What Ammo Does an AR 15 Fire?
The AR 15 is one of the most popular firearms in the world, and its versatility has made it a favorite among shooters, hunters, and military personnel alike. With its interchangeable upper and lower receivers, the AR 15 can be configured to fire various types of ammunition. But what exactly does an AR 15 fire?
Direct Answer
The AR 15, by design, fires 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. With the right upper and lower receiver combinations, an AR 15 can fire other types of ammunition as well.
Ammunition Options
Here are some of the most common types of ammunition used in AR 15s:
• 5.56x45mm NATO: This is the original and most common caliber for the AR 15. It is a intermediate-power cartridge designed for both rifles and pistols.
• .223 Remington: This is a civilian-legal variant of the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. It is also an intermediate-power cartridge, but it is slightly shorter and has a slightly slower twist rate than the 5.56x45mm NATO.
• .300 Blackout: This is a subsonic cartridge designed for use in suppressed AR 15s. It is also suitable for use in regular AR 15s without a suppressor.
• 6.5 Grendel: This is a flat-shooting cartridge that is gaining popularity in AR 15s. It is a bit longer and heavier than the 5.56x45mm NATO.
• 6.8 SPC: This is another flat-shooting cartridge that is often used in AR 15s. It is a bit longer and heavier than the 5.56x45mm NATO.
• .450 Bushmaster: This is a larger and more powerful cartridge that is often used in AR 15s. It is suitable for use in both hunting and target shooting.
• 9x19mm Parabellum: This is a pistol cartridge that can be used in AR 15s with a conversion kit. It is often used for home defense and other close-range applications.
Ammunition Calibers and Their Uses
Here is a breakdown of the different ammunition calibers used in AR 15s and their typical uses:
| Ammunition Caliber | Typical Use | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5.56x45mm NATO | General purpose | An intermediate-power cartridge suitable for both rifles and pistols. |
| .223 Remington | General purpose | A civilian-legal variant of the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. Suitable for target shooting and varmint hunting. |
| .300 Blackout | Suppressed or subsonic use | A subsonic cartridge designed for use in suppressed AR 15s. Suitable for close-range or indoor use. |
| 6.5 Grendel | Long-range or hunting use | A flat-shooting cartridge suitable for long-range target shooting or hunting small game. |
| 6.8 SPC | Long-range or hunting use | A flat-shooting cartridge suitable for long-range target shooting or hunting medium game. |
| .450 Bushmaster | Hunting or target shooting | A larger and more powerful cartridge suitable for hunting larger game or target shooting at longer ranges. |
| 9x19mm Parabellum | Home defense or target shooting | A pistol cartridge suitable for use in AR 15s with a conversion kit. Suitable for home defense or target shooting at close range. |
Conversion Kits and Ammunition Options
Conversion kits are available for AR 15s that allow users to switch between different calibers or types of ammunition. Here are some examples of conversion kits and their uses:
• 9x19mm Parabellum conversion kit: This kit allows users to convert their AR 15 to fire 9x19mm Parabellum pistol ammunition.
• .300 Blackout conversion kit: This kit allows users to convert their AR 15 to fire.300 Blackout subsonic ammunition.
• 6.8 SPC conversion kit: This kit allows users to convert their AR 15 to fire 6.8 SPC flat-shooting ammunition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the AR 15 is a versatile firearm that can be configured to fire a variety of ammunition types and calibers. From the original 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge to the newer.450 Bushmaster, there is an ammunition option available for every type of shooter and application. By understanding the different ammunition options available and how they are used, shooters can get the most out of their AR 15 and choose the right ammunition for their specific needs.
