Question 1

What is the cheapest 5.56 NATO FMJ ammo?

Accepted Answer

Federal American Eagle XM193 55gr and PMC Bronze 55gr are typically the cheapest brass-cased 5.56 FMJ at $0.30–0.45/rd. Lake City M193 mil-spec in bulk is often the best value for AR-15 range use.

Question 2

What is the difference between 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington?

Accepted Answer

5.56 NATO is loaded to higher chamber pressure than .223 Remington. A 5.56 chamber can safely fire .223 ammo, but firing 5.56 in a .223-only chamber may produce excessive pressure. Most modern AR-15s have 5.56 or .223 Wylde chambers that handle both.

Question 3

What grain 5.56 is best for an AR-15?

Accepted Answer

55gr M193-type FMJ is the standard AR-15 range load and works with all barrel twist rates. 62gr M855 (green tip) is designed for 1:7 twist barrels. For range training, 55gr offers the best combination of price and performance.

Product Line	Grain	Spec	Count	Typical CPR
PMC X-TAC M193	55gr	M193	20–1000	$0.28–0.38
Wolf Gold .223	55gr	.223	20–1000	$0.28–0.36
Federal American Eagle	55gr	M193	20–600	$0.30–0.42
Hornady Frontier	55gr	M193	20–150	$0.30–0.40

5.56 NATO FMJ range ammo prices

Best-value 5.56 FMJ by product line

What to know about 5.56 FMJ

Related