What 5.56 does the military use?

What 5.56 Does the Military Use?

The 5.56x45mm cartridge has been a cornerstone of modern military firearms since its introduction in the late 1960s. Developed by the Belgian armaments company FN Herstal, the 5.56x45mm round was designed to be a high-velocity, moderate-caliber cartridge that could penetrate body armor while causing minimal collateral damage.

In this article, we will delve into the specifics of what 5.56 does the military use and why it has remained a popular choice for military and law enforcement agencies around the world.

Variations of 5.56

Before we dive into what the military uses 5.56 for, it’s essential to understand the different variations of the 5.56x45mm cartridge. Over the years, multiple governments and manufacturers have developed their own versions of the cartridge, each with slightly different characteristics.

Here are some of the most common variations of 5.56:

• SS109: Developed by FN Herstal, the SS109 is the original 5.56x45mm cartridge used by the United States military. It features a 55-grain, full-metal jacket bullet with a muzzle velocity of approximately 3,025 feet per second.
• M855: An American variant of the 5.56x45mm cartridge, the M855 features a 55-grain, penetrator-tipped bullet with a muzzle velocity of approximately 3,025 feet per second.
• M855A1: A modified version of the M855, the M855A1 features a steel core and a red copper-jacketed bullet for improved penetration and resistance to fouling.
• Green Tip: Used by some European countries, the Green Tip cartridge features a 62-grain, pointed-tip bullet with a muzzle velocity of approximately 3,000 feet per second.

Rifle Cartridges

So, what does the military use 5.56 for? The answer is clear: rifle cartridges. Specifically, the 5.56x45mm cartridge is used in rifles like the M16, M4, and M4A1, which are standard-issue assault rifles for the United States military.

Here’s a breakdown of the various 5.56 rifle cartridges used by the military:

Handgun Cartridges

But that’s not all the military uses 5.56 for. The cartridge is also used in handgun format, specifically in the FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm pistol. This unusual pairing of a rifle cartridge in a handgun might raise some eyebrows, but there’s a good reason behind it.

The FN Five-seveN uses the 5.56x45mm cartridge because it provides a higher velocity than standard handgun cartridges like 9x19mm or.40 S&W. This increased velocity results in better penetration and increased kinetic energy transfer, making the 5.56x45mm cartridge an attractive choice for military and law enforcement agencies.

Here are some key statistics on the FN Five-seveN 5.56x45mm pistol:

Other Applications

Beyond rifle and handgun cartridges, the 5.56x45mm round has been used in various other applications, including:

• Sniper cartridges: The 5.56x45mm cartridge is used in some sniper rifles, such as the MK 21 Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR). These cartridges feature heavier bullets with a higher ballistic coefficient, making them more effective at long ranges.
• Suppressor cartridges: Some manufacturers produce 5.56x45mm suppressor cartridges, designed specifically for use with sound-suppressing devices.
• Training cartridges: Blank cartridges, which do not contain a live bullet, are used for training and practice purposes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, what does the military use 5.56 for? The answer is multifaceted. The 5.56x45mm cartridge is used in a variety of applications, from rifle cartridges to handgun cartridges, and even beyond to sniper cartridges, suppressor cartridges, and training cartridges. Its high velocity and moderate caliber make it an attractive choice for military and law enforcement agencies around the world.

Whether used in the M16 or FN Five-seveN, the 5.56x45mm cartridge remains a staple of modern warfare and law enforcement, and its versatility and effectiveness continue to make it a valuable asset for military personnel and law enforcement officers.

References:

• "A Quick and Dirty Guide to Firearms: The 5.56x45mm Round" by Kyle Lamb (sofrep.com)
• "The 5.56x45mm Cartridge: A Critical Review" by Anthony J. Brady (www.california.com)
• "5.56x45mm: The Forgotten Bullet" by David W. Hardy (www.sandlindefense.com)

I hope this article provides valuable information about what the military uses 5.56 for.