DeadEye9
Member
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2016
- Messages
- 282
Well I've been looking for "decently" priced loaded ammo or pulled bullets in M855a1 configuration for some time now. For those that aren't aware, around 2011 the US Army adopted a new 5.56 round designated as the M855a1. Unlike the standard M855/Green tip the penetrative tip on the new round is outside and on top, not inside a jacket like traditional FMJ M855. The purpose for this is supposed to be better penetration through tough barriers while also achieving better terminal performance in soft unarmored targets. This new 62gr EPR (enhanced penetrator round) is touted to essentially mimic the tissue damage of M80 ball in even the most slender of unarmored targets as well as penetrating hard surfaces 30-40% better than M855. (See picture above: left is M855 "green tip" and is stopped, right is M855a1 "EPR" and sails clean through the plate.)
Apparently this round from a typical M16 will also go clear through concrete building blocks at 90yds. I've wanted to do testing with it on my own but wasn't hyped to pay $4-6 per round for the stuff. Recently I got an email from American Reloading stating that they have limited quantities in stock at basically $1 per bullet, so I went ahead and ordered 100 to load up. These things are PRETTY. They don't look like pulled bullets as there isn't a single mark that I can see with my naked eyes. Price wise yea $1 per bullet sucks, but loaded Lake City M855a1 is going for $3-4 bucks a round on most Auction sites so this was the best I've found so far and wanted to let others know who may also be interested. From what I've seen loaded Lake City M855a1 rounds seem to be right around 2950fps from 16" barrels, so I will likely load to that velocity for my testing so I can get a basic idea of what the factory product does. Will share the results when I get around to testing, but wanted to let you all know (for those that didn't) that there are some out there for civilians to snatch up, if your willing to pay the price.
