Winchester M855 Green Tip 5.56x45mm NATO 62 Grain FMJ Ammunition: Your Ultimate Guide to Reliable Range Performance

For serious shooters, competitive marksmen, and firearm enthusiasts seeking consistent performance for training and target practice, the choice of ammunition is paramount. The Winchester USA M855 Green Tip 5.56x45mm NATO 62 gr Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition (WM855150) stands as a benchmark for quality and reliability in the 5.56 NATO cartridge family. Designed to meet stringent military specifications, this ammunition offers an unparalleled blend of accuracy, consistency, and clean operation, making it the ideal companion for extensive range sessions with your AR-platform rifle or other 5.56 NATO chambered firearms.

Why Choose Winchester M855 Green Tip Ammunition?

When considering ammunition for your rifle, particularly for high-volume training or maintaining proficiency, several factors come into play: reliability, cost-effectiveness, and predictable performance. Winchester's USA series, and specifically their M855 Green Tip variant, addresses these needs directly. This particular load is engineered to provide superior positive functioning in a wide array of 5.56x45mm NATO firearms, ensuring fewer malfunctions and a more enjoyable, productive shooting experience.

The M855 designation signifies its compliance with NATO standards, making it a globally recognized and widely used cartridge type. Its iconic "green tip" is a visual indicator of the steel penetrator core embedded within the bullet, distinguishing it from standard lead-core FMJ rounds. This design feature contributes to its unique flight characteristics and penetration capabilities, which are especially relevant for specific military applications, but translate to excellent performance for target shooting purposes.

Key Features and Performance Metrics

• Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
• Bullet Type: 62 Grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) with steel penetrator
• Muzzle Velocity: 3060 feet per second (fps)
• Muzzle Energy: 1289 foot-pounds (ft lbs)
• Casing Material: High-quality Brass
• Application: Ideal for Target Shooting, Training, and Practice
• Rounds Per Box: 150
• Manufacturer: Winchester Ammo, a trusted name in ammunition for over a century.

This ammunition is specifically designed for non-expansion, which is characteristic of FMJ rounds. This means the bullet is intended to retain its shape upon impact, minimizing fragmentation and making it suitable for range environments where over-penetration is not a concern and controlled bullet performance is desired. The 62-grain bullet weight strikes an excellent balance between velocity and stability, contributing to its good accuracy potential out to various distances.

Understanding the 5.56x45mm NATO Cartridge and M855 Designation

The 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge is one of the most widely adopted rifle rounds in the world, primarily used in military rifles such as the M16, M4, and, in its civilian-legal forms, AR-15 platform rifles. It is important to distinguish the 5.56 NATO from its civilian counterpart, the .223 Remington. While physically similar and often interchangeable in firearms chambered for 5.56 NATO, the 5.56 NATO operates at higher pressures than the .223 Remington. This means that while a 5.56 NATO round can be safely fired in a rifle chambered for 5.56 NATO, firing it in a rifle strictly chambered for .223 Remington may pose safety risks due to pressure differences. Always verify your firearm's chambering before selecting ammunition.

The M855 designation refers to a specific type of 5.56mm NATO cartridge adopted by the U.S. military. It features a 62-grain full metal jacket bullet with a steel penetrator tip, distinguished by its green painted tip. This design was developed to provide enhanced penetration against certain barriers compared to the earlier M193 (55-grain FMJ) cartridge. For civilian shooters, the M855 primarily offers a robust, reliable, and consistent training round.

Ballistics and Performance: What to Expect

The ballistic performance of the Winchester M855 Green Tip 5.56x45mm NATO is optimized for consistent trajectory and reliable impact. With a muzzle velocity of 3060 fps and a muzzle energy of 1289 ft lbs, this ammunition delivers a flat trajectory and sufficient energy for engaging paper targets, steel plates (where permitted and safe), and other range-appropriate targets.

• Muzzle Velocity (3060 fps): This high velocity ensures a relatively flat trajectory over common shooting distances, reducing the amount of holdover or adjustments needed for aiming. It contributes to faster target acquisition and precise shot placement.
• Muzzle Energy (1289 ft lbs): While not designed for hunting, this energy level is more than sufficient for target fragmentation on reactive targets or creating clear, defined holes on paper, aiding in scorekeeping and shot analysis.
• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): The FMJ bullet construction ensures consistent feeding and extraction from semi-automatic rifles. It also prevents barrel leading, a common issue with unjacketed lead bullets, which helps maintain barrel longevity and accuracy over thousands of rounds.

Consistency is key in training, and Winchester leverages its long-standing expertise in ammunition manufacturing to ensure each round in a box of 150 delivers predictable performance. This consistency is crucial for developing repeatable shooting mechanics and accurately assessing your marksmanship skills.

Ideal Applications and User Scenarios

The Winchester USA M855 Green Tip ammunition is specifically tailored for specific uses. Understanding these applications helps optimize your training and ensures you're using the right tool for the job.

• High-Volume Range Training: Whether you're a new shooter looking to build fundamental skills or an experienced enthusiast aiming to refine your technique, the 150-round boxes and cost-effective nature of this ammunition make it perfect for extended range sessions. Its reliability minimizes stoppages, allowing for continuous practice.
• Marksmanship Practice: The consistent accuracy of the 62-grain FMJ bullet is beneficial for working on precision shooting. It allows shooters to focus on trigger control, sight picture, and breathing without concerns about inconsistent ammunition performance.
• Familiarization with 5.56 NATO Rifles: For owners of AR-15s, M4s, or other 5.56 NATO chambered rifles, using M855 ammunition provides a realistic training experience that mirrors the ballistics of military-spec rounds. This helps shooters become intimately familiar with how their specific firearm handles this particular ammunition type.
• Competitive Shooting Preparation (Non-Expansion Requirements): In some shooting disciplines, non-expanding FMJ ammunition is required or preferred for specific stages. This M855 load fits that requirement perfectly while offering the reliability and performance Winchester is known for.

Benefits of Choosing Winchester USA Ammunition

Winchester's "USA" line of ammunition is specifically designed to provide high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for the discerning shooter. When you choose Winchester USA M855 Green Tip, you benefit from:

1. Trusted Brand Heritage: Winchester has been a pillar in the firearms and ammunition industry for over 150 years. Their reputation for quality and innovation is unmatched, ensuring you receive a product built to exacting standards.
2. Consistent Manufacturing: Modern manufacturing processes and rigorous quality control ensure that each round of Winchester USA ammunition delivers consistent performance, shot after shot. This consistency is vital for accuracy and reliable cycling in your firearm.
3. Reliability: Engineered for positive functioning, this ammunition minimizes the likelihood of misfeeds or stoppages, allowing for uninterrupted training sessions and peace of mind.
4. Value: Packaged in practical 150-round boxes, this ammunition offers excellent value for high-volume shooters, making regular practice more accessible without compromising on quality.
5. Clean Burning Propellant: Winchester uses clean-burning propellants that help reduce fouling in your firearm, leading to less frequent cleaning and prolonged firearm longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions About M855 Green Tip Ammunition

Many shooters have questions about the M855 Green Tip ammunition. Here are some common inquiries:

Q: Can I use 5.56 NATO M855 ammunition in a .223 Remington rifle?
A: It is generally recommended to only use 5.56 NATO ammunition in firearms explicitly chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO. While a .223 Remington chamber can sometimes fire 5.56 NATO rounds, the higher pressure of the 5.56 NATO round can be unsafe in a .223 Rem chamber, which has tighter dimensions and is designed for lower pressures. Always consult your firearm's manufacturer recommendations.

Q: What does "Green Tip" signify?
A: The green tip on the M855 bullet indicates that it contains a steel penetrator insert within the lead core. This design was part of its military specification, intended to improve penetration against certain light barriers. For civilian use, it primarily serves as a visual identifier for this specific projectile type.

Q: Is M855 ammunition considered armor-piercing (AP)?
A: No, despite the steel penetrator, the M855 is generally not classified as armor-piercing ammunition under federal U.S. law for civilian ownership. Its primary design was for enhanced penetration against materials like steel helmets and light vehicle sheet metal, not hardened armor. However, some indoor ranges may restrict its use due to concerns about damage to backstops or steel targets. Always check with your specific range rules before shooting M855.

Q: Why is FMJ ideal for target shooting?
A: Full Metal Jacket bullets are designed for reliability and non-expansion. This makes them ideal for target shooting because they feed smoothly, are cost-effective to produce, and minimize damage to backstops compared to expanding projectiles. Their consistent shape also contributes to reliable accuracy, which is paramount for training.

Q: How does the 62-grain bullet compare to other 5.56 NATO weights?
A: The 62-grain bullet weight of the M855 is a widely used standard. It offers a good balance of velocity, stability, and energy retention for intermediate distances. Lighter bullets (e.g., 55-grain M193) typically have higher muzzle velocities but can be more susceptible to wind drift at longer ranges. Heavier bullets (e.g., 77-grain OTM) offer greater stability and energy at extended ranges but will have a lower muzzle velocity. The 62-grain M855 is a versatile choice for general-purpose range use.

Ensuring Responsible Firearm Ownership and Use

Always remember to practice responsible firearm safety. This includes:

• Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
• Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
• Always keep the firearm unloaded until ready to use.
• Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
• Wear appropriate eye and ear protection when shooting.
• Store ammunition safely and securely, away from unauthorized access.

The Winchester USA M855 Green Tip 5.56x45mm NATO 62 gr FMJ ammunition (UPC: 020892228306) offers an outstanding solution for shooters who demand reliability, performance, and value from their training ammunition. It is a testament to Winchester's commitment to providing quality products that enhance the shooting experience. When you're ready to stock up on dependable 5.56 NATO ammunition for your rifle, look for this specific Winchester offering. It is available through reputable retailers like DEGuns.com, ensuring you get authentic products for your shooting needs.

Product Specifications Overview

Attribute	Value
Brand	Winchester Ammo
Series	M855 Green Tip
Model	USA
Caliber	5.56x45mm NATO
Bullet Weight	62 gr
Bullet Type	Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Muzzle Velocity	3060 fps
Muzzle Energy	1289 ft lbs
Casing Material	Brass
Rounds Per Box	150
Boxes Per Case	4
Application	Target Shooting
SKU	WM855150
MPN	WM855150
UPC	020892228306