Can German MEN Perform Like American M193? 5.56mm MEN 55gr FMJ Gel Test

Published on May 5, 2020
Duration: 8:34

This video tests 5.56mm MEN 55gr FMJ ammunition against M193 specifications using ballistic gelatin. The test reveals that this specific MEN ammunition did not fragment reliably when fired from a 10.5-inch barrel, exhibiting mediocre terminal performance characterized by bullet yaw and a limited temporary cavity. While it may perform better from a longer barrel, the instructor suggests that for home defense or general use where reliable fragmentation is desired, other M193 loads or higher-performance ammunition might be more suitable due to similar or better cost-effectiveness and terminal ballistics.

Quick Summary

The 5.56mm MEN 55gr FMJ ammunition tested did not fragment when fired from a 10.5-inch barrel into ballistic gelatin. It exhibited bullet yaw and a mediocre temporary stretch cavity, suggesting it may not be ideal for applications requiring reliable fragmentation compared to other M193 loads.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Test Setup
  2. 01:05Live Fire and Gel Test
  3. 01:56Sponsor Message
  4. 02:09Gel Test Analysis: No Fragmentation
  5. 02:30Bullet Yaw and Cavity Discussion
  6. 03:35Key Finding: Lack of Fragmentation
  7. 03:50Performance Assessment and Barrel Length Impact
  8. 04:27Factors Affecting Fragmentation (Jacket, Cannelure)
  9. 05:34Performance Without Fragmentation
  10. 06:03Comparison to Other 5.56mm Loads
  11. 06:13Expected Performance from Longer Barrels
  12. 06:30Ammunition Choice for Home Defense
  13. 07:05Viewer Engagement and Call to Action
  14. 08:16Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the MEN 5.56mm 55gr FMJ ammunition fragment in the ballistic gelatin test?

No, the MEN 5.56mm 55gr FMJ ammunition did not fragment when fired from a 10.5-inch barrel into 10% ballistic gelatin. The bullet exited the block without breaking apart, indicating a lack of fragmentation at this velocity.

What was the terminal performance of the MEN 5.56mm 55gr FMJ in the gel test?

The terminal performance was described as mediocre to short. The bullet yawed around 3 inches into the gelatin, creating a temporary stretch cavity of about 7 inches long and 2.5-3 inches wide, without fragmentation.

How does MEN 55gr FMJ compare to other M193 ammunition?

Based on this test, the MEN 5.56mm 55gr FMJ did not perform as well as other M193 loads like Lake City, PPU, or Wolf Gold in terms of fragmentation. It's considered a less effective option if reliable fragmentation is a primary concern.

Would MEN 5.56mm 55gr FMJ perform better from a longer barrel?

The instructor suggested that the MEN 5.56mm 55gr FMJ might achieve reliable fragmentation and adequate penetration from a 16-inch barrel at closer ranges, as longer barrels increase muzzle velocity.

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