Bulk 5.56 Ammo For Sale Online At Smoky Mountains Guns and Ammo

When you think about reliable, versatile rifle ammunition that delivers performance, value, and widespread availability, the 5.56 round stands out. At Smokymountainsgunsandammo.com, we offer Bulk 5.56 ammo for sale in large quantities to meet the needs of shooters, hunters, and defense-minded gun owners across the United States. Whether you’re stocking up for range sessions, tactical training, or long-term preparedness, our selection of 5.56mm ammunition ensures quality and consistency you can trust.

What is 5.56 NATO Ammo?

5.56 NATO ammo refers to a military-standard rifle cartridge developed in the late 1970s and adopted by NATO forces around 1980. It is an intermediate rifle round, meaning it balances power, recoil, and range between pistol and full-size rifle cartridges. Its dimensions are 5.56×45mm, and it is designed for use in modern sporting rifles like the AR-15.

This round offers shooters a lightweight cartridge with moderate recoil, consistent accuracy, and widely available components, making it a staple cartridge for both new and experienced shooters.

History of 5.56 Nato

The story of 5.56 ammunition begins with the desire to modernize infantry rifles after World War II. The United States sought a lighter, high-velocity round that allowed soldiers to carry more ammunition without fatigue. This pursuit led to the development of the .223 Remington, which later evolved into the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge used by NATO countries starting around 1980.

Over time, the 5.56 NATO became the industry standard for military and civilian semi-automatic rifles, thanks to its balance of velocity, manageable recoil, and ammunition capacity. This history makes it one of the most widely recognized and used rifle cartridges in the world.

Types of 5.56 Ammunition

There are several types of 5.56 rounds available, each suited for various purposes:

• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) – Standard target and training rounds with a solid, non-expanding bullet.

• Green Tip (M855) – Military-spec round with a steel penetrator tip.

• Match-Grade – Precision ammunition with tighter tolerances for competition shooting.

• Hollow Point (HP) – Designed to expand on impact for hunting and defense.

• Ballistic Tip – Polymer-tipped bullets that improve accuracy and expansion.

These options allow shooters to choose the right 5.56 cartridges for their mission, whether precision, defense, or practice.

Specifications of the 5.56 Ammo

Here are typical specs for 5.56 NATO ammo:

• Caliber: 5.56×45mm

• Bullet Weight Range: 50 to 77 grains (commonly 55–62 gr)

• Muzzle Velocity: ~2,700–3,300 fps depending on load

• Case Type: Rimless, bottleneck cartridge

Such specs make 5.56 ammo stable and balanced for mid-range engagements and reliable cycling in AR-platform rifles.

Design of the Ammunition

The design of 5.56 rounds uses a bottlenecked brass case with a projectile optimized for high velocity and flat trajectory. The cartridge functions reliably under high pressure while maintaining a crisp report and minimal recoil. Designers engineered the round for consistent flight characteristics and performance across a range of barrel lengths and uses.

What is 5.56 NATO Ammo Used For?

5.56 ammo is versatile. It is commonly used for:

• Target shooting and competition because of its accuracy and low recoil

• Home defense, where controllable recoil matters

• Varmint and predator hunting like coyotes

• Training and tactical drills due to cost and availability

This versatility makes 5.56 NATO rounds a go-to choice for many rifle owners.

Best 5.56 Ammo for Different Uses

There is no one-size-fits-all best round, but these categories are popular:

• 5.56 Ammo for Range

Bulk FMJ rounds such as 55-grain XM193 are ideal for range practice and drills.

• Best 5.56 Defense Ammo

Expanding rounds like hollow point or ballistic tip 5.56 cartridges provide better terminal performance for defense while maintaining reliable feeding.

• 5.56 Home Defense Ammo

For close-quarter scenarios, lighter recoil and controlled expansion reduce over-penetration risks.

What is Green Tip 5.56 Ammo?

Green tip 5.56 ammo refers to M855 military-spec rounds that feature a green-painted tip over a steel penetrator. These rounds can offer improved barrier penetration and are a favorite among tactical and defensive shooters

Hunting Applications

5.56 Ammo for Coyote Hunting

Lightweight 5.56 rounds with expansion characteristics are effective for thin-skinned predators like coyotes at medium ranges.

Best 5.56 Ammo for Deer Hunting

While 5.56x45mm can be used ethically on deer with proper shot placement, many hunters prefer larger calibers. Ensure you understand your local laws and ethical standards.

5.56 Ammo – 1000 Rounds

Buying 5.56 ammo – 1000 rds at once gives a major price advantage. A 1000-round bulk case often delivers significant savings per round compared to smaller packages. At Smokymounatinsgunsandammo.com, we offer bulk 5.56 nato ammo for sale.

Effective Range & Muzzle Velocity

Effective Range

• Up to ~600 yards for hunting

• Up to ~1,000 yards for target shooting under ideal conditions

Typical Muzzle Velocity

• Around 2,700–3,300 fps depending on grain weight and barrel length

10,000 Rounds 5.56 Ammo

For serious shooters, stocking 10,000 rounds of 5.56 ammo ensures preparedness for training cycles, drills, or long-term planning. Buying in bulk reduces cost per round and ensures you have inventory on hand when prices fluctuate. At Smokymounatinsgunsandammo.com, we offer bulk 5.56 nato ammo for sale.

5.56 NATO Ammo Ballistics Table