Can a 5.56mm Green Tip Penetrate Body Armor?

The 5.56mm green tip, officially known as M855, is renowned for its enhanced armor-piercing capabilities compared to standard lead-core ammunition. However, whether it can penetrate body armor depends on several factors, including the type of body armor, the range of the shot, and the construction of the armor itself.

Factors Affecting Penetration

Type of Body Armor:

Level IIIA: Soft armor rated to stop handgun rounds may not stop M855 rounds effectively, especially at close range. Level III/IV: Hard armor plates designed to stop rifle rounds, including those with steel cores, are more likely to stop M855 rounds.

Range: The effectiveness of the round can diminish with distance. At longer ranges, the velocity and energy may drop, making penetration less likely.

Construction: The specific construction of the body armor can also affect penetration. Some armor is designed to withstand armor-piercing rounds better than others.

In summary, M855 can penetrate some types of body armor, particularly soft armor or lower-rated hard armor, but higher-rated hard armor is generally effective against it.

Common Misconceptions

While M855 is often referred to as a green tip ammunition, it does not meet the criteria for what is officially considered armor-piercing ammunition. Here are some important clarifications:

Green Tip vs. Armor-Piercing Ammo:

Green tip ammunition, which is commonly used in 5.56/.223 Rem caliber, is primarily designed for use with the AR platform. These rounds were originally considered controversial as they meet one of the criteria for the federal definition of armor-piercing ammunition. It is not real armor-piercing ammo; instead, it features a mild steel core. Armor-piercing ammo, on the other hand, has a black tip and is made with tungsten carbide cores.

Effectiveness on Metal Targets:

The green tip ammo is not suitable for metal targets, such as "gongs." Using green tip ammo on metal targets will likely cause rapid failure, meaning the target will wear down faster rather than being penetrated cleanly.

Penetration Capabilities:

The green tip M855 (62 gr), also known as SS109 or XM855, can penetrate light low-rated body armor at reasonable distances, typically Level II/IIA. However, it is likely to fail with higher-rated vests and steel/ceramic plates. There are numerous review videos demonstrating the penetrations with different calibers. Watching them will provide a clearer understanding of its effectiveness.

Even if it does not penetrate, the impact of a green tip round will still be highly painful and damaging.

Conclusion

While the 5.56mm green tip M855 can penetrate certain types of body armor, its effectiveness varies based on various factors. Soft armor or lower-rated hard armor is more vulnerable to penetration, while higher-rated body armor offers better protection.

For detailed information and visual demonstrations, consider watching relevant video reviews. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of this ammunition is crucial for accurate assessments and effective use.