The 5.56×45mm NATO (official NATO nomenclature 5.56 NATO, commonly pronounced "five-five-six") is a rimless bottlenecked centerfire intermediate cartridge family developed in the late 1970s in Belgium by FN Herstal. [5] . It consists of the SS109, L110, and SS111 cartridges.

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While the 5.56 NATO is not the typical long-range caliber, it has a relatively flat trajectory out to 500 yards thanks to its lightweight projectiles and relatively high ballistic coefficients. Depending on the load you're firing, you can expect a 55 grain FMJ to drop about 47” at 500 yards when zeroed in at 200 yards.

Feb 2, 2023 · Here are 5.56 NATO ballistics charts with other information and a brief history on this centerfire rifle cartridge.

The table below gives a list of firearms that can fire the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge, first developed and used in the late 1970s for the M16 rifle, which to date, is the most widely produced weapon in this caliber. [1] . Not all countries that use weapons chambered in this caliber are in NATO. This table is sortable for every column.

Feb 18, 2024 · What caliber is a 5.56 NATO? The 5.56 NATO caliber is actually 5.56x45mm, which is equivalent to .223 Remington. It is commonly used in military and civilian firearms. …

Dec 4, 2024 · Understanding these different types is crucial for anyone owning or planning to own a firearm chambered in 5.56, as each is designed for specific purposes and performs differently. The different types of 5.56 ammo include: M193, M855/SS109, M855A1, Mk262, Tracer Rounds, Blank Rounds, Frangible Rounds, Armor-Piercing Rounds, and Subsonic Rounds.

Dec 7, 2024 · Get the facts on 5.56 NATO, from its origin and history to its measurements, ballistics, and comparisons to other calibers. The 5.56x45mm ammunition is one of the most widely used and recognized cartridges in the world, with a rich history and a …

Mar 7, 2025 · 5.56 NATO Chambers: Designed with a longer throat to accommodate higher pressure rounds. 223 Remington Chambers: Feature a shorter throat, leading to increased pressure when firing 5.56 NATO ammunition, which can be unsafe. The 5.56 NATO operates at higher pressures compared to the 223 Remington.