5.56x45mm NATO Prices
| PRODUCT | DEALER | QUANTITY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL PRICE | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Basin Outdoors | 1200 | $486.00 | $14.73 | $500.73 |
$0.42
1200 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1080 | $449.79 | $27.18 | $476.97 |
$0.44
1080 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $429.00 | $14.81 | $443.81 |
$0.44
1000 Rounds
|
|
| SG Ammo | 1000 | $449.95 | $0.00 | $449.95 |
$0.45
1000 Rounds
|
|
| BulkAmmo.com | 1000 | $439.00 | $20.24 | $459.24 |
$0.46
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Black Basin Outdoors | 1000 | $458.50 | $10.99 | $469.49 |
$0.47
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Lucky Gunner | 1000 | $500.00 | $21.27 | $521.27 |
$0.52
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $550.56 | $0.00 | $550.56 |
$0.55
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $586.00 | $9.99 | $595.99 |
$0.60
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $641.00 | $1.00 | $642.00 |
$0.64
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 20 | $7.98 | $10.25 | $18.23 |
$0.91
20 Rounds
|
|
| BulkAmmo.com | 200 | $179.00 | $17.12 | $196.12 |
$0.98
200 Rounds
|
5.56x45mm NATO Overview
The 5.56x45mm NATO represents the standard for modern military rifles and has become equally popular in civilian markets through its commercial equivalent, the .223 Remington. Adopted by NATO in 1963, this cartridge revolutionized military small arms by prioritizing lightweight ammunition capacity, minimal recoil, and effectiveness at typical combat ranges. Its success has made it the most widely used centerfire rifle cartridge in the Western world.
This cartridge's popularity stems from its exceptional versatility and practicality. The combination of high velocity, flat trajectory, and minimal recoil makes it equally effective for military operations, law enforcement, home defense, competition shooting, and varmint hunting. Modern ammunition development has significantly enhanced its terminal performance, while maintaining the original benefits of light weight, high capacity, and shooter-friendly characteristics that made it revolutionary.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Minimal recoil for quick follow-up shots
- Excellent accuracy potential
- Light weight allows carrying more ammunition
- Wide variety of ammunition available
- Affordable training ammunition
Cons
- Limited for larger game hunting
- Wind-sensitive at longer ranges
- Less barrier penetration than larger calibers
- Terminal performance highly dependent on bullet selection
- Maximum effective range limitations
5.56x45mm NATO Ballistics
The 5.56 NATO typically achieves velocities between 2,800-3,300 fps depending on barrel length and bullet weight. Most loads use bullets from 55 to 77 grains, with velocity and trajectory varying significantly based on barrel length - typically dropping about 25-50 fps per inch of barrel under 20 inches.
Similar Calibers Compared
| Caliber | Typical Bullet Weight | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy | Energy at 300 yds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.56 NATO | 62gr | 3050 fps | 1280 ft-lbs | 680 ft-lbs |
| .308 Winchester | 168gr | 2700 fps | 2719 ft-lbs | 1650 ft-lbs |
| 6.5 Grendel | 123gr | 2580 fps | 1818 ft-lbs | 1150 ft-lbs |
| .300 BLK | 125gr | 2215 fps | 1360 ft-lbs | 590 ft-lbs |
What 5.56x45mm NATO Does Best
Combat and Tactical Applications
The 5.56 NATO excels in its primary role as a military and law enforcement cartridge. Its light recoil enables quick follow-up shots and rapid target transitions, while its high velocity creates significant tissue disruption despite its small size. The ability to carry large quantities of ammunition and maintain accuracy during rapid fire makes it particularly effective in both offensive and defensive scenarios. Modern bullet designs have enhanced its terminal performance significantly, addressing early concerns about effectiveness.
Competitive Shooting
In competitive shooting, particularly 3-gun and tactical competitions, the 5.56 NATO's minimal recoil and flat trajectory make it exceptionally effective. Competitors can engage multiple targets quickly and transition between different ranges with minimal hold-over adjustments. The wide variety of match-grade ammunition available allows shooters to optimize their loads for specific competition requirements, while the cartridge's inherent accuracy potential supports precision shooting out to 600 yards and beyond.
Training and Practice
For training and practice, the 5.56 NATO offers an ideal combination of manageable recoil, reasonable cost, and widespread availability. The light recoil helps shooters develop proper technique without developing flinch, while the relatively low ammunition cost encourages high-volume practice. The cartridge's consistent performance and accuracy make it excellent for developing marksmanship skills at both close and medium ranges.
Types of Projectiles
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
- Standard practice ammunition and military "ball" rounds for general use
Open Tip Match (OTM)
- Highly accurate ammunition for competition and precision shooting
Hollow Point (HP)
- Defensive ammunition designed for controlled expansion
Bonded Soft Point
- Premium hunting and duty ammunition with consistent expansion
Common 5.56x45mm NATO Bullet Weights
55 grain
- Traditional weight, excellent for general use and varmint hunting
62 grain
- Military standard weight, good balance of velocity and penetration
75-77 grain
- Heavy match bullets for maximum accuracy and wind resistance