5.56 ammo
Dating back to the 1950s, the 5.56x45mm NATO was designed as a response to evolving combat needs. Its lighter weight allowed soldiers to carry more ammunition into battle compared to larger calibers like the 7.62 NATO. Eventually adopted alongside the M16 rifle, the 5.56 NATO round proved itself in terms of effectiveness and adaptability. Its development, rooted in the .223 Remington, cemented its place as one of the most reliable calibers for combat and civilian use alike.
Whether you're looking for bulk 5.56 ammo for consistent range practice, specialized 5.56 NATO rounds for defense, or match grade 5.56 ammo for precision shooting, GRITR Sports has it.
Why Opt for the 556
Versatility: From training and target shooting to home defense, the 5.56 NATO round performs well in a wide range of scenarios. Its unique design ensures compatibility with most modern sporting rifles, especially the AR-15 platform. Just make sure you use proper rounds for your applications, usually, it’s 556 FMJ bullets or 556 ball ammo for range use and target practice or 556 hollow points for defense and hunting.
Types of 556 ammo: 556 bullets using FMJ design are either the M193 55-grain, known for speed and fragmentation, or the M855 green tip 62-grain bullets, known for greater penetration and “barrier-blind” performance. The M855 was designed to penetrate light barriers such as thin metals and cinder blocks but is less effective against body armor or for home defense due to over-penetration risks. It performs best with faster twist rates (1:7 or 1:8 barrels) for improved stabilization. If you're unsure which is right for you, start with lighter loads like 55 grain FMJ for general use.
Performance: The 5.56 bullet is a high-speed projectile that achieves a flat trajectory, which makes it accurate at long ranges. Also, a combination of light weight and high velocity makes it prone to fragmentation, which results in significant tissue damage. For these reasons cartridge has become a favorite among civilian shooters for hunting small to medium-sized game (30-50kg) like coyotes or hogs, target shooting at distances up to 800 ft, and personal / home defense withhollow point ammunition that provides controlled impact, minimizing over-penetration.
Affordability and Accessibility: For shooters looking to buy in bulk, 5.56 bulk ammo options are widely available at competitive prices. A case of 556 ammo (typically 1000 rounds of 556) offers great value for high-volume shooters. With new options constantly on sale, finding cheap 5.56 ammo online has never been easier. For those prioritizing value, opt for 500 rounds of 556 or stock up with 20 rounds of 556 for casual range visits.
Top Recommendations for 5.56 Ammo
Looking for the best 5.56 AR-15 ammo? Consider these dependable options:
- Federal American Eagle FMJ55gr or 62gr - Great for range days, offering consistent performance. A go-to for reliable and accurate target shooting.
- Hornady 5.56 Critical Defense 55gr - Perfect for home defense with low flash powder and rapid expansion, making it effective in confined spaces while minimizing collateral damage.
- PMC X-TAC 5.56 M855 Green Tip62gr- Designed for long-range performance, this 556 NATO round provides excellent penetration against soft barriers and is ideal for tactical applications.
- Winchester M193 55gr - A classic choice for AR-15 users. Its high velocity makes it dependable for various activities.
- Sierra Tipped MatchKing 5.56 77gr - Great for hunting medium game.
Check out our 5.56 ammo guide.
Reloading 5.56
Reloading your own 5.56 ammo is another way to save money and customize loads for specific needs. Keep in mind, however, that 556 NATO rounds often feature crimped primer pockets, requiring a decrimping tool. Additionally, ensure you're using appropriate load data, as pressures for 5.56 NATO differ from .223 Remington cartridges.
Start exploring our curated selection of 5.56 NATO ammo online, from trusted names like Federal, Winchester, PMC, and Hornady. No matter your budget or application, GRITR Sports has got you covered.
FAQs
What is 5.56 ammo used for?
5.56 ammo is widely used for hunting, target shooting, and military purposes. Its versatility makes it a staple for shooters who require reliable performance, both for civilian competition and tactical applications.
Is there a difference between 5.56 NATO and .223 ammo?
Yes, 5.56 NATO operates at a higher pressure and has slightly different chamber dimensions than .223 Remington. While .223 can typically be fired from a 5.56 NATO chamber, using 5.56 in a .223 chamber can be unsafe due to pressure differences.
What does “green tip” 5.56 ammo mean?
Green tip 5.56 ammo, often labeled as M855, features a steel penetrator core for better penetration through barriers. It’s commonly used in tactical scenarios and is sometimes restricted at civilian ranges due to its enhanced penetration capabilities.
How is match grade 5.56 ammo different?
Match grade 5.56 ammo is designed for precision shooting. It uses high-quality components and tighter manufacturing tolerances, making it ideal for competitions or applications where accuracy is a priority.
Can you shoot 5.56 ammo in an AR-15?
Yes, as long as your AR-15 is chambered for 5.56 NATO or marked “multi-caliber.” If it’s chambered specifically for .223 Remington, avoid using 5.56 ammo to prevent potential safety issues.
What is the typical price of 5.56 ammo?
Prices vary between $0.35 to $1.00 per round, depending on the brand, quantity, and type (e.g., bulk ammo or specialty rounds like hollow point or green tip). Buying bulk packs, like 1,000 rounds, often reduces the per-round cost.
What does “bulk 5.56 ammo” mean?
Bulk 5.56 ammo refers to larger quantities sold together, generally in packs of 200, 500, or 1,000 rounds. This is a cost-effective option for those who shoot frequently or prepare for extended range sessions.
What is the effective range of 5.56 ammo?
The effective range of 5.56 ammo is typically around 300-500 yards, depending on the specific cartridge, rifle setup, and shooting conditions. This makes it suitable for mid-range engagements and precision at moderate distances.
Is 5.56 ammo only for military use?
No, while 5.56 NATO originated as a military cartridge, it’s widely available for civilian use. It’s popular among sport shooters, hunters, and competitors for its versatility and consistent performance.
What’s the difference between FMJ and hollow point 5.56 ammo?
FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) ammo is designed with a lead core encased in a hard metal shell, minimizing expansion and making it ideal for target practice. Hollow point ammo expands upon impact, increasing stopping power and making it better suited for defense or hunting.
What are the grain options for 5.56 ammo?
5.56 ammo is available in grain weights ranging from 55 to 77 grains, with 55 and 62 grains being the most common. Lighter grains are popular for target shooting, while heavier grains offer better stability for long-range precision.
Can 5.56 ammo be used in bolt-action rifles?
Yes, many bolt-action rifles are chambered for 5.56 NATO, making them compatible. Bolt-action rifles often provide greater accuracy with 5.56 ammunition compared to semi-automatic platforms.
What type of targets can 5.56 ammo penetrate?
Standard 5.56 ammo can penetrate soft barriers like wood and thin metal. Green tip rounds can penetrate some thicker steel and harder materials but are restricted on certain civilian ranges.
How should I store bulk 5.56 ammo?
Store ammo in a cool, dry environment with minimal humidity. Ammo cans or cases with a rubber seal work well to protect the cartridges from moisture and corrosion.
What’s the speed of 5.56 ammo?
Depending on the barrel length and specific round, the muzzle velocity of 5.56 ammo ranges between 2,900 and 3,200 feet per second. Lighter bullets tend to achieve higher velocities.
How do I know if my rifle shoots 5.56 ammo?
Check the stamp on your rifle’s barrel or the specifications in its manual. If marked as 5.56 NATO or “multi-caliber,” it’s compatible with 5.56 ammo.
What is the significance of colored tips on 5.56 ammo?
Colored tips indicate specific features:
- Green Tip: Enhanced penetration (M855).
- Red Tip or Blue Tip: Tracer rounds.
- Brown Tip or Black Tip: Armor-piercing rounds.