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5.56x45 Ammo For Sale

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Used in the M4 series and other military-style rifles, the 5.56x45 is a hugely popular cartridge. To shop 5.56 in bulk, check out our 5.56 bulk ammo page. Besides military uses, 5.56 ammo is commonly used in competition firearms, home defense applications, and is replacing shotguns in many police cruisers. Learn More
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  1. Prvi Partizan Rangemaster 5.56x45 Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 55 Grain FMJBT Ammunition

    $499.99

    53 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ-BT
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3240 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1282 ft lbs
  2. Winchester USA 5.56x45 Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 55 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $549.99

    $519.99

    54 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3180 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1235 ft lbs
  3. PMC 5.56x45 Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 55 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $528.99

    58 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ-BT
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3120 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1189 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 52.9¢ per round
    • Made by PMC
  4. Australian Defense Industries 5.56x45 Ammo - 900 Rounds of 62 Grain FMJ F1 Ammunition in Ammo Can

    $479.99

    73 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type Penetrator
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3002 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1241 ft lbs
    • 900 Rounds
    • 53.3¢ per round
    • Made by Australian Defense Industries
  5. Winchester USA 5.56x45 Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 62 Grain FMJ M855 Ammunition

    $564.99

    $539.99

    85 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type Penetrator
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3060 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1289 ft lbs
  6. PMC 5.56x45 Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 62 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $548.99

    87 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type Penetrator
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 2920 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1174 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 54.9¢ per round
    • Made by PMC
  7. Winchester USA 5.56x45 Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 55 Grain FMJ M193 Ammunition

    $549.99

    97 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3180 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1235 ft lbs
  8. Winchester USA 5.56x45 Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 55 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $559.99

    85 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3180 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1235 ft lbs
  9. Winchester 5.56x45 Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 62 Grain FMJ M855 Ammunition

    $584.99

    70 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type Penetrator
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3060 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1289 ft lbs
  10. Winchester USA 5.56x45 Ammo - 800 Rounds of 55 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $474.99

    22 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3270 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1306 ft lbs
  11. Winchester 5.56x45 Ammo - 800 Rounds of 62 Grain FMJ M855 Ammunition

    $474.99

    86 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type Penetrator
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3060 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1289 ft lbs
  12. Winchester 5.56x45 Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 62 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $599.99

    89 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type Penetrator
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3020 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1255 ft lbs
  13. Winchester USA VALOR 5.56x45 Ammo - 1250 Rounds of 55 Grain FMJ M193 Ammunition

    $769.99

    46 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3180 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1235 ft lbs
  14. Winchester 5.56x45 Ammo - 500 Rounds of 62 Grain FMJ M855 Ammunition

    $324.99

    51 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type Penetrator
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3060 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1289 ft lbs
  15. PMC 5.56x45 Ammo - 20 Rounds of 62 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $14.24
    As low as $12.49 in bulk
    • $12.49 each if you buy 10save 12%

    132 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type Penetrator
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 2920 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1174 ft lbs
    • 20 Rounds
    • 62.4¢ to 71.2¢ per round
    • Made by PMC
  16. PMC 5.56x45 Ammo - 20 Rounds of 55 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $14.50

    77 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3120 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1189 ft lbs
    • 20 Rounds
    • 72.5¢ per round
    • Made by PMC
  17. Winchester 5.56x45 Ammo - 20 Rounds of 62 Grain FMJ M855 Ammunition

    $14.89

    72 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type Penetrator
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3060 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1289 ft lbs
  18. Winchester USA 5.56x45 Ammo - 20 Rounds of 55 Grain FMJ M193 Ammunition

    $14.99

    143 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3180 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1235 ft lbs
  19. Prvi Partizan Rangemaster 5.56x45 Ammo - 20 Rounds of 55 Grain FMJBT Ammunition

    $15.49

    32 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ-BT
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3240 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1282 ft lbs
  20. Federal American Eagle 5.56x45 Ammo - 20 Rounds of 55 Grain FMJBT XM193 Ammunition

    $15.99

    28 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ-BT
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3165 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1223 ft lbs
    • 20 Rounds
    • 80.0¢ per round
    • Made by Federal
  21. Winchester 5.56x45 Ammo - 20 Rounds of 62 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $16.45

    68 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3000 FPS
  22. Wolf Gold 5.56x45 Ammo - 20 Rounds of 55 Grain FMJ Ammunition (Nonmagnetic)

    $16.50

    103 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3250 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1290 ft lbs
    • 20 Rounds
    • 82.5¢ per round
    • Made by Wolf
  23. Hornady BLACK 5.56x45 Ammo - 200 Rounds of 62 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $209.99

    6 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3060 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1289 ft lbs
    • 200 Rounds
    • $1.05 per round
    • Made by Hornady
  24. 5.56x45 - 62 Grain FMJ - Hornady BLACK - 20 Rounds

    $22.99

    60 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3060 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1289 ft lbs
    • 20 Rounds
    • $1.15 per round
    • Made by Hornady
  25. Hornady 5.56x45 Ammo - 200 Rounds of 75 Grain HPBT Ammunition

    $279.99

    14 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type HPBT
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 2910 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1410 ft lbs
    • 200 Rounds
    • $1.4 per round
    • Made by Hornady
  26. Hornady Superformance 5.56x45 Ammo - 200 Rounds of 55 Grain CX Ammunition

    $279.99

    34 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type CX
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3175 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1231 ft lbs
    • 200 Rounds
    • $1.4 per round
    • Made by Hornady
  27. Black Hills 5.56x45 Ammo - 460 Rounds of 77 Grain OTM Mk 262 MOD 1-C Ammunition in Ammo Can

    $709.99

    61 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type OTM
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 2750 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1293 ft lbs
    • 460 Rounds
    • $1.54 per round
    • Made by Black Hills Ammunition
  28. Hornady Superformance Match 5.56x45 Ammo - 20 Rounds of 75 Grain HPBT Ammunition

    $32.99

    30 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type HPBT
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 2910 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1410 ft lbs
    • 20 Rounds
    • $1.65 per round
    • Made by Hornady
  29. Black Hills Ammunition 5.56x45 Ammo - 500 Rounds of 62 Grain Dual Performance Ammunition

    $874.99

    8 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type Dual Performance
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3000 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1239 ft lbs
    • 500 Rounds
    • $1.75 per round
    • Made by Black Hills Ammunition
  30. Black Hills Ammunition 5.56x45 Ammo - 50 Rounds of 50 Grain TSX Ammunition

    $89.99

    73 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type TSX
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3275 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1191 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • $1.8 per round
    • Made by Black Hills Ammunition
  31. Black Hills Ammunition 5.56x45 Ammo - 50 Rounds of 62 Grain Dual Performance Ammunition

    $89.99

    130 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type SCHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 3000 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1239 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • $1.8 per round
    • Made by Black Hills Ammunition
  32. Barnes VOR-TX 5.56x45 Ammo - 20 Rounds of 70 Grain TSX Ammunition

    $37.99

    5 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type TSX
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 2850 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 1263 ft lbs
    • 20 Rounds
    • $1.9 per round
    • Made by Barnes

History of 5.56x45 Ammo

Perhaps one of the most iconic military cartridges, the 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition, commonly referred to as the 5.56 NATO, has been in active use in the United States Armed Forces since 1964.

5.56x45 NATO ammo features a rimless and tapered bottleneck case that measures 44.70mm (1.76 inches) in length and ranges from a 6.43mm diameter at its neck to a 9.58mm diameter at its base. This casing houses a boat-tailed bullet with a diameter of 5.70mm, or .224 inch. With both bullet and shell, the 5.56 cartridge reaches 57.40mm (2.26 inch) in length.

While the original 5.56x45mm bullet was 55 grain (gr) of lead, the standard bullet now weighs 62 gr and consists of a lead base topped with a steel penetrator. The added weight increases the ammunition’s penetration and velocity, improving its performance.

The ammunition uses a small rifle primer and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) sets the maximum pressure for the round between 55,000 and 58,000 pounds per square inch (psi), but variations are available with  maximum pressures as high as 62,000 psi.

Although the round was originally designed as a military cartridge, the 5.56x45mm NATO has found a home among American civilian shooters. It’s especially popular in military-style semi-automatic carbines.

The Development of 5.56x45mm Ammunition

The 5.56x45 cartridge developed from a need for a faster firing automatic weapon and ammunition. After extensive research, the military determined it needed something that could fire small caliber, high velocity (SCHV) projectiles and do so quickly.

In 1957, the U.S. Continental Army Command (CONARC) requested Eugene Stoner, a lead engineer and designer at Armalite, for a scaled down version of his AR-10, where the “AR” stands for Armalite Rifle, not assault rifle. The AR-10, while effective, fired the first, and at the time only, NATO cartridge – the 7.62x51mm NATO, which is similar in size to the .308 Winchester.

With the request for the new firearm, CONARC also released a call for an ammunition that could go with it. The military knew what they wanted for the new ammunition, primarily a .22-caliber bullet with the following requirements:

  • Maintained supersonic speeds, above 1,080 feet per second (fps) at 500 yards
  • Penetrated an Army-issued steel helmet at 500 yards
  • Penetrated a .135-inch steel plate at 500 yards
  • Reached the ballistic performance and accuracy of M2 ball ammunition, the military version of the .30-06 Springfield
  • Wounded as efficiently as the M1 Carbine, which fired .30 Carbine cartridges

The CONARC required the firearm have both automatic and semi-automatic firing and weight six pounds or less. The firearm needed a magazine that could hold at least 20 rounds.

The ammunition’s development began under Springfield Armory’s Earle Harvey. Starting with a .222 Remington, Harvey lengthened the case to allow for more powder and called it the .224 Springfield. Before he could continue his work on the new military round, Springfield Armory ordered he cease, as they were working on a new rifle chambered in 7.62mm and didn’t want to have a competing round.

Stoner then turned to Frank Snow of Sierra Bullet and Robert Hutton, who worked as the technical editor of Guns & Ammo magazine, and together they collaborated on a 55 gr bullet with a muzzle velocity of 3,300 fps, which could meet the demands of CONARC’s requirements.

By 1959, the AR-15 and the 5.56x45mm cartridge were ready for their first round of testing. By 1961, marksmanship testing had 45 percent of shooters reaching expert certification, while only 22 percent could reach the same level of certification with the M14, leading to the first major order – 80,000 AR-15 rifles for the Air Force.

In 1962, Remington submitted the ammunition’s specifications to SAAMI as the civilian version of the 5.56x45mm, the .223 Remington, which it accepted. By 1964, the U.S. Army officially adopted the 5.56mm Ball Cartridge, M193, or what is commonly referred to as the 5.56 NATO, to be used with its newest firearm, the M16 (or, in civilian terms, the AR-15).

After combat testing during the Vietnam War, the 5.56 NATO and the .223 soon became one of the most popular centerfire cartridges not only in America, but internationally.

Its popularity has been reinforced with the ammunition’s light weight, as well as the light weight of the firearms chambered for it. With the 5.56 NATO, significantly more rounds could be carried both in the weapon and on the person during combat, with no more additional weight.

What’s more, the ease of use, including low bolt thrust and almost non-existent perceived recoil, made the firearm easy to shoot and more shooters were able to become proficient with the firearm and excel with it.

As time progressed, law enforcement agencies and militaries throughout the world, including many non-NATO countries, have opted for the cartridge and it’s become a favorite to an increasing number of U.S. civilians.

The Types of 5.56 NATO Ammo

The original 5.56 NATO was first loaded with a full metal jacket (FMJ) bullet weighing 55 gr that exited the barrel of the new AR-15 rifle at more than 3,200 fps. In 1984, ammunition was adopted by the nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, which is an intergovernmental military alliance between countries in North America and Europe.

With this NATO adoption came a few changes, most notably the addition of a steel penetrator tip in the bullet. Now called the M855, this bullet weighed a slightly heavier 62 gr and had a slightly lower velocity of around 3,100 fps. Although it doesn’t leave the muzzle as fast as the original 55 gr bullet, this heavier projectile has a stronger sustained velocity.

Because of these changes to the ammunition, the firearms needed slight alteration as well. With a heavier bullet (an increase of seven gr from the M193 to the M855), the firearm barrel needed a tighter rifling twist, at a ratio of 1:7, to help stabilize the bullet’s weight gain. This change in rifling led to improved penetration and greater accuracy than the original round.

Beyond the M855, other military variations arose, including the Mk318, a 62 gr barrier-blind round, and for precision marksmanship, the Mk262 Open Tip Match bullet.

For civilian shooters, 5.56 NATO cartridges can be found in a variety of configurations, including:

  • Full metal jacket (FMJ): FMJ rounds feature lead bullets encased, or jacketed, in copper or another hard metal; this metal jacket allows the projectile to keep its shape until impact and leads to greater penetration
  • Full metal jacket-boat tail (FMJ-BT): With FMJ-BT ammo, shooters get a bullet that’s both jacketed and tapered at the rear, resembling the shape of a boat; this shape allows for better accuracy and a more stable flight than other ammunitions
  • Hollow point boat tailed (HPBT): HPBT rounds feature a projectile that has a hollow point into the center of the bullet, as well as a boat-like shape to the back of the bullet; these cartridges are often seen in long-range hunting for big game animals and are known for their rapid expansion
  • Frangible: Frangible bullets don’t expand like traditional FMJ or jacketed hollow point bullets, but instead fragment into many smaller pieces; this fragmentation eliminates the risk of over penetration and can increase the size and internal damage of a wound
  • Open tip match (OTM): Perhaps one of the most controversial types of ammo, OTM rounds feature a jacketed lead bullet; like a hollow point, the projectile has an open tip, but unlike hollow points, it’s not designed to expand; instead the bullet has a poured core, which makes it extremely accurate and a favorite amongst competition target shooters

There are also speciality 5.56 NATO variations, including rounds like GMX by Hornady, which features a monolithic construction that’s tougher than cooper, and the Triple Shock X (TSX) by Barnes Bullets. TSX bullets are solid copper and designed for hunting, with their consistent and uniform expansion.

The 5.56 NATO Performance

When it comes to performance, the standard 5.56 NATO proves its worth. The cartridge penetrates to a depth of 38-51 cm (15 to 20 inches) in soft tissue and, when the impact occurs at a velocity higher than 2,500 fps, the projectile is likely to fragment into multiple pieces, causing significant wound damage.

Some believe the 5.56 NATO is even strong enough to cause hydrostatic shock damage, where the soundwaves from the projectiles’ impact create tissue damage.

Even without hydrostatic shock, which is a theory and not accepted among all gun and ammunition experts, the 5.56 NATO projectile is designed to yaw after impact. When a bullet “yaws,” it moves side to side, creating a bigger wound cavity and more extensive damage than a bullet that travels a straight path. If you are looking for a round that gets the job done, make sure to check out Winchester 5.56x45 ammo.

Yet when this round is shot out of a short-barrelled carbine, it can sometimes fail to yaw and result in over-penetration and limited expansion.

The AR-15

Popular worldwide, many firearm manufacturers have produced weapons chambered for the 5.56x45 cartridge – including Armalite, Bushmaster, and Colt, among others. But the most popular, by far, is Armalite’s AR-15 and the plethora of firearms that have been built in the semi-automatic AR-15 style.

Because these firearms are so prevalent, it’s become easy to find cheap 5.56 NATO ammo. Surplus 5.56 ammo can be found both in brick and mortar gun stores from coast to coast, and most major online ammunition stores. However, if you want 5.56 rounds that are a bit higher quality, we recommend you invest in some Hornady 5.56 ammo for more consistent results.

Although most 5.56 NATO chambered firearms are semi-automatic, shooters can find pump-action rifles in the military round.

The 5.56x45 vs .223 Remington

Externally, there are no differences between the 5.56x45mm NATO and the .223 Remington. They have the same casing. Their projectiles are the same diameter. Side-by-side, there are no visible differences between the two, other than the headstamp. But inside, there are major differences, ones that can become extremely dangerous if ignored.

When discussing these two cartridges, it’s important to remember that the 5.56 NATO was designed as a military cartridge, while the .223 Remington has been designated for civilians since its onset. One was made for war, one to shoot varmint in the backyard.

It makes sense, then, that the 5.56 NATO has a different powder load, leading to a higher pressure. The military round averages a maximum pressure about 5,000 psi higher than the .223 Remington.

This pressure difference isn’t just because of powder difference (although that’s part of it), it also has to do with the difference in chamber leade. Chamber leade refers to the space between where a bullet sits at rest to where it engages in the rifling twist. The shorter the leade, the quicker the bullet engages, and the more pressure that’s created in the barrel.

Firearms chambered for the .223 have a shorter leade than those manufactured for the 5.56 NATO. Firearms manufactured for the military round have a chamber that’s actually slightly larger than those chambered for the .223 to reduce malfunctions and misfires from dirty guns, like those often seen in battlegrounds. These larger chambers have a longer leade and the 5.56 NATO is made accordingly.

So when a shooter takes the 5.56 NATO, which was designed to be fired from a rifle with a long leade, and puts it in a firearm chambered for the .223 Remington, it engages in the rifling quicker than it should and can drastically increase the pressure in the barrel, endangering not only the firearm, but the shooter as well.

Because .223 ammo is under a lower pressure than 5.56x45mm rounds, and has a shorter leade, the civilian ammunition can be fired without issue from the 5.56 NATO weapons. If you want to stock up on some high-quality 5.56, make sure to grab some PMC 5.56 ammo for your next range session!

To recap, it is NOT safe to fire 5.56 NATO ammunition from a firearm chambered to .223 Remington. But it IS safe to fire .223 Remington ammo from firearms chambered to the 5.56 NATO.

In many modern military-style firearms, the barrel is labeled with both chamberings, such as 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem.

An easy way to think about it is this: Consider the 5.56 NATO as a .223 +P. And like other +P ammunitions, a shooter shoulder never shoot the higher pressure ammo out of a barrel that’s not indicated for its pressure.

FAQ

What is 5.56x45 ammo?

Considered one of the most iconic military cartridges, the 5.56x45mm NATO has been used by the U.S. Armed Forces since 1964. It features a rimless, tapered bottleneck case topped with a boat-tailed bullet that has a diameter of .224 inch. The standard projectile weighs 62 grain (gr) and contains a steel penetrator. The round was born of the .223 Remington and although the rounds look extremely similar, the NATO is more powerful and many like to think of it as a .223 +P.

How much does 5.56 ammo cost?

When it comes to the price of 5.56 ammo, it depends on the type, brand, and quantity of ammo purchased. Standard 5.56 NATO cartridges start at about $0.37 a round and continue upward to more than $1.00. American Eagle 5.56 lets you shoot the high-pressure ammo that your AR-15 craves while giving you the performance you expect from Federal 5.56 at an overall lower price point. Full metal jacket ammo tends to be cheaper than specialty rounds and hollow points.

Speaking of price make sure to check out our stock of Hornady 5.56 ammo for more options.

What is 5.56 green tip ammo?

Sometimes 5.56x45mm rounds have a painted green tip. This signifies the cartridge as military surplus ammo that is redistributed and sold in the commercial market. The green tip means there is a steel bar inside the bullet, increasing its penetration and power. Unlike standard FMJ rounds, ammo with a green tip can pierce some armoured tanks. If the green tip is plastic, not painted onto the metal, then the round may be a polymer-tipped .223 Hornady FTX.

What is the difference between the .223 and 5.56 ammo?

When comparing .223 and 5.56 ammo, they look almost identical in size and shape, but on the inside of the casing, they’re different. With different bullet weights, powder loads, and chamber pressure, the 5.56 NATO is a more powerful force and is often considered a .223 +P. In addition to these configuration differences, .223 rounds have a shorter leade (the space between where the cartridge sits and the rifling begins). In most cases, it is safe to shoot .223 ammo from a rifle chambered for 5.56 NATO, but not vice versa.

What guns shoot 5.56x45 ammo?

The most popular gun chambered for the 5.56x45mm NATO is, by far, the iconic Armalite-15, commonly referred to as the AR-15. The U.S. military version was known as the M16 rifle. This firearm has inspired many of the civilian semi-automatic 5.56 chambered guns, which are collectively referred to as being “AR-15 style.” In addition, other firearm manufacturers have 5.56 chambered guns including Colt and Bushmaster. Although semi-automatic is the most common configuration, pump action rifles are also available.

What does 5.56 ball ammo mean?

In military ammo terms, the word balls refers to the standard issue round that doesn’t include any special function. This term arises from before commercial ammo was manufactured and people just used powder and a ball-shaped projectile. Currently, the U.S. Armed Forces uses either FMJ or TMJ rounds for its standard issue 5.56 NATO rounds.

Does the military use 5.56 ammo?

Yes, the U.S. military uses the 5.56x45mm round. It’s also used by the North American Treaty Organization (NATO), Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia, among other countries.

Is there a difference between 5.56 ammo and 5.56 NATO ammo?

The 5.56x45mm and the 5.56 NATO are the same size cartridge and refer to the same round. The civilian version of the 5.56 is the .223 Remington. Although the cartridges look the same, the NATO version has more force and power.

Can you hunt deer with 5.56x45 ammo?

It depends. In many areas, the 5.56x45mm, or more likely the civilian version .223 Remington, is perfectly effective for deer hunting. This is especially true East of the Mississippi where forests are dense and shots are under 100 yards. In the West, the .223 and the 5.56 lack the velocity and power for the necessary long-distance shots required. Check with local regulations as well, as some areas have a minimum caliber that is larger than the .223 to ensure humane harvests. Also check laws regarding the type of firearms allowed, as some areas outlaw the use of semi-automatics rifles for deer hunting.

5.56x45mm Ballistics: Chart of Average 5.56x45mm Ballistics

Note: This information comes from the manufacturer and is for informational purposes only. The actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from the advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type load.

5.56x45mm Bullet WEIGHT Muzzle VELOCITY (fps) Muzzle ENERGY (ft. lbs.) TRAJECTORY (in.)
  Muzzle 100 yds. 200 yds. 300 yds. 400 yds. Muzzle 100 yds. 200 yds. 300 yds. 400 yds. 100 yds. 200 yds. 300 yds. 400 yds.
55 Grain NATO 3130 2740 2382 2051 1750 1196 917 693 514 372 1.1 0 -7.3 -23
75 Grain NATO 2910 2676 2543 2242 2041 1410 1192 1002 837 693 1.2 0 -7 -21
Molly Carter
Written by
Molly Carter

Customer Reviews

  • Joe said:

    I am very pleased with their service, quick delivery and product. I have not experienced any issue with their product at the range. I highly recommend this website for all the above mentioned reasons.

  • A65impalla said:

    I was glad to find that Ammo.com had plenty of stock of this ammo. I searched the net of a lot of places, their prices are very competitive.

  • twolazy said:

    I have not shot any of this batch or the batch prior, I haven’t even opened the boxes. I’m in high hopes I never have to open these boxes. I’ve used Federal 5.56 before and it is good stuff. Price is stiff, not as stiff as some I’ve seen. But then everything gun related is more expensive, isn’t it. Get it while the getting is good.

  • Doc said:

    I guess a shortage in the ammo supply has driven the price up, as I found your ammo to be a bit more expensive than I had anticipated.. Regardless, the delivery time was exceptional & the ammo itself came in good condition and preformed well.

  • Tommy said:

    I have already recommended it, that being said, it is a bit pricey. But considering that there is such a shortage, I was happy to have it. I get a small disability check once a month, so, I'll have to save more money.

  • CJ said:

    The order was handled quickly and efficiently. I would recommend Ammo.com to anyone who has stood in line trying to find ammo.

  • Adam said:

    Good, Clean, ammo....pricey but what can ya do....fast delivery too I cant even find a die set to reload let alone the bullets or primers so this ammo will do untill times are better....if ever

  • deaves1 said:

    5 stars

  • Don said:

    Nice to know where to locate ammo after this BS of low production and high demand.

  • Joe-we-had-a-baby-it's-a-boy said:

    Ammo was well packed, but the tins came in a bit banged up. Ammo was clean in good shape but stripper clips showed moisture damage with minor rust making it hard to load with the speed loader. The cost was deffently high and go figure right after I ordered I found 1000rnds of loose pack 62gr lake city for the same price as one tin of 420rnds, but finding 556 ammo these days is deffently a gamble of finding it and its price! Hopefully all this Bull will be over soon!

  • mrob6868 said:

    Good and clean, but a little pricey.

  • nikpac said:

    good clean ammo and a great overall value

  • trooper said:

    This ammo package is over twice as expensive as it should be. If you don't reload your own .223 just go with Wolf...

  • jj said:

    a good qalityt shell cida

  • Gilbert said:

    good

  • Gilbert said:

    good clean ammo sum what pricey but good over all

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  • gokart04 said:

    Finally got to shoot some of this the other day. Worked well and shot consistant/accurate. No feeding or fire failures out of about 100 rounds in my BCM AR-15. I feel the price is a bit too high at this time.

  • J.W. said:

    These were the first rounds shot through my ar. I have no complaints, it cycles fine even through rapid firing. I would definitely buy these again.

  • H.D. said:

    Works great, cycles fine, glad I found your sight.

  • Pat said:

    This is excellent ammo. Velocity is up there, at least in my 20" barrel DTI ar 15. Kinda lucky to buy this cheap ammo and get it to shoot the way this stuff did. I love being able to buy metal cases as well as brass cases. The metal are non-reloadable and it's nice to just shoot these and not worry about looking after shooting. I worry about the future of buying ammo over the 'net in the future. Here in Illinois our great governor Quinn moves on every front to close the avenues to get ammo. Good Shooting to All

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  • GearheadTony said:

    I have tried several more expensive brands of 5.56 and .223, but none of them can match the performance per dollar of PRVI. This is now the only ammo I use in my AR. As for Lewmed's review above, my 16" AR with my not-so-steady trigger finger are able to make 2MOA groups at 100 yards. 4 to 5 inches?!?! Not in my rifle.

  • Lewmed said:

    This is nice clean ammo that shoots and works in all 3 of my AR'S but it is not as accurate as mil. spec. ammo like lake city M193 My normal 21/2" 100 yard groups open up to 4 to 5" I'll use it for 50 yard range ammo.

  • Dorothy said:

    Thought it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. I was right.

  • murdock said:

    62 grain shoots just fine. no jams. but that old vietnam ak will fire, even when dropped in mud, and water. thanks Im just glad you had the ammo, and the price was right.

  • Mikey A said:

    As usual very prompt customer service and worry free shipping, love these guys & gals @ ammo.com. Well I am no expert about ammo, but I will say that this ammo was performing better than some more expensive products. fresh and snappy, good penetration and groupings 2"-3" @ 200-300 yds, mini-14 1-9 twist , similar to SS109 m855 but heavier Gr.

  • Jt said:

    Will buy again.

  • Rick said:

    These rounds worked just fine.

  • Russell B said:

    I ordered 2000 rounds and two ammo boxes the 50 caliber larger ones. The ammo boxes were brand new as promised and no signs of rust, sand etc. simply new. The 1000 rounds of 556 filled it almost to the rim. We pleased and will be back.

  • Shooter McGee said:

    I searched many places for this product. You had the best price around, and the product arrived on schedule. Thanks for your great product and service.

  • Chris said:

    Not only is the price fantastic, but my shipment arrived in pristine condition. I was a new customer, and didn't know what to expect. I had a very bad experience buying ammunition on line from another place that claims to be 'cheaper than...ahem.. anything'. My experience with Ammo.com could not have been better. The trusted brand and quality of my order goes without saying. But the handling, packaging, and service from the people at Ammo.com was phenomenal, even surprising given the world we live in where poor service is pretty much expected. I will not shop anywhere else. Ammo.com is my go to supplier.

  • Tim said:

    Good price for ammo, not shinny but who cares its ment to shoot not to look at

  • Bill said:

    I have tried different ammo with Sig 556. Its eats everything but I find Lake City 5.56 62gr --- No failures, Accurate @ 100 to 300 yards ( my club limits ) I have the feeling of complete depenability.

  • Russ said:

    This is great ammo for the hybrid AR's.The brass is good for reloading and the 62 grain bullets stabilize well. Russ

  • Bobber1123 said:

    Love the stripper clips. I think it took just 2 days to arrive. The price was excellent.

  • Private citizen said:

    This is a great self defense ammo at a great price.

  • CAP said:

    Great ammo, Accurate, shot 11/2” Group at 300yrds

  • Ron said:

    First time I used you guys and I'm impressed. Great prices,fast service. Keep up the good work.

  • Bear Patrol said:

    Ammo comes in 5 plastic mini ammo boxes that look really neat! I wish the carry handles were real but they’re still worth holding onto for future use. So far I’ve put about 360 of these through my Windham HBC with no issues. As for accuracy I’ve only fired at targets from 100 yards or less from a standing position, so I’m not sure how they do at longer ranges but they always hit where I aim at those distances. The only downside for me so far is that I have to use paper targets or improvised targets (milk jugs, cans, etc.) Because these were leaving some SERIOUS dents in my 1/2 inch thick ar500 steel target. Overall I’d definitely recommend these to someone looking for decent 5.56 ammo at a good price.

  • Steven said:

    The Ammo performed great. Consistent groups and accuracy. I experienced zero failures in the 300 rounds I fired. I used the ammo in a 1/9 twist barrel and Zerroed and Primary Arms LPVO in just 12 rounds. Once zeroed my shots stayed withing the 300 meter silhouette center mass circle. I'm verry impresssd. I did know what to expect since I always use the higher grain green tip from winchester. Many say you need a 1/12 twist barrel to get good performance from this ammo; I disagree.

  • Fiftysum said:

    I just bought a Colt LE6920 5.65 caliber. The closest thing I ever shot was my M16 when I was in the Army during the Vietnam era -- a long time ago. So my review is not based on a comparison with any other ammo brand in this caliber. I bought Winchester because it is a known brand, is labeled for target use, and I feel it was available for a good price here on Ammo.com. I know there are some premium brands, which I will try eventually, and there are lots of brands I never heard of. Some of them may be good, I just don't know anything about them yet. I'm giving the Winchester 5.56 target ammo five stars in each category because my shots were consistently within one inch of the bullseye at 25 and 50 yards. That I hit the target at all at 100 yards I will count as okay because I didn't have a scope and I could just barely make out the 100-yard target with my not-so-good-as-when-I-was-20 eyesight. I qualified "sharpshooter" when I was in the Army, having missed "expert" by one shot. It makes me happy that this Colt M4 is as accurate, if not more so, than my Army M-16. Good ammo should give consistent results. This Winchester target brand delivers for me.

  • Christian said:

    Shot 100 rounds through my new AR-15 and everything was flawless. Very happy with the service, delivery time and quality of the Ammo.

  • Capt AR said:

    Spent 30 rounds @ 100 yrs.Fired prefect and only a couple off Mark.

  • Jetson said:

    Goes bang, burns clean, shoots straight no ftf’s or any other issues. I’d trust my life to it. Gonna get more.

  • Cody said:

    Best 62 gr round Ive used. I shoot a .223 Wylde barrel on a AR -15 used for matches. These perform close to as well as hand loads made for the rifle. I would use them for more than practicing anytime

  • Cameron said:

    Great shipping shoot fine at 100 yards could drill dime every shot

  • Blake said:

    Excellent ammo. Very accurate from the AR and bolt gun. Will be buying more.

  • Rysio said:

    Very good ammo although it is Russian. Performs as expected no problems.

  • THL said:

    Took it out in my tavor, with a 14x primary arms scope, shoots about 2 MOA off of a bench in quick fire. Not too shabby for a HD OTM round rather than the match BTHP rounds

  • Tim said:

    Military grade green tip ammo it has a steel core and is magnetic. perfectly annealed brass boxer primed reloadable cases. It is a bit pricey at $1.19 per round after shipping . So it's not for people with short pockets or shooting at worthless paper. These get stored with my zombie apocalypse or S.H.T.F ammo supply Would buy again just because you can never have too much ammo ????

  • Joe said:

    Really good on the range. haven't had a problem yet

  • Robert B said:

    This Ammo shoots well, However when trying to reload the brass I broke 2 decapping pins in my sizing die. I cut the head off two cases and found the flash hole is off center. So even though the ammo shoots well it cannot be reloaded.

  • Kyle said:

    I've used about 200 rounds and it works flawlessly.

  • Just a guy ~ said:

    This is my favorite 5.56 cartridge, hands down. Every component is top quality & PMC doesn’t cut corners. I’ve shot them all and this is the most accurate & reliable 5.56 factory cartridge. I prefer the 193 - wish it was 62 or 69 grains… The brass is excellent & should absolutely be kept for reloads (I safely get 3 reloads per). A small shop by me sells it for $8.99 a box in 2023… That’s a steal. Have fun & remember that firearms safety is 100% on us.

  • Ron said:

    I like PMC Ammo the 5.56X45mmNato is what I shoot. Great for range, self protection, The reason I purchased this ammo is because of who makes this.

  • Kenneth said:

    couldnt find ammo locally so i checked the net fully expecting 2-3 wks for delivery. ordered early on a saturday morning. was on my door step monday. impressive

  • txweld said:

    All good

  • Runner said:

    PMC is a very reliable ammunition , I would not hesitate to use if for self defense. It shot well and now that I have shot it and used it all, I`ll need to order more. BTW , I use PMC in my handgun for home protection and it is as good as it gets and the 5.56x45 is as great .

  • MM said:

    I shot about 200 rounds through my brand new SIG716. The very first 3-4 rounds wouldn't feed perfectly, but I attribute this to the brand spanking new equipment. After that, rifle and ammo performed flawlessly. Not a single issue with feeding, cycling, firing, etc. At 150 yards, I had all shots within about 2-3 inches using a cheap scope and no rest. Great product and especially GREAT SERVICE! Thank you guys!!!

  • D said:

    Great customer service, placed the order last friday fully expecting not to get the order with all that is going on, you won't find a better company to deal with, as for the Ammo, top notch perfect for my use.

  • CowwFace said:

    I got this for taking to the range, went through about 100 rounds and zero duds. works perfectly in 2 AR's. We were using Red-Dot scopes, and hit what we were aiming at about 100 yrds away. I would highly recommend this ammo.

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  • Gabe said:

    I was looking for inexpensive practice ammo,and this was a good deal all around. Ammo was a good price relative to the times.Checkout was easy. Ammo was delivered quickly. Only had time for a100 rounds , no problems. Really like getting the ammo can too.

  • Thomas said:

    Shot 150 rounds no misfire no gun jam good pattern

  • Bone Crusher said:

    Shoots straight, flying fast.

  • T-bag said:

    For the price and quality, never thought I'd be using green tips as target rounds. My AR hasn't jammed up yet after 100 rounds or so, which is impressive. My AR is very picky on ammo, usually can't get 30 rounds out without a couple jams. But this stuff runs like butter through my AR, with some impressive penetration to boot.

  • Mick said:

    All ammo went down range with consistent velocity and tight groupings. Previously purchased ammo from another party had poorly seated primers, this jamming my fire arm.

  • olbull said:

    same as title

  • john said:

    good product / good price

  • Snake said:

    Great ammo! Shoots and cycles perfect. Will defiantly buy more.

  • lroberts103 said:

    Great company to work with. Fast shipping great price

  • Michael said:

    This 5.56 ammo was just what my AR needed.

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  • Jona snow said:

    Great rounds , not one miss fire

  • kevinjc73 said:

    I have a Ruger AR556 in which Ive shot 200 rounds of Winchester 193 556 with no problems accurate at 50, 100 and 200 yards

  • RONALD said:

    No surprise here but the price per round shows as 63.8 cents. With shipping and sales tax, that easily went to about 85 cents. I did receive it in a timely fashion and it was well-padded in a cardboard box but would have preferred different packing from the factory. My error. A range pack means loose rounds inside a box. The ammo itself is so-so for its intended purpose. I also purchased Belom 7.62x39 (no longer available here) and cannot address ammo quality yet, but the factory packaging (20 rounds per PLASTIC case) was phenomenal.

  • Nate said:

    The ammo itself LOOKS beautiful compared to Lake City penetrators but I have not shot it yet so I can't comment on that. I paid more per round, but that is just the market, not Ammo.com.

  • Bigthiss said:

    Great ammunition for the price. I used to buy the federal loose bulk ammo in 500 and 1000 but there were always at least 10-20 that were either faulty loads or misfired. This ammo is hands down the best for the price that I have purchased and shot. Highly recommend!!

  • Darrell said:

    Man this ammo can in, in a matter of days nice quality