What Ammo Does Ar 15 Fire?
The AR-15 is one of the most popular rifles in the United States, and for good reason. It’s a reliable, accurate, and versatile platform that can be used for a variety of purposes, from self-defense to hunting. But what kind of ammo does an AR-15 fire?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of ammunition that can be used in an AR-15, and we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each type. We’ll also provide some tips on choosing the right ammo for your AR-15 and your intended use.
So whether you’re a new AR-15 owner or you’re just curious about the different types of ammo that can be used in this platform, read on for all the information you need to know.
What Ammo Does AR-15 Fire?
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Muzzle Velocity |
|—|—|—|
| .223 Remington | Full Metal Jacket | 3,200 feet per second |
| 5.5645mm NATO | Full Metal Jacket | 3,100 feet per second |
| .223 Remington Varmint | Hollow Point | 3,000 feet per second |
| 5.5645mm NATO Hollow Point | Hollow Point | 2,900 feet per second |
| .223 Remington Tracer | Tracer | 3,000 feet per second |
| 5.5645mm NATO Tracer | Tracer | 2,900 feet per second |
What Ammo Does AR-15 Fire?
The AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle that is chambered in a variety of cartridges. The most common caliber for the AR-15 is 5.56x45mm NATO, but it can also be chambered in .223 Remington, .223 Wylde, 6.5 Grendel, 300 Blackout, and 7.62x39mm.
5.56x45mm NATO
The 5.56x45mm NATO is the most common cartridge for the AR-15. It is a small, lightweight cartridge that is designed for high velocity and accuracy. The 5.56x45mm NATO is a good choice for target shooting, hunting, and self-defense.
.223 Remington
The .223 Remington is a similar cartridge to the 5.56x45mm NATO. It is slightly shorter and has a slightly lower velocity. The .223 Remington is a good choice for target shooting and hunting. It is not as powerful as the 5.56x45mm NATO, but it is still effective for self-defense.
.223 Wylde
The .223 Wylde is a hybrid cartridge that is designed to work in both AR-15s chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and AR-15s chambered in .223 Remington. The .223 Wylde is a good choice for shooters who want the best of both worlds. It is accurate and reliable, and it is also compatible with a wide variety of AR-15s.
6.5 Grendel
The 6.5 Grendel is a long-range cartridge that is designed for AR-15s. It is a good choice for hunting and target shooting at extended ranges. The 6.5 Grendel is also a good choice for self-defense, as it is capable of delivering devastating terminal performance.
300 Blackout
The 300 Blackout is a subsonic cartridge that is designed for suppressed AR-15s. It is a good choice for hunting and self-defense. The 300 Blackout is also a good choice for law enforcement officers, as it is a quiet and effective cartridge.
7.62x39mm
The 7.62x39mm is a Russian cartridge that is popular for use in AK-47s. It is also a good choice for AR-15s. The 7.62x39mm is a powerful cartridge that is capable of delivering devastating terminal performance. The 7.62x39mm is a good choice for hunting and self-defense.
Other less common calibers
There are a number of other less common calibers that can be used in AR-15s. These include the .308 Winchester, .350 Legend, .450 Bushmaster, and .50 Beowulf. These calibers are all powerful and effective, but they are not as common as the 5.56x45mm NATO, .223 Remington, .223 Wylde, 6.5 Grendel, 300 Blackout, and 7.62x39mm.
Characteristics of AR-15 Ammo
The characteristics of AR-15 ammo vary depending on the caliber. However, there are some general characteristics that all AR-15 ammo share.
- Bullet weight: The bullet weight of AR-15 ammo ranges from 40 grains to 77 grains. The heavier the bullet, the more energy it will have.
- Muzzle velocity: The muzzle velocity of AR-15 ammo ranges from 2,300 feet per second to 3,200 feet per second. The higher the muzzle velocity, the more distance the bullet will travel.
- Energy: The energy of AR-15 ammo ranges from 1,000 foot-pounds to 2,000 foot-pounds. The more energy the bullet has, the more damage it will do.
- Stopping power: The stopping power of AR-15 ammo is determined by a number of factors, including bullet weight, muzzle velocity, and energy. The higher the stopping power, the more likely it is to stop an attacker.
- Accuracy: The accuracy of AR-15 ammo depends on a number of factors, including the rifle, the shooter, and the ammunition. The
What Ammo Does an AR-15 Fire?
The AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle that fires 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. This cartridge is a rimless, bottlenecked, centerfire cartridge that was developed in the early 1950s for the United States military. The 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge is a high-velocity, low-recoil round that is well-suited for use in a variety of rifles, including the AR-15.
What are the different types of AR-15 ammunition?
There are a variety of different types of AR-15 ammunition available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most common types of AR-15 ammunition include:
- FMJ (Full Metal Jacket): FMJ ammunition is the most common type of AR-15 ammunition. It is a lead core that is surrounded by a copper jacket. FMJ ammunition is typically used for target shooting and hunting.
- Hollow Point:** Hollow point ammunition is designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound cavity. This type of ammunition is often used for self-defense.
- Armor Piercing:** Armor piercing ammunition is designed to penetrate body armor. This type of ammunition is typically used by law enforcement and military personnel.
What is the best AR-15 ammunition?
The best AR-15 ammunition for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. For general purpose use, FMJ ammunition is a good option. For self-defense, hollow point ammunition is a better choice. For hunting, you will need to choose an ammunition that is appropriate for the game you are hunting.
How do I choose the right AR-15 ammunition?
When choosing AR-15 ammunition, there are a few factors you need to consider:
- The intended use of the ammunition: Are you using the ammunition for target shooting, hunting, or self-defense?
- The caliber of your AR-15: AR-15s are typically chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, but some are chambered in other calibers, such as .223 Remington. Make sure you choose ammunition that is compatible with the caliber of your AR-15.
- The velocity of the ammunition: The velocity of the ammunition will affect its range and accuracy.
- The weight of the ammunition: The weight of the ammunition will affect its recoil.
How much does AR-15 ammunition cost?
The cost of AR-15 ammunition varies depending on the type of ammunition, the brand, and the quantity you purchase. FMJ ammunition is typically the most affordable, while hollow point and armor piercing ammunition can be more expensive. You can expect to pay anywhere from $0.20 to $2.00 per round for AR-15 ammunition.
Where can I buy AR-15 ammunition?
AR-15 ammunition is available at a variety of retailers, including gun stores, sporting goods stores, and online retailers. You can also find AR-15 ammunition at some military surplus stores.
What are the safety precautions I should take when handling AR-15 ammunition?
When handling AR-15 ammunition, it is important to take the following safety precautions:
- Always treat ammunition as if it is loaded. Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot.
- Keep ammunition separate from firearms. Store ammunition in a safe place, away from children and pets.
- Do not load ammunition into a firearm until you are ready to shoot.
- Be aware of your surroundings when shooting. Make sure you have a clear line of sight and that there are no bystanders in the area.
By following these safety precautions, you can help to prevent accidents and injuries.
the AR-15 is a versatile rifle that can fire a variety of ammunition, from .223 Remington to 5.56 NATO. The type of ammunition used will determine the rifle’s performance in terms of accuracy, range, and power. It is important to choose the right ammunition for the intended use of the rifle.
When choosing ammunition for an AR-15, it is important to consider the following factors:
- The intended use of the rifle
- The barrel length
- The twist rate of the barrel
- The projectile weight
- The velocity of the projectile
By considering these factors, you can choose the best ammunition for your AR-15 and ensure that it performs optimally.