What is M855 Ammo?
Introduction
M855 is a type of 5.56x45mm cartridge ammunition used in rifles and carbines. It is a popular choice among civilian shooters, law enforcement agencies, and military forces due to its versatility, reliability, and effectiveness. In this article, we will delve into the details of M855 ammo, exploring its history, design, and performance.
What is M855 Ammo?
M855 is a type of full-metal jacket (FMJ) cartridge designed for use in M16 and M4 rifles. It is characterized by its green tip, which indicates that it is a armor-piercing (AP) round. The bullet itself is a 50-grain (3.25g) full-metal jacket with a boattail design. The cartridge has a muzzle velocity of approximately 3,150 feet per second (960 m/s) and a muzzle energy of around 1,300 foot-pounds (1,763 J).
History
M855 ammunition was first introduced in the 1980s as a replacement for the earlier M193 cartridge. It was designed to provide improved penetration and accuracy, making it more effective against armored targets. The green tip was introduced to indicate that the cartridge was armor-piercing, allowing users to distinguish it from other types of 5.56x45mm ammunition.
Design
The M855 cartridge features a 50-grain (3.25g) full-metal jacket bullet with a boattail design. The boattail allows the bullet to maintain a stable trajectory and reduces air resistance, resulting in a more accurate and flat shooting cartridge. The full-metal jacket provides a strong, consistent and reliable barrier to prevent the bullet from disintegrating upon impact.
Performance
M855 ammunition is known for its impressive penetration and accuracy. The bullet is designed to penetrate armor plating and ballistic vests, making it an effective choice for law enforcement and military applications. The cartridge also has a relatively flat trajectory, making it suitable for precision shooting and medium-range engagements.
Comparison to Other Ammunition
M855 ammunition is often compared to other 5.56x45mm cartridges, such as the M193 and the SS109. The main differences between these cartridges are:
- Bullet design: M193 has a soft-point (SP) bullet, while SS109 has a hollow-point (HP) bullet. M855 has a full-metal jacket (FMJ) bullet.
- Penetration: M855 is designed for armor penetration, while M193 and SS109 are not.
- Expansion: SS109 has a hollow point, which allows it to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel. M193 and M855 do not expand.
Table: Comparison of M855 to Other 5.56x45mm Cartridges
| M193 | SS109 | M855 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Design | Soft Point (SP) | Hollow Point (HP) | Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) |
| Penetration | No | No | Yes |
| Expansion | No | Yes | No |
Conclusion
M855 ammunition is a popular and effective choice for civilian shooters, law enforcement agencies, and military forces. Its armor-piercing capabilities, combined with its accuracy and reliability, make it an ideal choice for a variety of applications. While it may not be the best choice for every situation, M855 is a versatile and trusted cartridge that has earned its place in the world of firearms.
Additional Information
- M855 ammo is not suitable for use in all firearms. It is designed specifically for use in M16 and M4 rifles and may not be compatible with other firearms.
- M855 ammo is considered armor-piercing and may be subject to certain regulations.
- M855 ammo is not designed for hunting or sporting purposes. It is intended for use in law enforcement and military applications.
