip finds application in various contexts:
- Law Enforcement: Some law enforcement agencies utilize this ammunition due to its penetration capabilities.
- Long-Range Shooting: Its ballistic properties make it suitable for longer-range target practice.
- Hunting (Limited): While not ideal for all hunting applications, it can be effective for certain types of game at appropriate ranges, but this is less common due to potential for overpenetration.
Alternatives to M855 Green Tip
Several alternative 5.56x45mm rounds offer comparable performance without the steel core and its associated fragmentation concerns. These alternatives often utilize lead or other softer core materials. These options frequently are considered more suitable for civilian applications and training.
Conclusion
The 5.56 M855 green tip round is a powerful and effective cartridge with a specific design and application. Understanding its characteristics, performance, and legal implications is paramount. Always prioritize safety and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations when handling and using this ammunition. Researching the laws in your area is paramount before purchasing or using this type of ammunition. Remember, responsible firearm ownership includes understanding the ammunition you use.
