That green paint on the bullet tip means something. M855 green tip is the NATO-standard 5.56 ball round used by U.S. forces since the 1980s. Under the copper jacket sits a 62-grain bullet with a small steel penetrator up front and lead behind it. The green tip is just a marker so you can tell it apart from other ball ammo at a glance.
This guide explains what M855 is, how it differs from M193, where you can and can’t shoot it, and which M855 loads Bulk Ammo Vault carries. Velocity and energy come from our catalog’s factory figures.
What Is Green Tip Ammo?
“Green tip” is shorthand for M855 and its NATO twin, SS109. Both use the same basic bullet design:
- 62-grain full metal jacket boat tail.
- A steel penetrator in the nose.
- A lead core in the rear.
- A green-painted tip to identify it.
It was designed to defeat light barriers, like a steel helmet, at range better than the older M193 ball round. For civilians, it’s mainly a training and range round.
M855 Loads We Carry
| Load | Bullet | Grain | Velocity | Energy | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winchester M855 5.56 62 Grain Green Tip FMJ | Penetrator Full Metal Jacket | 62 | 3,060 fps | 1,289 ft-lbs | 1,000-round case (50 x 20) |
| SS109 Projectiles Loaded in Winchester M855 5.56 62 Grain | Penetrator Full Metal Jacket (SS109/M855) | 62 | 3,060 fps | 1,289 ft-lbs | 1,000-round case (50 x 20) |
| IMI M855 SS109 5.56 62 Grain FMJ | SS109 Penetrator Full Metal Jacket | 62 | 3,020 fps | 1,256 ft-lbs | 1,200-round case (40 x 30) |
| Winchester 5.56 62 Grain Penetrator FMJ | Penetrator Full Metal Jacket | 62 | 3,100 fps | 1,323 ft-lbs | 600 rounds (4 x 150) |
| Winchester USA Valor 5.56 62 Grain Penetrator FMJ | Penetrator Full Metal Jacket | 62 | 3,100 fps | 1,323 ft-lbs | 125-round pack |
The Winchester M855 62 Grain Green Tip 1,000 Round Case lists 3,060 fps and 1,289 ft-lbs. The IMI M855 SS109 1,200 Round Case lists 3,020 fps and 1,256 ft-lbs. IMI is an Israeli maker, and our listing shows Israel as country of origin.
The Winchester 62 Grain Penetrator 600 Rounds and Winchester USA Valor 62 Grain Penetrator use a similar penetrator design. They list 3,100 fps.
M855 vs M193
These two rounds cover most 5.56 ball ammo sold today. Here’s how they stack up using our catalog numbers:
| Feature | M193 | M855 Green Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet weight | 55 grains | 62 grains |
| Core | Lead | Steel penetrator plus lead |
| Tip color | None | Green |
| Example velocity | 3,180 fps (Winchester M193) | 3,060 fps (Winchester M855) |
| Indoor ranges | Usually allowed | Often banned |
M193 is faster and lead-core. M855 is heavier with a steel tip. Both are 5.56 NATO loads. For more on the lighter round, see our M193 ammo guide.
Twist Rate: Will M855 Shoot Well in Your Rifle?
The 62-grain M855 bullet is longer than a 55-grain FMJ. Longer bullets need more spin to stay stable.
- 1:7 twist: the military standard. M855 shoots well.
- 1:8 and 1:9 twist: most shooters get good results.
- 1:12 twist: older barrels may not stabilize M855. You might see keyholes on paper, which means the bullet tumbled. Stick with 55-grain ammo.
Look on your barrel for the twist stamp, or check the maker’s spec sheet.
Where You Can Shoot Green Tip
Indoor ranges
Many indoor ranges ban steel-core ammo. The steel can damage backstops and spark. Call ahead. Some ranges test ammo with a magnet at the counter.
Steel targets
Steel penetrators can pit and dent target plates. Some outdoor ranges ban green tip on steel. Even where it’s allowed, it wears targets faster.
Outdoor paper
Green tip works fine on paper and berms at most outdoor ranges. Check your range’s rules.
Hunting
M855 is an FMJ round and is not designed to expand. Many states ban FMJ for big game. Check your state’s hunting rules and use a hunting bullet instead.
Is Green Tip Ammo Legal?
M855 has been sold to civilians for decades. In 2015, the ATF proposed treating it as armor-piercing ammo, then dropped the proposal after public comment. That episode drove a lot of panic buying and a lot of questions.
Today, laws still vary by state and city. Some places restrict certain ammo types or how ammo is sold and shipped. Check your state and local rules before you order. You can find federal guidance on the ATF website.
Buying Tips
- Buy by the case if you shoot a lot. One lot means a stable zero.
- Store it dry. Sealed cases and cans help.
- Keep a mix. Many shooters keep M193 for indoor and steel days, and M855 for outdoor paper.
- Know your chamber. Fire 5.56 only in rifles marked 5.56 NATO or 223 Wylde.
Want more Winchester options in the same caliber? Our Winchester 5.56 ammo guide covers the full lineup.
Shop M855 Green Tip Ammo
See our M855 green tip ammo category, or browse all 5.56 ammo. If your range allows it, M855 green tip is a solid NATO-spec training round for any 5.56 rifle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is green tip ammo used for?
Green tip M855 is the NATO-standard 5.56 ball round. Civilians mainly use it for training and outdoor range shooting. Its steel penetrator was designed to defeat light barriers at range. It is an FMJ round and is not designed for hunting or expansion.
What does green tip ammo mean?
The green paint marks M855 or SS109-style ammo, which has a 62-grain bullet with a steel penetrator in the nose. The color lets shooters and range staff identify it quickly. It does not change how the round performs.
Is green tip ammo legal?
M855 is widely sold to civilians, and in 2015 the ATF dropped a proposal to treat it as armor-piercing. Laws still vary by state and city, including rules on ammo sales and shipping. Check your state and local rules before you buy.
Why do indoor ranges ban green tip?
M855 has a steel penetrator. Steel can damage backstops, pit steel targets and throw sparks. Many indoor ranges ban steel-core ammo for these reasons, and some check ammo with a magnet. Call your range before you bring it.
Can you shoot M855 in a 1:12 twist barrel?
Often not well. The 62-grain M855 bullet is longer than 55-grain ball, and many 1:12 barrels don’t spin it fast enough. You may see keyholing on paper. Rifles with 1:7, 1:8 or 1:9 twists usually shoot M855 well.
