Buy 5.56 Ammo: 5.56mm NATO Ammo For Sale
Introduction to 5.56x45mm NATO
The 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge is one of the most widely used intermediate rifle rounds in the world, developed in response to military demands for a lightweight, high-velocity round with improved accuracy and manageable recoil. The U.S. military needed a replacement for the 7.62x51mm NATO, which, while powerful, was too heavy and difficult to control in fully automatic fire. The result was the 5.56mm M193 round, developed in the late 1950s alongside the AR-15 rifle, which was later adopted as the M16. The U.S. military officially adopted the M193 in 1963, and it saw extensive use during the Vietnam War. In 1980, NATO officially standardized the 5.56x45mm round, selecting the M855 (SS109) variant, which featured a heavier 62-grain bullet with a steel penetrator for improved penetration through barriers and body armor.
Ballistics and Performance
The 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge is known for its high velocity, flat trajectory, and effectiveness within 300-500 meters. Its muzzle velocity typically falls between 2,700 and 3,100 feet per second (fps), depending on barrel length and bullet type:
- M16A2 (20-inch barrel) – ~3,100 fps (M193), ~3,000 fps (M855)
- M4 Carbine (14.5-inch barrel) – ~2,900 fps (M855)
- Short-Barreled Rifles (10.5-inch barrel) – ~2,500-2,700 fps
The 5.56mm NATO round excels in rapid follow-up shots due to its low recoil, and modern variants like M855A1 offer superior barrier penetration and terminal ballistics compared to earlier versions.
Here are our picks for these caliber at Pro Armory!
Development of .223 Remington and Its Relationship to 5.56mm
The .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO were developed concurrently, not separately. In the late 1950s, Eugene Stoner and his team at Armalite, in collaboration with Sierra Bullets and Robert Hutton, worked to design a small-caliber, high-velocity round for military testing. This led to the .222 Remington Special, which was later modified and adopted by the U.S. military as 5.56mm M193.
In 1963, Remington Arms introduced the .223 Remington to the civilian market, where it quickly became popular for varmint hunting and target shooting. While .223 Remington and 5.56mm NATO share similar dimensions, they are not identical—5.56mm NATO is loaded to higher pressures and has different chamber specifications, making it unsafe to fire 5.56mm in a .223 chamber.
|
Feature
|
5.56x45mm NATO
|
.223 Remington
|
|
Chamber Pressure
|
Higher (~62,000 psi)
|
Lower (~55,000 psi)
|
|
Chamber Design
|
Longer throat (freebore)
|
Shorter throat
|
|
Bullet Velocity
|
Slightly higher on average
|
Slightly lower
|
|
Can Fire in .223?
|
❌ No (overpressure risk)
|
✅ Yes, safe
|
|
Best Use Cases
|
Military, tactical, long-range
|
Hunting, target shooting
|
|
Average Cost Per Round
|
$0.50-.60 cents per round
|
$0.40-.80 cents per round
|
5.56mm NATO Variants and Evolution
Since its adoption, 5.56x45mm NATO has undergone significant refinements:
- M193 (55gr FMJ, 1963-1980s) – Standard U.S. military round before NATO adoption, known for high velocity but inconsistent terminal effects.
- M855 (SS109) (62gr FMJ, 1980-Present) – Standard NATO round with a steel penetrator tip, improving barrier penetration but with inconsistent fragmentation.
- M855A1 (62gr Enhanced Performance Round, 2010-Present) – Lead-free round with a hardened steel tip and copper core, offering improved barrier penetration and consistent terminal effects.
- Mk 262 Mod 1 (77gr Open-Tip Match, 2000s-Present) – Special Forces precision round with enhanced long-range accuracy and superior lethality.
Types of 5.56x45mm Ammunition
Shooters have a variety of 5.56x45mm ammo options, each designed for different applications:
- Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) – Ideal for target shooting and military use (e.g., M193, M855).
- Open-Tip Match (OTM) – Used in precision shooting (e.g., Mk 262 Mod 1).
- Hollow Point (HP) – More common in civilian self-defense and hunting applications.
- Armor-Piercing (AP) – Rare, with rounds like M995 (tungsten core AP) available for military use.
- Tracer Rounds (M856) – Used for visibility and fire adjustment.
Civilian and Military Use Today
The 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington remain two of the most popular rifle cartridges worldwide for military, law enforcement, and civilian use. While some military forces are experimenting with new calibers such as 6.8x51mm, 5.56mm remains the dominant intermediate rifle cartridge due to its versatility, affordability, and effectiveness.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and longevity of your 5.56x45 ammo. Store your ammunition in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Most 5.56x45 ammo has a shelf life of 10-20 years, depending on the manufacturer and storage conditions. Always check the expiration date and inspect the ammo for any signs of damage or deterioration before use. By adhering to these storage guidelines, you can ensure your ammo remains in top condition for years to come.
Safety and Handling
Safety is paramount when handling 5.56x45 ammo. Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting, and ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area. Avoid touching the primer or bullet tip, as oils from your skin can affect the ammo’s performance. Proper storage is also crucial—keep your ammo in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets. By following these safety guidelines, you can enjoy your shooting experience while minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Buying 5.56 Ammo Online
Purchasing 5.56 ammo online can be both convenient and cost-effective. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth buying experience:
- Website Security: Always check the website’s security and privacy policies to ensure your personal and payment information is protected.
- Wide Selection: Look for websites that offer a broad range of ammo from various manufacturers, giving you more options to choose from.
- Shipping Policies: Review the website’s shipping policies to ensure your ammo will be delivered promptly and efficiently.
- Discounts and Promotions: Consider purchasing from websites that offer discounts and promotions to get the best value for your money.
- Legal Compliance: Always follow local and federal laws when purchasing ammo online to ensure you are compliant with regulations.
By following these tips, you can confidently buy 5.56 ammo online, ensuring you get the best products at the best prices.
Safety and Protection
At Pro Armory, your safety is our top priority. We offer a range of safety and protection products to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable shooting experience. From hearing protection to range bags, we’ve got everything you need to stay protected.
- Walker Hearing Protection: Protect your hearing with our selection of Walker hearing protection products. Whether you’re at the range or in the field, our hearing protection options will keep your ears safe from harmful noise levels.
- Safety Glasses: Keep your eyes safe with our range of safety glasses. Designed to provide clear vision and protection from debris, our safety glasses are a must-have for any shooter.
- Ear Protection: In addition to Walker hearing protection, we offer a variety of ear protection products to suit your needs. From earplugs to earmuffs, we have options to ensure your hearing is protected.
- Range Bags: Keep your gear organized and safe with our range of range bags. Designed to carry your firearms, ammo, and accessories, our range bags make it easy to transport everything you need for a successful shooting session.
By prioritizing safety and protection, you can ensure a fun and safe shooting experience. Remember to always follow proper safety protocols and use common sense when handling firearms. At Pro Armory, we’re here to support you with the best safety products and accessories available.
Why Shop with Us
At Pro Armory, we strive to provide our customers with the best shopping experience possible. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose us for your rifle ammo needs:
- Competitive Prices: We offer some of the best prices on rifle ammo online, making it easy to stock up without breaking the bank.
- Wide Selection: Our extensive selection includes a variety of brands, calibers, and types of rifle ammo, ensuring you find exactly what you need.
- Fast Shipping: We understand the importance of timely delivery, which is why we offer fast shipping on all orders. Get your ammo quickly and efficiently.
- Excellent Customer Service: Our knowledgeable and friendly salesmen are always ready to assist with any questions or concerns. At Pro Armory, customer satisfaction is our top priority.
Shop with confidence at Pro Armory and experience the benefits of our exceptional service and selection.
