5.56x45mm NATO Ammo.
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5.56x45mm NATO is the cartridge of the AR-15 and the U.S. military's M4 and M16. It is light, flat shooting and easy to control, which makes it the top choice for training, competition, varmints and home defense. At Gunners Outlet we carry 5.56 NATO ammunition from 55 to 77 grains, including M193, M855 green tip and match loads from Winchester, Federal, PMC, Hornady and Prvi Partizan. Buy by the box or in bulk, and we ship fast from New Hampshire.
Choosing 5.56 NATO Ammunition
The 5.56x45mm entered service with the M16 in the 1960s and was standardized by NATO in 1980. It shares exterior dimensions with the commercial .223 Remington, but it is loaded to higher pressure and chambered with a longer throat.
55 grain FMJ, often sold as M193, is the classic range load: fast, accurate and affordable. 62 grain M855 "green tip" uses a steel penetrator core and is the current military standard. Heavier 69 to 77 grain match bullets give better accuracy and wind resistance from rifles with faster twist rates such as 1:7 or 1:8.
For home defense, many shooters choose a soft point or polymer-tipped load that expands quickly and limits over-penetration. For volume shooting, buying 5.56 ammo in bulk cases is the best way to cut your cost per round.
Matching Ammo to Your AR-15
Barrel twist rate determines which bullet weights stabilize best. A 1:9 twist handles 55 to 62 grain bullets well, while 1:7 and 1:8 twists stabilize heavier 69 to 77 grain bullets for precision. Most modern AR-15s use 1:7 or 1:8, so they shoot a wide range of loads.
Brass-cased 5.56 is the most reliable choice for duty and defensive rifles, while steel-cased .223 can save money for casual plinking. If your rifle is marked .223 Wylde or 5.56, it handles both 5.56 and .223 loads safely.
5.56x45mm NATO Ballistics Table
| Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Loads | Brands | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 gr | FMJ | 11 (1 in stock) | 5 | $0.46/rd |
| 62 gr | FMJ | 6 (1 in stock) | 4 | $0.78/rd |
| 77 gr | JHP / Hollow Point | 1 | 1 | $1.70/rd |
Frequently Asked Questions
5.56 vs .223: which is better?
5.56 NATO is loaded hotter, while .223 Remington is milder and often more accurate. You can safely fire .223 in a 5.56 chamber, but firing 5.56 in a rifle marked only .223 is not recommended because of higher pressure. A .223 Wylde chamber handles both.
What is the best 5.56 ammo?
The best 5.56 ammo depends on use: 55 grain M193 FMJ for practice, 62 grain M855 for military-spec performance, 77 grain match for precision and a soft point for defense. Check your barrel twist rate before buying heavy bullets.
.300 blackout vs 5.56: which is better?
5.56 shoots flatter and its ammo is cheaper, while .300 Blackout hits harder at short range and works better suppressed. Choose 5.56 for general use and distance, .300 Blackout for short-barrel and subsonic setups.
5.56 vs 7.62: which is better?
5.56 is lighter with less recoil and more ammo per pound, while 7.62 rounds fire heavier bullets with more energy. Pick 5.56 for training and defense, 7.62x51 for long range and larger game.