What is green tip ammo?

Green tip ammo, specifically military designation M855, is a type of 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition that is readily identifiable by its green-painted bullet tip. This ammo is widely used by various armed forces, including the U.S. military. Here are some key points about green tip ammo:

1. Design and Composition: The M855 round features a 62-grain full metal jacket (FMJ) bullet. It is distinguished by a steel penetrator tip in addition to the standard lead core, which enhances its ability to penetrate hard targets compared to the standard M193 5.56 rounds.

2. Purpose: Initially designed for improved performance against lightly armored targets and to offer enhanced penetration, the green tip ammo was intended to be used in rifles like the M16A2 and M4 Carbines. Its design allows it to better defeat certain types of body armor and other obstacles.

3. Civilian Use and Legal Status: In the United States, green tip ammo can be purchased by civilians, though it has occasionally been subject to debate over its potential for use in armor-piercing applications. The ATF considered reclassifying it as armor-piercing, which would restrict civilian sales, but as of now, it remains legal.

4. Performance: The green tip ammunition is known for its penetrating capabilities, but they also tend to be slightly less accurate than standard M193 rounds when fired at long ranges, largely due to the design of the steel penetrator.

5. Usage Considerations: While it is effective for penetrating hard targets, this ammo might not be the best choice for self-defense situations where over-penetration could be a concern. Its design is more suited for military applications, particularly against targets that require penetration capabilities.

Understanding the regulations and the intended use of such ammunition is important for anyone considering it for sporting, defensive, or tactical purposes.