Is M855A1 armor piercing?
Is M855A1 armor piercing?
Although it’s not an armor-piercing round, the EPR can penetrate 3/8 inch-thick mild steel at distances approaching 400 meters (based on the range at which 50 percent of the rounds can pass through the barrier). The M855 only penetrates this material out to approximately 160 meters.
What is the difference between M855 and M855A1?
The M855A1 has a copper-jacketed steel core, differing from the previous M855 round which has a lead core. The so-called “green ammo” not only has increased penetration of armor and hard targets, but allows the Army to be more environmentally friendly on its ranges and training environments.
Does the military use M855A1?
Congress evidently didn’t care, as the National Defense Authorization Act for 2017 forced the services to adopt the same 5.56mm round by 2018. The Marines adopted the M855A1 on December 2017 .
Does Level 4 armor stop M855A1?
Level 4 body armor is the most common threat protection for the U.S. military due to its protection against armor-piercing bullets, such as the M2AP and M855A1 bullets.
What grain is M855A1?
The U.S. Army replaced its green-tipped 5.56×45 mm NATO, M855 standard ball cartridge in June 2010 with the lead-free, or “green,” M855A1 cartridge. Like its predecessor, the new bullet weighs 62 grains, but since its copper core is one-third lighter than lead, it is approximately 1/8 inch longer.
Who developed the M855A1?
It was the MK 318 MOD 0 cartridge, which carried a 62-grain bullet and was developed by U.S. Special Operations Command’s Special Operations Science and Technology Office, or “SOST.” Nicknamed the “SOST” round, it was intended for the 5.56 mm “SCAR” or Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle.
Does Level 3 Stop M855?
Level/Type III Body Armor Level III will stop most of all 5.56mm and 7.62mm bullets, but will not defeat military-grade armor-piercing ammo. For example, a NATO M855 5.56 x 45mm bullet with a 62-grain steel core will defeat a Level III armor system. It will, however, defeat a 5.56 x 45 mm bullet at 55 grain.
