M855 Green Tip 5.56x45 Ammo

M855 green tip ammo is the 62-grain 5.56 NATO load with a distinctive green-painted tip and a steel penetrator core, developed to defeat light barriers and body armor at range better than the original 55-grain M193. The “green tip” is one of the most asked-about loads in the AR-15 world — valued for its penetration, surrounded by legality myths, and banned at many indoor ranges. This page explains what M855 actually is, the truth about its legal status, and where it fits. It’s part of our full 5.56 ammo selection.

What M855 Green Tip Is

M855 is a 5.56 NATO military load: a 62-grain bullet with a lead core topped by a hardened steel penetrator, painted green at the tip for identification, at roughly 3,020 fps. The steel tip improves penetration through light barriers and intermediate cover compared to the all-lead M193. It became the U.S. military standard after M193 and is widely available commercially for AR-15 owners who want that penetration capability. Our M855 guide covers the ballistics.

Is Green Tip Illegal?

No — M855 green tip is legal to own and shoot in most states. The confusion stems from a 2015 federal proposal to reclassify it as “armor-piercing handgun ammunition” (because AR-pistols can fire it), which was withdrawn after public objection. M855 is not legally armor-piercing ammunition; its core is steel, not the hardened materials that define AP rounds. A few states with specific restrictions are exceptions, so check local law, but for most shooters green tip is simply a legal 5.56 load.

Why It’s Banned at Some Ranges

Many indoor ranges prohibit M855 — not for legal reasons, but practical ones. The steel core can damage steel backstops and bullet traps, spark, and pose a ricochet concern, so ranges ban steel-core ammo to protect their equipment. This is a facility rule, not a law. M855 is best shot at outdoor ranges with appropriate backstops. For range training where steel core isn’t needed, M193 is the simpler choice. Standards follow SAAMI specifications.

Buying M855 Green Tip

Confirm your rifle is chambered for 5.56, check your range’s rules, and verify your state allows it. 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.

M855 Green Tip Ammo — Frequently Asked Questions

What is M855 green tip ammo used for?

M855 is a 62-grain 5.56 NATO load with a steel-core penetrator, used for improved penetration of light barriers and intermediate cover compared to standard M193. It’s popular among AR-15 owners who want that capability for training and general use. Its green-painted tip identifies it. For barrier penetration it excels; for basic range practice, lighter loads work fine.

Is green tip 5.56 illegal?

No, M855 green tip is legal to own and shoot in most states. It is not legally armor-piercing ammunition — its steel core doesn’t meet the AP definition. A 2015 federal proposal to restrict it was withdrawn after public objection. A few states have specific rules, so check local law, but for most Americans green tip is a legal, widely available 5.56 load.

Why is M855 banned at ranges?

Many indoor ranges ban M855 because its steel core can damage steel backstops and bullet traps, spark, and increase ricochet risk — a facility equipment-protection rule, not a law. It’s not about legality. Shoot M855 at outdoor ranges with proper backstops, and use steel-core-free ammo like M193 at ranges that prohibit it. Always check a range’s ammo policy first.

Is M855 the same as .223?

No. M855 is a 62-grain 5.56 NATO load with a steel-core bullet, loaded to higher 5.56 pressure than .223 Remington. A rifle chambered for 5.56 or .223 Wylde fires it safely; a tight .223-only chamber should not shoot high-pressure 5.56. M855 is specifically a steel-core 5.56 NATO military load, distinct from standard .223 ammunition.

Can you buy M855 green tip ammo online?

Yes, in most U.S. states you can buy M855 online and have it shipped to your door. A few states restrict it, so confirm your local laws first. The minimum age for rifle ammunition is 18, and some states and municipalities add restrictions or shipping limits. Also check your range’s rules, since many indoor facilities prohibit steel-core ammo.