What is M855A1?

The M855A1 is a type of rifle ammunition. More specifically, a 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. It was developed for the U.S. military and officially introduced in 2010. It is an enhanced performance round designed to offer superior penetration, accuracy, and consistency across various conditions. It was released as an upgrade to the traditional M855, and there are quite a few changes to note.

• Steel Penetrator Tip: Unlike the M855, which features a steel core, the M855A1 boasts a steel penetrator tip. This design improves penetration against hard targets while maintaining lethality in soft targets
• Copper Core: The M855A1 uses a copper core instead of the lead core found in the M855. This change not only enhances environmental safety but also improves the round's overall performance
• Improved Accuracy: Especially at longer ranges, the M855A1 is a solid choice for marksmen and competitive shooters
• Increased Consistency: With advanced manufacturing techniques, the M855A1 delivers more consistent performance, reducing the variability seen in older rounds

Comparing the M855A1 to the M855

It’s funny when you realize how similar the naming convention is between these two rifle rounds. What do I mean by that? Well, just because the name change between the two is only two characters different, that doesn’t mean there are only slight variations between the two. Let’s compare the M855A1 to the M855 as several key differences stand out.

• Penetration: The M855A1's steel penetrator tip significantly outperforms the M855 in penetrating hard targets, such as body armor and barriers
• Environmental Impact: The shift to a copper core in the M855A1 eliminates the environmental hazards associated with lead
• Accuracy and Range: Enhanced ballistic design allows the M855A1 to achieve greater accuracy, particularly at extended ranges, compared to the M855
• Versatility: The M855A1 is designed to perform well in various environments and against a range of target types, offering greater versatility than the M855
• Pressure: The M855A1 has crimped and staked-in primers due to the muzzle velocity of 3113 fps~ and 1,334~ ft-lbs compared to the M855’s 3,025~ fps and 1,290 ft-lbs of muzzle energy.
• Yaw: Engineered to start yawing earlier upon impact, it can result in a larger and more effective wound channel. Despite this early yaw, the M855A1 maintains its ability to penetrate hard targets effectively, thanks to its advanced design
• Weight: There aren’t significant weight changes between the two, but we will discuss this in depth later on in this article to back up this claim

(Figure 1. Showcasing primer style of "Green Tips" M855 vs M855A1)

(Figure 2. Photo Credit: U.S. Army - VIEW ORIGINAL)

So there are quite a few improvements over the M855 rounds. I would be interested in learning if there are plans for even more development on this round in the future.

The Impact of the M855A1’s Weight Difference

One key aspect that often comes under scrutiny is the weight of the round. Many assume the difference between the two negatively impacts various performance parameters. Let’s address some of these concerns in a little more detail.

M855 Weight:

• The M855 round weighs approximately 62 grains. This includes a steel penetrator tip and a lead core
• The overall weight of the M855 cartridge, including the casing, powder, and primer, is around 190 grains

M855A1 Weight:

• The M855A1 round has a slightly heavier projectile, weighing about 62.5 grains. This weight includes a steel penetrator tip and a copper core
• The M855A1 cartridge's total weight is marginally higher than the M855, primarily due to the use of different materials and enhanced design

Despite the minor differences in the projectile's weight and composition, the overall weight of the M855A1 cartridge remains comparable to that of the M855, ensuring compatibility with existing equipment and handling practices.

Practical Implications

We should also mention the practical implications of using this round. For military personnel, the transition to M855A1 means benefiting from enhanced performance without significant changes to equipment or logistics. For civilian shooters, the M855A1 offers a modern, high-performance option that aligns with contemporary environmental standards.

Wait, What about Green Tips?

The term "green tips" often refers to the M855 round due to its distinctive, green-painted tip. While the M855A1 doesn't feature the green tip anymore, its advanced design provides numerous benefits over the traditional green-tipped M855, particularly in terms of penetration and accuracy. Shooters looking for a modern alternative to green tips will find the M855A1 to be a superior option.

So that's M855A1

At DozerMunitions.com, we believe in providing our customers with the best ammunition we can get our hands on. The M855A1 represents the pinnacle of rifle round technology, offering improved performance, environmental benefits, and unmatched reliability. Whether you're a military professional, law enforcement officer, or a civilian shooter, the M855A1 is an excellent choice for your ammunition needs.

The M855A1 round integrates with standard 5.56mm NATO stripper clips and magazines, making it an efficient and reliable choice for both military and civilian shooters. Whether you're loading up for a range session or preparing for tactical operations, the M855A1 offers enhanced performance without the need for specialized equipment.

Grab yours Today at Dozer Munitions!

Ready to experience the next generation of rifle ammunition? Browse our selection of  M855A1 rounds and discover the difference for yourself. At DozerMunitions.com, we are committed to providing you with top-quality products and exceptional service. Thanks for stopping by to read our article.

Keep on dozin’ on!

-The Dozer Munitions Team