The 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge is one of the most widely used rifle rounds in the world, known for its versatility, reliability, and effectiveness. Whether you're looking for a round for home defense, training at the range, or general preparedness, choosing the right 5.56 ammo can make all the difference.
With countless options available, we’ve done the work to bring you the best choices for your needs. Using our experience with the 5.56 NATO platform, we’ve examined ballistic performance, accuracy, reliability, and cost to determine the top picks in each category.
Our Top 4 Picks For 5.56 Ammunition
- Hornady Frontier 5.56 NATO 75gr BTHP Match – Best Overall 5.56 For Accurate, Dependable Shots On Target
- Magtech 5.56 NATO 62gr FMJ - Best 5.56 For Going To The Range
- PMC X-Tac 5.56 NATO 55gr FMJBT - Best 5.56 For Shooters On A Budget
- Hornady Black 5.56 NATO 75gr SBR Soft Point - Best 5.56 For Use With Short Barreled Rifles
Best Overall: Hornady Frontier 5.56 NATO 75gr BTHP Match
Hornady’s Frontier line delivers top-tier accuracy and dependability with the 5.56 NATO 75gr BTHP Match. This round is loaded with a boat tail hollow point (BTHP) projectile, designed for precision and stable flight. Whether you're engaging targets at longer distances or need a reliable defensive round, this ammo provides consistent velocity, tight groupings, and excellent terminal performance.
Hornady Frontier 5.56 NATO 75gr BTHP Match Grain
Pros
- Match-grade accuracy for reliable precision
- Boat tail hollow point (BTHP) design enhances stability in flight
- High-quality brass cases and consistent powder loads
- Excellent option for both defense and long-range target shooting
Cons
- Higher cost compared to basic FMJ rounds
- Overpenetration may be a concern for home defense in urban settings
Why We Selected This Product:
Hornady has a reputation for producing some of the most accurate ammunition on the market. The Frontier 75gr BTHP is an excellent balance of stopping power and precision, making it our top pick for those who want a dependable round that hits its mark every time.
Best 5.56 For Going To The Range: Magtech 5.56 NATO 62gr FMJ
If you're looking for affordable, reliable range ammo, the Magtech 5.56 NATO 62gr FMJ is an excellent choice. This round is designed for high-volume shooting, making it perfect for training and target practice.
Magtech 5.56 NATO 62gr FMJ
Pros
- Cost-effective for regular range use
- Standard 62gr FMJ design ensures smooth feeding and cycling
- Brass-cased for reloadability
- Reliable ignition and consistency
Cons
- Not designed for home defense or serious tactical use
- FMJ bullets have limited expansion and terminal effectiveness
Why We Selected This Product:
When it comes to spending hours at the range honing your skills, you want an affordable and dependable round. Magtech delivers a well-made and consistent training round without breaking the bank.
Best 5.56 For Shooters On A Budget: PMC X-Tac 5.56 NATO 55gr FMJBT
PMC's X-Tac 55gr FMJBT offers a balance of affordability and performance, making it a great option for budget-conscious shooters. This round features a boat tail design, which improves aerodynamics and enhances accuracy for both training and general use.
MC X-Tac 5.56 NATO 55gr FMJBT
Pros
- Affordable without sacrificing quality
- Reliable feeding and consistent ballistics
- Boat tail design improves accuracy
- Reloadable brass cases
Cons
- Lighter 55gr projectile may be less effective against barriers
- FMJBT rounds lack terminal expansion
Why We Selected This Product:
For shooters who want a balance between cost and quality, PMC’s X-Tac line provides a dependable training round that doesn’t compromise on performance. It’s a great choice for those who shoot frequently and need to keep costs low.
Best 5.56 For Use With Short Barreled Rifles: Hornady Black 5.56 NATO 75gr SBR Soft Point
If you're running a short-barreled rifle (SBR) or AR pistol, you need ammunition that performs well in shorter barrels. The Hornady Black 75gr SBR Soft Point is optimized for shorter barrel lengths, offering enhanced expansion and energy transfer.
Hornady Black 5.56 NATO 75gr SBR Soft Point RPLH81296_2 RPLH81296_1 RPLH81296_3
Pros
- Specifically designed for SBRs and AR pistols
- Soft point projectile enhances expansion for better stopping power
- Consistent performance even in suppressed firearms
- Reliable ignition with high-quality components
Cons
- Higher price point
- Soft point design may cause feeding issues in some rifles
Why We Selected This Product:
Short-barreled rifles require ammunition that performs efficiently in shorter dwell times. Hornady’s Black 75gr SBR Soft Point ensures maximum energy transfer, making it one of the best defensive rounds for compact AR platforms.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 5.56 ammo depends on your intended use. Whether you're training at the range, preparing for home defense, or stocking up for uncertain times, there’s a cartridge that meets your needs.
- For overall accuracy and reliability , Hornady Frontier 75gr BTHP Match is the way to go.
- If you spend a lot of time at the range, Magtech 62gr FMJ provides an affordable, high-volume option.
- Shooters on a tight budget should check out PMC X-Tac 55gr FMJBT for solid performance without breaking the bank.
- If you run an SBR or AR pistol, Hornady Black 75gr SBR Soft Point is optimized for short barrels and home defense.
No matter your needs, stocking up on quality 5.56 ammunition is always a smart move. Stay prepared, stay trained, and shoot with confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 5.56 can be effective for home defense, especially when using expanding or fragmenting rounds. However, it’s important to be mindful of over penetration risks, especially in urban environments.
The 5.56 NATO cartridge is loaded to higher pressures and has a longer throat than .223 Remington. While .223 can be fired in a 5.56 chamber, 5.56 should not be fired in a .223-only chamber due to pressure differences.
It depends on your use case. 55gr-62gr FMJ rounds are great for training, while 75gr or heavier bullets provide better accuracy and terminal performance.
Soft point or hollow point bullets are better for home defense since they expand upon impact, reducing over penetration risks. FMJ rounds are better suited for range training.
Yes, if your AR-15 is chambered for 5.56 NATO, it can safely fire both 5.56 and .223 Remington ammunition.
The Hornady Black 75gr SBR Soft Point is specifically designed for short-barreled rifles, ensuring better terminal performance in a compact platform.
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