Can You Legally Purchase M855 Green Tip Ammo?

While the M855 Green Tip Ammo may not be a typical product you'd find in your local gun shop, its availability and legal purchase under certain circumstances can certainly be explored. It is important to understand the specifics of this ammunition and its legality before making any purchases.

Understanding M855 Green Tip Ammo

M855 Green Tip Ammo, also known as the M193, is a common issue round used in NATO standard 5.56x45mm weapons. The 'green tip' refers to the green tracer dye used for night visibility. This ammunition is effective against body armor and other defensive barriers but does not fall under the category of true armor-piercing.

Legal Purchase and Regulations

Legal purchase of M855 Green Tip Ammo varies by jurisdiction. While it is not illegal to own this ammunition, local and federal regulations often come into play. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with these laws before making a purchase. If you live in a jurisdiction that prohibits the sale or possession of this ammunition, it may be more challenging to acquire.

General Information

Though you can purchase M855 Green Tip Ammo legally in many places, the process may involve background checks, licensing, and registration. This ammunition is often used for training, sporting, and military purposes.

Special Ammunition Availability

In addition to M855, there are other high-performance rounds that can be purchased legally. For instance, enthusiasts may consider acquiring:

Armor-Piercing (AP) Ammo, such as M995, for 7.62x51 NATO rounds. Rare Rounds, like the SS190 or SS90 prototype for 5.7x28mm, which are highly sought after and available for the right price. High-velocity rounds, such as sabot SLAP rounds, for 7.62x51 NATO and 30-06.

Body Armor Penetration

M855 Green Tip ammo is effective against body armor and can penetrate car doors and similar barriers. However, its effectiveness is limited by factors such as the angle of impact and the type of body armor being used. While it is more effective than Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammo, there are many other rounds that can defeat the same body armor.

Comparative Effectiveness

For example, M855 Green Tip will generally cause more damage to large steel targets(like AR500) than FMJ ammo but does not have the capability to fully penetrate them. The size of the bullet, which is less than a quarter-inch in diameter, limits its penetration power.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the purchase and ownership of M855 Green Tip Ammo is legal in many areas, it is crucial to follow local and federal laws. Exploring other high-performance rounds, such as Armor-Piercing (AP) Ammo, rare rounds, and high-velocity rounds, can provide a more comprehensive range of ammunition options for shooters and enthusiasts alike.

Related Keywords

M855 Green Tip Legal Purchase Body Armor Penetration Armor-Piercing Ammo Steel Targets

History of M855 Green Tip Ammo

The M855 Green Tip Ammo was first introduced to the US military in the 1980s and has since become a standard issue round. Its effectiveness against body armor and other barriers led to its widespread use in combat situations. The round's design includes a steel core that penetrates armor but is not considered armor-piercing, as it is less potent than true AP rounds.

Armor-Piercing (AP) Ammo

Armor-Piercing (AP) Ammo, such as the M995, is a different class of ammunition. Unlike M855, AP rounds are specifically designed to penetrate armor. These rounds often feature a copper-plated base or other materials to enhance their penetration capabilities. While more effective against armor, AP rounds are more expensive and may have stricter regulations due to their potential for use in military applications.

Rare Ammunition

Rare ammunition rounds, such as the SS190 or SS90 prototype for 5.7x28mm, are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Due to their rarity and limited production, these rounds can command premium prices. However, purchasing these rounds often requires a specialized source and may involve additional paperwork and checks.

Sabot SLAP Rounds

Sabot SLAP (Sabot Light Armor Penetrator) rounds are high-velocity ammunition designed for use in larger calibers, such as 7.62x51 NATO and 30-06. These rounds feature a smaller, lighter projectile (sabot) that is fired downrange and splits into multiple fragments upon impact, creating maximum damage. Due to their high velocity and fragmentation, SLAP rounds are extremely effective against body armor and are popular among long-range shooters.