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5.56MM NATO AMMO

The 5.56x45 round originated in the late 1950s, a product of post-World War II research into more efficient small-caliber ammunition. The United States Army sought a lightweight, high-velocity round to improve soldier mobility and accuracy. Initial development was driven by the need to replace the heavier 7.62x51 round, which, while powerful, limited the amount of ammunition soldiers could carry.

 

This led to the .223 Remington cartridge developed in the early 1960s as a result of a collaboration between Remington Arms and Fairchild Industries, primarily for use in the new Armalite rifle. In 1963 Remington Arms officially introduced the .223 Remington cartridge to the civilian market. It quickly gained popularity among varmint hunters and target shooters due to its high velocity, flat trajectory, and manageable recoil. It was phased out in the 1970s by the military and the 5.56, M855 took its place as standard issued ammunition. The 5.56x45mm and the .223 Remington remain two of the most popular cartridges for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense today.



Here are our picks for these calibers at Pro Armory!

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