How Effective Is 5.56 Green Tip Against Steel? (Green Tip vs. FMJ)

Published on August 16, 2022
Duration: 5:24

This video provides an expert-level comparison of M855 Green Tip and standard 55gr FMJ ammunition against mild steel plates. The host, demonstrating high practical ballistics knowledge, uses controlled testing with various firearms and plate thicknesses to illustrate the superior penetration of the Green Tip due to its steel penetrator insert. The findings highlight significant differences in performance, particularly against thicker steel targets.

Quick Summary

The 5.56 M855 Green Tip ammunition, featuring a steel penetrator, demonstrates superior effectiveness against mild steel targets compared to standard 55gr FMJ. Tests showed the Green Tip penetrating 1/4" and 3/8" steel, while the FMJ struggled beyond 1/4", highlighting the construction's impact on performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Test Setup
  2. 00:23Firearms and Ballistics Overview
  3. 01:321/4 Inch Steel Plate Test
  4. 02:083/8 Inch Steel Plate Test
  5. 03:201/2 Inch Steel Plate Test
  6. 04:34Conclusion and Final Measurements

Frequently Asked Questions

How effective is 5.56 Green Tip against steel?

The 5.56 M855 Green Tip, with its steel penetrator, is significantly more effective against mild steel than standard 55gr FMJ. It successfully penetrated 1/4" and 3/8" steel plates, while the FMJ only penetrated the 1/4" plate.

What is the difference between M855 Green Tip and FMJ bullets?

M855 Green Tip is a 62-grain 5.56mm round featuring a steel penetrator insert for increased armor penetration. Standard FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) bullets typically have a lead core encased in a copper jacket and are less effective against hardened steel targets.

What velocities were recorded for 5.56 Green Tip and FMJ?

During testing, the 5.56 M855 Green Tip (62gr) achieved velocities around 3020 FPS, while the standard 55gr FMJ reached approximately 3240 FPS. Higher velocity did not equate to better steel penetration for the FMJ.

Can 5.56 Green Tip penetrate 1/2 inch steel?

In the tested scenario, the 5.56 M855 Green Tip did not fully penetrate a 1/2 inch mild steel plate, but it created a deep crater and a significant bulge on the reverse side, demonstrating substantial energy transfer.

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