What grain 5.56 does the military use?

What Grain 5.56 does the Military Use?

The 5.56x45mm cartridge is a popular caliber used in various military and civilian rifles around the world. One of the most common questions asked by shooters and collectors is what grain 5.56 does the military use? The answer to this question is not as simple as it seems, as the military has used various grain weights over the years, and different nations have their own preferences. In this article, we will delve into the world of military 5.56mm ammunition and explore the different grain weights used by various militaries around the world.

A Brief History of 5.56mm Ammunition

The 5.56x45mm cartridge was developed in the late 1950s as a replacement for the 7.62x51mm cartridge used in the M14 rifle. The goal was to create a smaller, lighter, and more efficient cartridge that would have less recoil and be easier to handle. The US military adopted the M16 rifle, which fired the 5.56x45mm cartridge, and it quickly became the standard-issue rifle for the US military.

What Grain 5.56 Does the Military Use?

The US military has used various grain weights over the years, and it still does today. Here is a breakdown of the most common grain weights used by the US military:

• 55-grain M193: This is one of the most well-known and widely used grain weights in the world. It was the standard-issue grain weight for the M16 rifle and is still widely used today. The 55-grain M193 is known for its low recoil and high velocity.
• 62-grain M855: This grain weight was introduced in the 1980s and is known for its slightly heavier weight and improved ballistic performance. The 62-grain M855 is a popular choice among marksmen and snipers due to its increased downrange accuracy.
• 77-grain M80: This grain weight is used in the M16A2 rifle and is known for its heavier weight and improved penetration. The 77-grain M80 is often used for training and combat purposes due to its increased stopping power.

Other Grain Weights Used by the Military

While the US military has used the above-mentioned grain weights, other nations have used different grain weights in their 5.56x45mm ammunition. Here are some examples:

• 65-grain 5.56x45mm BB: Used by the UK military, this grain weight is known for its lighter weight and improved accuracy at longer ranges.
• 75-grain 5.56x45mm B32: Used by the Canadian military, this grain weight is known for its heavier weight and improved penetration.
• 110-grain 5.56x45mm BS: Used by the South African military, this grain weight is known for its heavier weight and improved armor-piercing capabilities.

Comparison of Grain Weights

Here is a comparison of the different grain weights used by the military:

Conclusion

In conclusion, the military has used various grain weights in their 5.56x45mm ammunition over the years. While the US military has used the 55-grain M193 and 62-grain M855, other nations have used different grain weights for their 5.56x45mm ammunition. The choice of grain weight often depends on the purpose of the ammunition, such as training, combat, or marksmanship.

Recommendations

Here are some recommendations for civilian shooters who are looking for a military-grade 5.56x45mm cartridge:

• 65-grain 5.56x45mm: This grain weight is a good all-around choice for civilian shooters, offering a good balance of accuracy, penetration, and recoil control.
• 62-grain 5.56x45mm: This grain weight is a good choice for marksmen and snipers, offering improved accuracy and penetration over the 55-grain M193.
• 77-grain 5.56x45mm: This grain weight is a good choice for law enforcement and civilian shooters who need a heavier, more penetrating cartridge for self-defense or hunting.

Tables and Figures

Here is a table comparing the different grain weights used by the military:

And here is a figure showing the trajectory of the different grain weights used by the military:

• Trajectory of 55-grain M193 cartridge
• Trajectory of 62-grain M855 cartridge
• Trajectory of 77-grain M80 cartridge