5.56 ammo

5.56 ammo — 5.56x45mm NATO — is the standard rifle cartridge of the AR-15 and the U.S. military, a fast, flat-shooting .224-inch round built for semi-auto reliability, low recoil, and high-volume shooting. It’s the round most AR owners feed by the case, and the cartridge behind decades of military and law-enforcement use. The catch most buyers want clarified is the relationship between 5.56 and .223 Remington — close cousins that aren’t quite interchangeable. This page sorts that out, plus the load types and how to buy in bulk.

Tatted Tacticals stocks 5.56 from Federal, Winchester, Hornady, PMC, and IMI — 55-grain and 62-grain M855 “green tip,” frangible, and match loads, in boxes, battle packs, and bulk cans.

5.56 vs. .223: The Critical Difference

They share a case and bullet, but 5.56 NATO runs at higher pressure than .223 Remington and has a slightly longer throat. The safe rule: a 5.56-chambered rifle fires both, but firing 5.56 in a barrel marked .223-only can spike pressure. Most modern ARs are chambered 5.56 or .223 Wylde and handle both. Check your barrel stamp — if it says 5.56 or Wylde, run either; if it says .223, stick to .223. They are not the same as .300 Blackout, a different cartridge that shares only the magazine.

Load Types: 55gr, 62gr M855, and Match

Most 5.56 falls into a few buckets. Lightweight 55-grain FMJ (the classic M193) is fast and economical for range work. 62-grain M855 “green tip” carries a steel penetrator core and is the common military ball — browse M855 green tip and the 55-grain M193 loads directly. Heavier 69- to 77-grain match bullets buy accuracy and wind resistance for precision and longer range. For defense, choose bonded or expanding loads engineered for short barrels.

Buying 5.56 in Bulk

Because the AR-15 is America’s most popular rifle, 5.56 is produced in massive volume — which makes bulk buying the smart move, since per-round cost drops sharply in cases, battle packs, and cans. A 1,000-round case keeps a range habit fed for months. At a higher pressure per SAAMI specifications than .223, it delivers reliable semi-auto performance, and our 5.56 ballistic data compares M193, M855, and defensive loads. Shooters also cross-shop 7.62×39 for an AK-platform alternative.

Buying 5.56 Ammo Online

Federal law sets the minimum age for rifle ammunition at 18; some states and cities add restrictions, so per ATF guidance, confirm federal rules and review our ammunition shipping rules and state restrictions before ordering.

5.56 Ammo — Frequently Asked Questions

Are .223 and 5.56 the same ammo?

Almost, but not quite. They share the same case and bullet diameter, but 5.56 NATO runs at higher pressure with a longer throat. A 5.56 rifle safely fires both, but shooting 5.56 in a .223-only chamber can raise pressure beyond spec. Check your barrel: if it’s marked 5.56 or .223 Wylde, you can run either.

Is 5.56 more powerful than .223?

Slightly. The 5.56 NATO is loaded to higher pressure, giving it a small velocity and energy edge over standard .223 with the same bullet weight. The practical difference is minor for most shooting; the real distinction is chamber compatibility, not a dramatic gap in power.

What is green tip 5.56 ammo?

Green tip is M855, a 62-grain load with a steel penetrator core and a green-painted tip, originally military ball ammo. It penetrates barriers better than standard lead-core FMJ but is not true armor-piercing and isn’t ideal for precision or defensive expansion. It’s popular, affordable practice and general-purpose ammo — note some ranges restrict steel-core ammo.

How much does 5.56 ammo cost?

As one of the highest-volume rifle cartridges made, 5.56 is among the most affordable centerfire rifle rounds, and bulk cases and battle packs lower the cost per round further. Premium defensive and match loads cost more but are bought in smaller quantities. Buying bulk FMJ for practice is the most economical way to shoot an AR regularly.

Can you buy 5.56 ammo online?

Yes. In most U.S. states you can buy 5.56 online and have it shipped to your door. The minimum age for rifle ammunition is 18, and some states and municipalities add restrictions or shipping limits, so confirm your state and local laws before ordering.