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

This video from Guns Blazing Ranch provides a direct comparison between 5.56mm M193 and M855 'green tip' ammunition. Demonstrations show the significant difference in penetration power against a cinder block, with M855 exhibiting superior destructive capability. The content highlights practical differences relevant to firearm enthusiasts.

This video delves into the evolution and future of the 5.56mm cartridge, comparing historical rounds like M193 and M855 with modern and experimental options like M855A1 and Black Arc's 80.5gr OTM. Ballistic gel tests reveal significant differences in terminal performance, with heavier, specialized rounds like the Sierra Matchking and Black Arc Elite demonstrating superior energy transfer and expansion. The analysis concludes that while 5.56mm has limitations, its effectiveness is highly dependent on the specific ammunition used and its role in military 'fire and movement' tactics.

This video compares three types of 5.56mm ammunition: M855 (green tip), M855A1 (silver tip), and M856 (orange tip tracer). The M855A1 is highlighted as superior due to its enhanced armor penetration capabilities, capable of defeating Level 3+ body armor, unlike the standard M855. The M856 tracer rounds are useful for observing shot trajectory.

This video tests the M855A1 ammunition against the standard M855, addressing community concerns about velocity and authenticity. Testing across 14.5-inch and 20-inch barrels reveals negligible velocity differences, debunking claims of M855A1 being significantly faster. While M855A1 shows superior lethality in ballistics gel due to its construction, its high cost makes standard M193 or M855 more practical for civilian use.

This review compares M855 and M855A1 5.56mm ammunition, highlighting M855A1's superior terminal ballistics and fragmentation in gel tests. However, M855A1's higher chamber pressure and hardened steel tip cause accelerated rifle wear, reducing barrel life and damaging feed ramps, making it less suitable for high-volume civilian use despite its slightly better accuracy and negligible velocity gain.

This review of the M855A1 5.56mm round focuses on its enhanced performance, achieving 20-inch barrel velocities from a 14.5-inch barrel due to a 10,000 PSI pressure increase. Ballistic gel testing reveals significant expansion and fragmentation patterns at various depths, highlighting its effectiveness as a defensive and military-grade ammunition.

This comparison tests the .50 AE Desert Eagle against the .44 Magnum in various barrier tests, including wood, steel, sand, and concrete. While both calibers showed impressive power, the .50 AE demonstrated superior performance in ballistic gel with deeper penetration and a larger wound channel. Ultimately, the video questions if the .50 AE's marginal gains justify its significantly higher cost per round compared to the versatile .44 Magnum.

This video provides a detailed comparison between .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition, demonstrating their performance differences through rigorous barrier testing. While visually identical, 5.56 NATO shows a slight advantage in velocity and energy. Crucially, 5.56 NATO exhibits superior barrier penetration against lumber and steel, whereas .223 Remington struggles. Specialized rounds like M855A1 also show enhanced performance against sand barriers.

This video tests the lethality of various 'less lethal' shotgun rounds, including rubber buckshot, bean bags, and specialized projectiles. The .410 rubber buckshot demonstrated significantly higher velocity and penetration than 12-gauge versions. Bean bag rounds proved to be the most damaging, causing substantial plywood destruction and ballistic gel displacement, leading the host to conclude they are the most lethal 'less lethal' option.

This video compares 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP through various barrier tests including lumber, sand, and concrete, alongside ballistics gel testing. While all calibers performed similarly through most barriers, the .40 S&W showed slightly better penetration and expansion in ballistics gel. The host ultimately favors 9mm due to its lower recoil and higher capacity, despite the .40 S&W's respectable performance.