The Most Insane 5.56 Ever Created

Published on January 9, 2026
Duration: 11:53

This video rigorously tests the penetration capabilities of two high-performance 5.56mm rounds: the M855A1 and the M995. The M995, featuring a tungsten carbide penetrator, demonstrates exceptional performance against various steel targets, including AR500 and AR550, and even penetrates 4 inches of concrete. The M855A1 serves as a benchmark, showcasing its own impressive, though lesser, penetration abilities. The video highlights the significant price difference and the extreme performance of the M995.

Quick Summary

The M995 5.56mm round is exceptionally expensive due to its tungsten carbide penetrator, which allows it to achieve superior armor penetration against hardened steel and concrete. In tests, it successfully penetrated 3/4-inch mild steel and a 4-inch concrete block, outperforming the M855A1 in these demanding scenarios.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: The Most Insane 5.56 Ever?
  2. 00:07Why is this 5.56 So Expensive?
  3. 00:15Two Reasons for High Cost
  4. 00:17Rarity and Performance Claims
  5. 00:21M855A1 vs. Swiss P-Armor Pearson
  6. 00:37Testing the M995 with Emacs Tactical
  7. 00:43M855A1 vs. 3/4-Inch Mild Steel
  8. 00:56M855A1 Performance Data
  9. 01:15M995 Introduction: Tungsten Carbide
  10. 01:26M995 vs. 3/4-Inch Mild Steel Test
  11. 01:40M995 Velocity and Impact Shift
  12. 01:55M995 Penetrates 3/4-Inch Steel!
  13. 02:04Stepping Up to 1-Inch Mild Steel
  14. 02:18M995 vs. 1-Inch Mild Steel Test
  15. 02:40M995 Fails to Penetrate 1-Inch Steel
  16. 02:48Impressive 3/4-Inch Performance
  17. 02:52M995 vs. AR500 Steel
  18. 03:09M855A1 vs. AR500 Steel
  19. 03:14AR500 Test Setup and Results
  20. 03:43M995 Penetrates 3/8-Inch AR500 Steel
  21. 04:02M995 vs. AR550 Steel
  22. 04:14AR550 Target and Previous Tests
  23. 04:46M995 vs. 1/2-Inch AR550 Steel Test
  24. 04:51M995 Creates Bulge on AR550
  25. 05:15Final Test: Concrete and Steel
  26. 05:27M855A1 vs. Concrete and Steel
  27. 05:59M855A1 Penetrator Found
  28. 06:14M995 vs. Concrete and Steel
  29. 06:35M995 Penetrates Concrete Block
  30. 06:51Conclusion: Is M995 Worth It?

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the M995 5.56mm round so expensive and effective?

The M995's high cost and exceptional performance stem from its tungsten carbide penetrator. This hardened core allows it to penetrate targets that standard 5.56mm rounds, like the M855A1, cannot, including hardened steel and thick concrete barriers.

How does the M995 compare to the M855A1 in penetration tests?

In penetration tests against 3/4-inch mild steel, the M995 demonstrated superior performance, creating a clean hole. While the M855A1 also performed well, the M995's tungsten carbide core gave it an edge, especially against harder materials like AR500 and AR550 steel.

Can the M995 5.56mm round penetrate concrete?

Yes, the M995 has demonstrated the ability to penetrate a 4-inch thick concrete block, a feat not achieved by the M855A1 in the same test. This highlights the M995's extreme penetrative capabilities for its caliber.

What are the key differences between M995 and M855A1 ammunition?

The primary difference is the M995's tungsten carbide penetrator, which provides superior armor penetration compared to the M855A1's steel penetrator. This makes the M995 significantly more expensive but also more effective against hardened targets.

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