Frontier Cartridge 5.56x45mm NATO Ammo: A Comprehensive Review
As an avid shooter, I was excited to get my hands on the Frontier Cartridge 5.56x45mm NATO ammo, specifically the 55-grain FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) variant. With 20 rounds in a box, I was eager to put them through their paces and see how they performed. In this review, I’ll be sharing my experience with this product, highlighting both the pros and cons, and providing a comprehensive summary.
Packaging and Handling
The packaging of this product is straightforward and simple. The ammo is contained in a standard 20-round plastic box with a clear plastic lid, making it easy to see the contents. The box is durable and Ministackable. The weight of the box is 2.2 pounds, which is relatively light.
Performance
I fired the Frontier Cartridge 5.56x45mm NATO ammo for the first time at a range specifically designed for long-distance shooting. I was immediately struck by the smooth feed and extraction of the ammo. The rounds cycled through my rifle’s action with ease, and I didn’t experience any misfires or malfunctions.
Here are some notable performance aspects:
• Accuracy: The Frontier Cartridge 5.56x45mm NATO ammo showed excellent accuracy, with half-inch groupings at 50 yards and 1-inch groupings at 100 yards.
• Velocity: The ammo achieved an average velocity of 2,700 FPS, which is within the acceptable range for 5.56x45mm NATO.
• Expansion: The 55-grain FMJ bullet expansion was satisfactory, creating a clean, neat wound channel and not over-penetrating.
Comparison to Other Brands
For comparison, I’ve had experience with other brands of 5.56x45mm NATO ammo, such as Federal, Winchester, and Remington. The Frontier Cartridge ammo performed similarly well, but with some differences:
• Cost: Frontier Cartridge ammo is more affordable compared to the other brands, with a significant price disparity.
• Consistency: While all brands showed good consistency, Frontier Cartridge ammo was slightly more consistent, with less variation in velocity and expansion.
• Ejector Polish: Some users might notice that Frontier Cartridge ammo leaves a slight residue on the ejection port, which can lead to increased maintenance.
Pros and Cons
Here is a comprehensive list of the pros and cons I’ve encountered:
Pros:
• Affordable price point
• Smooth feed and extraction
• Excellent accuracy
• Good velocity and expansion
• Satisfactory wound channel expansion
• Lightweight packaging
Cons:
• Some residue left on the ejection port
• May not be suitable for rugged, high-use applications
• Limited availability of specific calibers and grain weights
Conclusion
The Frontier Cartridge 5.56x45mm NATO ammo is a solid choice for shooters looking for a reliable, accurate, and affordable cartridge. While it may not be the most premium option on the market, it offers a good balance of performance and price. If you’re on a budget or looking for a practical, reliable ammunition for target shooting or casual plinking, this is an excellent choice. I would recommend this ammo to new shooters or those on a budget, and I would use it myself again in the future.
