M855A1 vs M855 vs SS109 vs XM193: Crazy Results on Steel

This video features guest 'Isle of Him' discussing three types of 5.56 ammunition: M855 (green tip), M855A1 (silver/steel tip), and M856 (orange tip tracer). The expert highlights the superior armor penetration of M855A1 over standard M855, noting that M855 is stopped by Level 3+ armor while M855A1 defeats it. M856 tracers are explained as a tool for observing shot trajectory. The consensus is that M855A1 is the most effective round among those presented for defeating body armor.

This expert analysis from Military Arms Channel compares the M855 and M855A1 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges. While M855A1 demonstrates superior terminal ballistics with immediate fragmentation in ballistics gel, it significantly increases chamber pressure, leading to accelerated rifle wear, reduced barrel life, and potential feed ramp damage. The analysis highlights that M855A1's destructive impact on firearms makes it less suitable for high-volume civilian use despite its terminal effectiveness.

This video compares the terminal ballistics of M193 and M855 5.56mm ammunition when impacting a cinder block. The M855 round, characterized by its steel penetrator tip, demonstrated significantly more destructive power, completely shattering the target, while the M193 caused a cleaner penetration. The comparison highlights the different performance characteristics of these common 5.56mm loads.

This video demonstrates a practical penetration test comparing 5.56 Green Tip (M855) and soft point ammunition. Fired from an AR-15, the M855 rounds exhibited significantly greater penetration on a steel axe head than the soft point rounds, highlighting the penetrator core's effectiveness. The test is conducted by a firearms enthusiast, offering a casual yet informative look at ammunition performance.

This video from AyoItsMike delves into the common debate surrounding 5.56 Green Tip (M855) versus standard 5.56 FMJ (M193) ammunition. While the green tip is often perceived as superior due to its steel core penetrator, the speaker suggests it may offer minimal practical advantage for typical range use, questioning if the difference is merely cosmetic. The content highlights a common discussion point within the firearms community regarding ammunition performance and perceived value.

This video provides an expert-level analysis of various 5.56x45mm ammunition types, comparing their terminal ballistics through extensive ballistic gel testing. The Dirty Civilian channel, known for its technical accuracy, demonstrates the performance differences between rounds like the M855, M855A1, M193, Sierra Matchking 77gr OTM, and a futuristic Black Arc Munitions 80.5gr OTM. The insights highlight how bullet construction, weight, and design significantly impact effectiveness in soft tissue, offering practical knowledge for firearms enthusiasts.

This video provides an expert-level comparison between the .44 Magnum and .50 Action Express calibers, featuring a Magnum Research Desert Eagle and a Ruger Super Redhawk. The host, demonstrating high authority, conducts a series of tests including penetration through lumber, steel, sand, and concrete, followed by ballistic gel testing with hollow-point rounds. The analysis highlights differences in muzzle energy, penetration, and wound channel, ultimately questioning the cost-to-performance ratio of the .50 AE.

This video provides an in-depth, experimental comparison between .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges, utilizing a chronograph and various barrier materials. The host, demonstrating high expertise through empirical testing, reveals significant performance differences, particularly in barrier penetration, with 5.56x45mm NATO generally outperforming .223 Remington.

This video from Banana Ballistics explores the surprising lethality of "less lethal" shotgun ammunition. Through rigorous testing with ballistic gel and plywood, the host demonstrates that rounds like bean bags and high-velocity .410 rubber buckshot can cause significant damage, challenging the common perception of these rounds as entirely non-lethal. The testing highlights the importance of understanding ammunition performance beyond its intended classification.

This video provides an objective comparison of 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP calibers through a series of rigorous tests including lumber, sand, concrete, and ballistics gel. The host, leveraging specialized equipment like a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph and digital calipers, presents data on velocity, penetration, and expansion. While .40 S&W showed competitive performance in some tests, the analysis concludes with a preference for 9mm due to its higher capacity and lower recoil, highlighting the importance of practical considerations beyond raw ballistics.