5.56 NATO is the standard AR-15 round. Pick M193 55gr FMJ for range practice, M855 62gr green tip for training at distance, 69–77gr BTHP for precision and expanding loads for hunting. Only fire 5.56 in a chamber marked 5.56 NATO or .223 Wylde. Bulk cases are below.
Rifle marked .223 Remington only? Shop 223 Remington ammo, or read .223 vs 5.56: the difference and which to buy.
What's 5.56 costing right now? See 5.56 and .223 cost per round in our October 2026 Ammo Price Index →
FAQ
What are the different types of 5.56 ammo?
The main types are M193 55gr FMJ for practice, M855 62gr green tip with a steel penetrator, heavier 68–77gr BTHP match loads for precision, and expanding hunting loads such as Barnes VOR-TX and Hornady GMX. This page carries all four types.
What is the difference between M193 and M855?
M193 is a 55-grain full metal jacket load. M855 is a 62-grain green tip load with a steel penetrator. We carry M193 from Winchester, Sterling and Frontier, and green tip from Winchester and PMC X-TAC.
Can I shoot 5.56 in a .223 rifle?
Not always. 5.56 NATO is loaded hotter than .223 Remington, so only fire it in a chamber marked 5.56 NATO or .223 Wylde unless the manufacturer says otherwise. A 5.56 chamber can fire .223.
Can I buy 5.56 ammo in bulk?
Yes. Many loads come in 500- and 1,000-round cases, including Winchester M193 and M855, PMC X-TAC, Fiocchi 55gr FMJBT and Sterling M193.
5.56x45mm NATO Ammo — Types, Prices & Bulk Deals
All Rifle Ammo • .223 Remington • Bulk Ammo
What is 5.56x45mm NATO Ammo?
The 5.56x45mm NATO is a high-velocity rifle cartridge developed in the late 1950s by the U.S. Army for the M16 rifle, later adopted by NATO in 1980. Known for its accuracy, light recoil, and versatility, it’s a top choice for AR-15 platforms and is used for target shooting, hunting, and home defense.
Types of 5.56x45mm NATO Ammo
The 5.56x45mm NATO is the standard cartridge for AR-15 rifles. Different 5.56 ammo is built for different jobs, so match the load to how you shoot. 5.56 NATO operates at higher pressure than .223 Remington, so check your rifle's chamber marking; see our .223 vs 5.56 guide.
- M193 / 55gr FMJ — The common range and training load: Winchester M193, Frontier M193, Sterling M193, PMC X-TAC 55gr FMJBT, Fiocchi 55gr FMJBT, PPU and Aguila.
- M855 / 62gr green tip — Steel-penetrator green tip: Winchester M855, Armscor M855 and PMC X-TAC 62gr LAP green tip. Some indoor ranges restrict steel-core ammo.
- Open tip match (OTM) and BTHP match, 68–77gr — OTM 5.56 ammo for precision and long-range shooting: Frontier 68gr and 75gr BTHP Match, Hornady 75gr BTHP Match, Barnes Precision Match 69gr and Winchester 77gr Match BTHP.
- Hollow point and hunting — hollow point 5.56 ammo such as Frontier 55gr HP Match, plus Barnes VOR-TX TSX-BT (62gr and 70gr), Hornady GMX 55gr, Hornady Black 75gr and Winchester 64gr bonded soft point.
Factors Affecting 5.56 Ammo Prices
- Market demand and supply — prices rise during high-demand periods and ammo shortages.
- Material costs — brass, lead, and primer costs move prices.
- Brand and load — match and hunting loads cost more than M193 range ammo. Buying bulk 5.56 ammo in 500- or 1,000-round cases lowers the per-round cost.
Regulations for 5.56 Ammo
Ammo laws vary by state, and some restrict certain 5.56 ammo types. Check our ammo and magazine laws page before ordering. Range day? Pair FMJ with Tannerite targets.
Not sure which to pick? Read our best 5.56 ammo guide. Also shop .223 Remington ammo, bulk ammo and AR rifles.
5.56 Ammo — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of 5.56 ammo?
The main types are M193 55gr FMJ for practice, M855 62gr green tip with a steel penetrator, heavier 68–77gr BTHP match loads for precision, and expanding hunting loads such as Barnes VOR-TX and Hornady GMX. This page carries all four types.
What is the difference between M193 and M855?
M193 is a 55-grain full metal jacket load. M855 is a 62-grain green tip load with a steel penetrator. We carry M193 from Winchester, Frontier and Sterling, and M855 from Winchester and Armscor.
Can I shoot 5.56 in a .223 rifle?
Not always. 5.56 NATO runs at higher pressure than .223 Remington, so only fire it in a chamber marked 5.56 NATO or .223 Wylde unless the manufacturer says otherwise. A 5.56 chamber can fire .223. See our .223 vs 5.56 guide.
Can I buy 5.56 ammo in bulk?
Yes. Many loads come in 500- and 1,000-round cases, including Winchester M193 and M855, PMC X-TAC, Fiocchi 55gr FMJBT and Frontier M193.