Hornady Black loads a 62-grain FMJ to 3060 fps with 1289 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. This is M855 weight without the steel penetrator core. The 0.274 G1 ballistic coefficient beats standard 55-grain loads and sits between PMC's M855 at 0.243 and the Frontier match loads at 0.355. The absence of a steel core means this ammunition is range-safe at facilities that ban green tip penetrator rounds — a real advantage for shooters who train at indoor ranges or on steel targets.

The 62-grain weight stabilizes well in the 1:7 twist barrels that dominate modern AR-15s. Hornady designed the Black line for tactical-oriented shooters who want a step above standard ball ammo without match-grade pricing. The powder charge produces low flash signature, which matters during low-light training. Function is reliable across barrel lengths from 10.5-inch pistols to 20-inch rifles. The round feeds, fires, and extracts without fuss in both direct impingement and piston-driven platforms.

For a general-purpose training and defensive carbine load, Hornady Black fills the gap between cheap ball ammo and expensive match rounds. It outshoots most 55-grain options at 200 yards and beyond thanks to the heavier bullet and better BC. Winchester's M855 matches it on velocity at 3060 fps but uses a steel-core penetrator that many ranges prohibit. Armscor's 62-grain M855 at 3020 fps and 1255 ft-lbs falls slightly behind on both velocity and energy. The Hornady name carries weight with shooters who want consistent quality from a manufacturer known for tight tolerances.