Armscor M855 5.56x45mm NATO 62 gr FMJ: The Premier Choice for Reliable Rifle Performance

For rifle enthusiasts, tactical operators, and competitive shooters seeking dependable and consistent ammunition, the Armscor M855 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) stands out as a top-tier solution. This ammunition is specifically engineered to deliver robust performance, making it an excellent choice for a wide array of shooting applications, from rigorous training exercises to general range plinking and maintaining proficiency with your AR-15 platform rifle. If you've ever asked, "What is the best 5.56 ammunition for consistent range performance?" or "Where can I find reliable M855 bulk ammo?", this detailed overview will provide comprehensive answers.

Understanding M855 Ammunition: A Standard of Excellence

The M855 designation refers to a specific type of 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition that gained prominence as the standard ball cartridge for military forces worldwide. Its defining characteristic is a 62-grain full metal jacket bullet featuring a steel penetrator tip, often identified by its distinct green tip. This design provides enhanced penetration capabilities compared to the lighter M193 55-grain bullet, particularly against harder targets. While not designed for hunting, its robust construction ensures reliable feeding and consistent ballistics, making it highly valued for training and target practice where consistent performance is paramount.

When considering ammunition for your AR-15 or other 5.56 NATO-chambered rifle, the M855 standard offers a unique blend of attributes. It's built to exacting military specifications, ensuring compatibility and optimal function across a broad range of firearms designed for this cartridge. For anyone looking to replicate the feel and performance of military-issue ammunition for their training regimen, Armscor's M855 62 gr FMJ offers an authentic and reliable experience.

Why Armscor M855 62 gr FMJ is a Top Recommendation

Armscor has established a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective ammunition, and their M855 62 gr FMJ offering is no exception. This particular load brings several advantages to the shooter:

• Exceptional Reliability: Manufactured to strict quality control standards, Armscor M855 rounds are known for consistent primer ignition, clean burning powder, and uniform bullet seating. This translates directly to fewer malfunctions and a more enjoyable, productive shooting session. For users who prioritize uptime on the range and seamless firearm operation, this consistency is invaluable.
• Consistent Ballistic Performance: The 62-grain FMJ bullet, paired with optimal propellant, ensures predictable trajectories and energy delivery. This consistency is vital for accurate shot placement, whether you're zeroing optics, practicing precision shooting at varying distances, or engaging multiple targets in dynamic drills. Shooters often note excellent grouping capabilities with this ammunition, contributing to improved skills and confidence.
• Adherence to M855 Specifications: Armscor’s M855 ammunition strictly adheres to the established specifications for this military-grade round. This means you're getting a projectile with the signature steel penetrator and overall construction that matches the performance profile expected of M855, often referred to as SS109. This adherence ensures your rifle cycles properly and that the ammunition performs as intended within its design parameters.
• Optimal for AR-15 Platforms: Given that the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge and M855 projectile were developed with the AR-15/M16 platform in mind, this ammunition is perfectly suited for these popular rifles. It provides the ideal balance of velocity, bullet weight, and pressure to ensure reliable cycling in direct impingement and piston-driven AR-style firearms. If you own an AR-15, investing in ammunition specifically designed for its optimal function, like Armscor M855, can significantly enhance your shooting experience.
• Cost-Effectiveness for Bulk Training: One of the most significant benefits for active shooters is the availability of Armscor M855 in bulk quantities (20 Bx/ 50 Cs, meaning 1000 rounds per case). This makes it an incredibly cost-effective option for high-volume training sessions, tactical courses, and regular range visits without compromising on quality or performance. For clubs, instructors, or individuals who shoot frequently, purchasing by the case from a reputable dealer like DEGuns offers substantial savings and convenience.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases

The versatility of Armscor M855 5.56x45mm NATO 62 gr FMJ makes it suitable for a variety of scenarios:

• Dedicated Range Training: For shooters focused on improving their marksmanship, practicing drills, or simply enjoying time at the range, this ammunition provides consistent performance shot after shot. Its predictable ballistics assist in sight adjustment and understanding shot placement.
• Tactical and Defensive Preparedness Drills: While not generally recommended as a primary self-defense round due to its penetration characteristics (which can over-penetrate certain targets), M855 is excellent for practicing tactical reloads, transitions, and movement drills. Its military specification makes it ideal for training scenarios that mimic real-world tactical environments.
• Competitive Shooting (where M855 is permitted): For disciplines that allow or require FMJ ammunition, the consistency and accuracy of Armscor M855 can give competitors an edge.
• General Plinking: For casual shooters, the cost-effectiveness and reliability of Armscor M855 make it perfect for a day of informal target shooting.
• Familiarization with Mil-Spec Ammunition: For those who want to understand how their rifle performs with ammunition that meets military specifications, this round offers a direct comparison.

A Deeper Dive into the Specifications

Understanding the technical aspects of your ammunition helps in making informed decisions. The Armscor M855 5.56x45mm NATO 62 gr FMJ is characterized by several key features:

• 5.56x45mm NATO: This is a military rifle cartridge that operates at higher pressures than its commercial counterpart, .223 Remington. While many rifles are chambered to safely fire both, always verify your firearm's specific chambering (e.g., 5.56 NATO, .223 Wylde, or .223 Rem) to ensure compatibility and safety. The 5.56 NATO chamber is designed to handle the higher pressures of this round.
• 62 Grain (gr) Bullet Weight: This is the projectile's mass, influencing its ballistic characteristics. The 62-grain weight is a mid-range offering for 5.56mm, providing a good balance of velocity and downrange energy. It tends to be less affected by wind drift than lighter bullets and offers superior barrier penetration compared to lighter FMJ options.
• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): This bullet type features a lead core completely enclosed by a copper or gilding metal jacket, except for the base. FMJ bullets are known for reliable feeding, reduced barrel fouling, and consistent penetration. They are standard for military applications and range training because they do not expand significantly upon impact, ensuring predictable performance.
• M855 Designation (SS109): As discussed, this indicates the presence of a steel penetrator tip within the 62-grain FMJ bullet. This penetrator is designed to improve the bullet's ability to punch through light barriers like steel helmets or thin vehicle body panels. The presence of this component is what often gives M855 rounds their distinctive "green tip" identification.

Factors Influencing Ammunition Performance

While Armscor M855 is engineered for consistent performance, several factors can influence how it performs in your specific rifle:

• Barrel Twist Rate: The rate at which the rifling in your barrel spins the bullet affects its stability. For 62-grain projectiles like M855, a barrel twist rate of 1:7" or 1:9" is generally considered ideal for optimal stabilization and accuracy. While 1:12" barrels may stabilize lighter 55-grain bullets, they may struggle with 62-grain M855, leading to reduced accuracy.
• Barrel Length: Longer barrels generally yield higher muzzle velocities, translating to more energy downrange and a flatter trajectory. Shorter barrels, common in carbines, will result in slightly lower velocities but still maintain significant effectiveness for most training distances.
• Environmental Conditions: Temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure can subtly affect ballistic performance. While these are minor for most recreational shooters, understanding their impact is crucial for precision long-range shooting.
• Shooter Skill: Ultimately, the most significant factor in accuracy is the shooter themselves. Consistent practice with reliable ammunition like Armscor M855 will undeniably improve your shooting proficiency over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Armscor M855 Ammunition

Addressing common queries about M855 ammunition can help clear up misconceptions and guide users in their selection.

Q: Is Armscor M855 5.56x45mm NATO legal to own everywhere?
A: While 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition is broadly legal, the M855 variant, due to its steel penetrator (sometimes mistakenly called "armor-piercing"), is subject to specific regulations in certain jurisdictions. States like California, for example, have restrictions on "armor-piercing" ammunition. Always verify your local and state laws regarding the possession and use of M855-type ammunition before purchasing. Reputable retailers like DEGuns adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations.

Q: What type of rifles can use Armscor 5.56x45mm M855 ammo?
A: Armscor 5.56x45mm M855 is specifically designed for rifles chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. This primarily includes AR-15 pattern rifles, M16s, and other modern sporting rifles or military derivatives chambered for the 5.56 NATO cartridge. While some rifles chambered in .223 Remington can fire 5.56 NATO rounds, it is safer and recommended to only use 5.56 NATO ammunition in firearms explicitly marked "5.56 NATO" or ".223 Wylde" to avoid potential overpressure issues.

Q: What is the main difference between M193 and M855 ammunition?
A: The primary difference lies in the bullet construction and weight. M193 uses a 55-grain full metal jacket bullet with a lead core and no steel penetrator. M855 (SS109), on the other hand, uses a heavier 62-grain full metal jacket bullet with a steel penetrator tip (often recognized by a green tip). M855 generally offers better barrier penetration at range, while M193 may exhibit more fragmentation and energy transfer in soft tissue. For general target practice, both are excellent, but M855 is preferred for training that mirrors military specifications.

Q: Is 62 grain FMJ good for self-defense or hunting?
A: M855 62 grain FMJ ammunition is generally not recommended as a primary self-defense round. Its design, optimized for penetration, means it may over-penetrate typical threats in a home defense scenario, increasing the risk of collateral damage. For self-defense, expanding projectiles like hollow-points are typically preferred as they transfer more energy within the target and reduce over-penetration risk. Similarly, M855 FMJ is not suitable for hunting as it does not expand, leading to inefficient energy transfer and potentially unethical outcomes for game.

Q: How does bullet grain weight affect performance in 5.56x45mm?
A: Bullet grain weight significantly impacts ballistic performance. Lighter bullets (e.g., 55 grain) tend to have higher muzzle velocities and flatter trajectories over shorter distances but can be more susceptible to wind drift and lose energy more quickly. Heavier bullets (e.g., 62 grain, 77 grain) generally have lower muzzle velocities but retain energy better at longer ranges, are less affected by wind, and often provide better penetration. The 62-grain M855 strikes a balance, offering good velocity for close to medium range and sufficient mass for effective barrier penetration.

The Armscor Commitment to Quality

Armscor (Arms Corporation of the Philippines) has a long-standing history in ammunition manufacturing, stretching back over 100 years. Their commitment to producing reliable, high-quality ammunition at competitive prices has made them a favored choice among shooters worldwide. When you choose Armscor M855 5.56x45mm NATO 62 gr FMJ, you're investing in ammunition that has undergone rigorous testing and adheres to international standards, ensuring peak performance and safety. Their focus on precision manufacturing means each round delivers predictable results, shot after shot.

Where to Acquire Your Armscor M855 Ammunition

For the best selection, competitive pricing, and reliable service, Armscor M855 5.56x45mm NATO 62 gr FMJ ammunition (Product Code 50173) is readily available at DEGuns. Purchasing in bulk, such as the 20 boxes per case (1000 rounds total), offers significant value for high-volume shooters and training facilities. DEGuns is a trusted source for all your ammunition needs, ensuring a smooth and secure transaction process.

In conclusion, for those seeking a reliable, high-performance, and cost-effective 5.56x45mm NATO training round, the Armscor M855 62 gr FMJ is an outstanding choice. Its adherence to military specifications, consistent performance, and suitability for the popular AR-15 platform make it an indispensable part of any serious shooter's ammunition inventory.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Product Code	50173
Caliber	5.56x45mm NATO
Bullet Weight	62 Grain
Bullet Type	Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Cartridge Type	M855 (SS109)
Packaging (Box)	20 Rounds
Packaging (Case)	50 Boxes (1000 Rounds)
Primary Use	Target, Training, Range
Compatibility	5.56 NATO Chambered Rifles