The Army's New Ammo Is a Long Distance Devastator - M855A1 Gel Test

Published on March 5, 2018
Duration: 4:42

This video details a reduced velocity gel test of the M855A1 EPR round fired from a 10.5-inch barrel with a 1:7 twist, using 21.5 grains of RL15 powder. The test, conducted by Andrew from ARFCOM News, measures penetration depth, temporary cavity size, and fragmentation at a recorded velocity of 1,988 FPS. The results demonstrate the M855A1's effectiveness even at lower velocities, highlighting its performance against tissue and intermediate barriers.

Quick Summary

The M855A1 EPR (Enhanced Performance Round) is a military 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. In a reduced velocity gel test (1,988 FPS from a 10.5-inch barrel), it achieved 16.3 inches of penetration, significant fragmentation, and a large temporary cavity, demonstrating effective terminal ballistics and barrier performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Test Setup
  2. 00:33Live Fire and Initial Results
  3. 01:04Gel Analysis and Measurements
  4. 02:17Ballistic Significance and Barrier Performance
  5. 03:38Conclusion and Future Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the M855A1 EPR round and how does it perform in ballistic gel?

The M855A1 EPR (Enhanced Performance Round) is a military-grade 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. In a reduced velocity gel test (1,988 FPS from a 10.5-inch barrel), it demonstrated significant fragmentation, a large temporary cavity, and 16.3 inches of penetration, indicating effective terminal ballistics.

What factors influence the M855A1 EPR's performance in ballistic gel?

Key factors include muzzle velocity, barrel length, twist rate, and the powder charge. This test used a 10.5-inch barrel with a 1:7 twist and 21.5 grains of RL15 powder, resulting in 1,988 FPS and notable fragmentation and penetration.

How does the M855A1 EPR's performance at reduced velocity compare to its typical use?

A velocity of 1,988 FPS from a 10.5-inch barrel simulates the M855A1's impact velocity at around 350 meters when fired from a standard 14.5-inch barrel, showing its effectiveness is maintained even at longer ranges or with shorter barrels.

What other military rounds are planned for low-velocity testing?

Following the M855A1 EPR test, ARFCOM News plans to evaluate other military rounds such as the Mk318, Mk319, and M80A1 to determine their specific low-velocity performance thresholds and fragmentation characteristics.

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