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Green Tip 5.56 - How It is Different From Other 5.56 Ammo?

Guide to Green Tip 5.56 Ammo - Types, Uses & Advantages.

If you are the owner of an AR-style rifle with 5.56x45mm NATO ammo, you probably heard about the “green tip ammo.”

In recent years these ammo types have been a subject of much debate and controversy.

Green Tip 5.56

We will discuss some essential points to clarify the many doubts about Green tip 5.56. We’ll cover what green tip 5.56 ammo? What are the uses & advantages of shooting it out? & how is it different from other regular 5.56 ammo?

Before buying, be sure to do your research so you can get what you pay for.

Let’s get started..

What Is Green Tip 5.56 Ammo?

What Is Green Tip 5.56 Ammo?

Green tip 5.56 is also known as M855 rounds. As its name suggests, these types of bullets come with a green color tip. The 62-grain projectile in these 5.56 rounds has a boat tail, lead core, and a unique steel "penetrator" tip.

Known as the most common military surplus options available to AR-style guns in the market.

These 5.56 bullets are specially designed to penetrate through body armor. The bullets come with a lead core wrapped in a copper jacket. M855 uses a 62-grain bullet, which is heavier than the standard 55-grain bullet weight. The bullet is not only heavier but is also made of a partial steel core.

The M855 is a traditional rimless cartridge with a composite-core projectile. The bullet is a spitzer-style bullet with a boat tail rear for improved performance, a copper jacket filled with a lead core, and a steel tip. The steel tip is the most significant distinction between green tip rounds and other 5.56 bullets.

Green tip 5.56 ammo is a good option for shooting. Compared to other average 55gr lead 5.56, these 5.56 bullets are good at penetrating barriers like thin walls and car doors.

These types of rounds are a good option for hunting and long-range shooting. Green-tipped ammo will be a good option if you are looking for ammo with penetration at a distance of 200, 300, or 400 yards.

Types Of Green Tip 5.56

Types Of Green Tip 5.56 Ammo?
  • M855: This is a standard 62-grain full metal jacket bullet with a green tip. It is designed to penetrate lightly armored targets, such as body armor or light vehicles, and has a steel core that provides increased penetration.
  • M855A1: This is an updated version of the M855 that features a steel-tipped, lead-free projectile. The M855A1 has a copper-jacketed steel core, differing from the previous M855 round, which has a lead core. The M855A1 is optimized for the shorter-barrel M4, whereas the standard M855 was optimized for the M16.
  • MK318: The MK318 produced more desirable terminal ballistics and was intended for duty use as a barrier-defeating round with superior penetration and better ballistic stability. It was engineered after the Marine Corps found issues with the M855 round. MK318 uses a 62-grain open-end boattail bullet with a lead core and reverse copper jacket creating the open-end. This Federal 5.56mm round is very accurate and critically lethal.
  • M856: This is a tracer round with a green tip that is used for signaling or target designation. It has a bright trace that allows the shooter to see the bullet's trajectory in flight.
  • M995: This is a 52-grain armor-piercing bullet with a green tip. In a brass case, this 5.56x45mm NATO M995 cartridge with a 3.4-gram armor-piercing bullet with a tungsten carbide penetrator over an aluminum base with a copper jacket. Because of its design, it has a significant bounce probability on various surfaces.

These are some of the common types of Green tip 5.56. You can choose according to your needs & requirements.

What Are The Uses of Green Tip 5.56 ammo?

What Are The Uses of Green Tip 5.56 ammo?

Green tip 5.56 is most commonly used by law enforcement, the military, and in competition shooting.

Here are some common uses of green tip 5.56 ammo:

  • Military and Law Enforcement: The most common use of green tip 5.56 ammo is by military and law enforcement personnel for training and operational purposes. It is used in M16 and M4 rifles, standard-issue weapons for many military and law enforcement units.
  • Hunting: Green tip 5.56 ammo can also be used for hunting small to the medium-sized game, such as coyotes, foxes, and deer. However, it is not recommended for larger game animals due to its limited stopping power.
  • Target Shooting: Green tip 5.56 ammo is famous for target shooting and competition. The high velocity and accuracy of the round make it an ideal choice for shooters looking for reliable and consistent ammunition.
  • Self-Defense: Some individuals use green tip 5.56 ammo for self-defense purposes. However, it is essential to note that the steel penetrator core may over-penetrate, meaning the bullet could pass through a target and hit unintended objects or people.
  • Indoor range: The green tip is also designed to be lead-free, allowing you to practice in indoor ranges without worrying about lead contamination. You can practice longer without getting fatigued or losing accuracy.

What Are The Advantages of Green Tip 5.56 Ammo?

What Are The Advantages of Green Tip 5.56 Ammo?
  • Green tip 5.56 ammo is inexpensive compared to other ammo types, so you can save money while still getting the most out of your target practice.
  • The green tip is also designed to be lead-free, allowing you to practice in indoor ranges without worrying about lead contamination.
  • The reduced recoil of the 5.56 ammo means you can practice longer without getting fatigued or losing accuracy.
  • The steel penetrator core in the bullet of green tip 5.56 ammo provides excellent penetration capabilities.
  • Green tip 5.56 ammo is compatible with a wide range of firearms chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO or .223 Remington, including the popular AR-15 platform.

How Green Tip 5.56 Is Different From Regular 5.56 Ammo?

How Green Tip 5.56 Is Different From Regular 5.56 Ammo?

The most common question to ask before buying green tip 5.56 is “How is it different from regular 5.56 ammo?

  • The main difference between 5.56 green tip ammo and regular 5.56 ammo is the type of bullet used. 5.56 green-tipped ammunition typically uses a full metal jacket (FMJ) bullet with a green-colored tip, while regular 5.56 ammo typically uses a hollow or soft point bullet.
  • The bullet's construction is the other difference between green tip 5.56 ammo and regular 5.56 ammo. Green tip 5.56 ammo features a steel penetrator core encased in a copper jacket. The steel penetrator core is designed to help the bullet penetrate through body armor and other barriers.

On the other side, regular 5.56 ammo typically features a lead core encased in a copper jacket. The lead core is designed to expand upon impact, creating a more effective wound channel and increasing the effectiveness of the round.

How To Store and Maintain Your Green Tip 5.56 Ammo

  • Always store your ammo in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep your ammo away from any sources of heat or moisture.
  • Store your ammo in a secure container.
  • Inspect your ammo frequently to ensure it is in good condition.
  • Clean your ammo on regular bases. This will help keep it in good condition and ensure it performs accurately.
  • Rotate your ammo: If you have a large amount of ammo, it's important to rotate it periodically to ensure that the oldest rounds are used first. This will help ensure that your ammo remains fresh and reliable.
  • Check your ammo for signs of damage: Inspect it for signs of damage, such as dents or corrosion. Damaged rounds should not be fired and should be disposed of properly.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your green tip 5.56 ammo remains reliable and effective for years to come.

Best Guns To Shoot Green Tip 5.56 In?

Best Guns To Shoot Green Tip 5.56 In?

To shoot green tip 5.56 ammo, there are many gun options available. You can use these bullets in any 5.56x45mm gun, including; AR-15s, Ruger Mini-14, Steyr Aug & many other 5.56 AR-15-style rifles. Below, we will share the top 5 guns you can use for green tip 5.56.

  • AR-15: The AR-15 is a popular rifle platform chambered in 5.56mm, making it an excellent choice for shooting green tip 5.56 ammo. The AR-15 is known for its accuracy, reliability, and versatility and can be used for various shooting applications. AR-15 rifles are a popular option for home defense and sport shooting.
  • M16/M4: The M16 and M4 are military rifles chambered in 5.56mm. They are designed to be reliable and effective in combat situations and are often used by law enforcement agencies. The M4 carbine has been used for close-quarters operations where the M16 would be too long and bulky to use effectively.
  • Ruger Mini-14: The Ruger Mini-14 is a semi-automatic rifle and is another good option for green tip 5..56. It is based on the M14 rifle and is essentially a scaled-down version chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO.
  • Steyr AUG: The Steyr AUG is a bullpup rifle chambered in a 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge with the standard 1:9 rifling twist that will stabilize both SS109/M855 and M193 rounds. It is known for its unique design and reliability and is a popular choice among military and law enforcement agencies.
  • FN SCAR: The FN SCAR is known for its versatility and reliability and is a popular choice among military and law enforcement agencies. The SCAR-L, for "light," is chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO, and the SCAR-H, for "heavy," is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO.

There are many other AR style rifles you can use for green tip 5.56 ammo.

Is Green tip ammo legal?

Yes, Green tipped ammo is legal to purchase except in some states. However, specific states have laws limiting who can own this type of cartridge. Please check your state laws before buying the green tip ammo for your 5.565 rifles.

Because the government doesn't classify the rounds as "armor piercing, " many ammo sellers stop the sale of these rounds.

Final Words

If you are looking for a cost-effective & environmentally friendly, and round AR-style gun, Green Tip 5.56 is the best choice. Because of its affordability, accuracy, and reliability, it's a perfect choice for target practice or hunting for any shooter.

When searching for green tip ammo, you'll find various options from companies such as Federal, PMC & other popular brands.

Make sure to choose the right one to make your purchase worth it.

Author:
Lisa Earnest

Lisa Earnest

Feb, 21, 2023

Lisa Earnest has been a part of the Bulk Cheap Ammo team since 2018 and serves as the editor of Bulk Cheap Ammo content.

With a flair for language and an unwavering dedication to shooting sports, Lisa's diverse expertise combines to create an unforgettable experience for our audience.

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