What's the difference?

[JoJo]

What's the difference in 5.56 between M855 and M193 ammo? I'm guessing M193 is ball ammo. 

[JohnyMac]

If money was no object my answer would be neither because I would have the money to buy better ammo.

But since you asked about the two, I stock M193 and don't bother with M855. M193 has a bit better frag range, especially with shorter barrels (and most of my AR's ar 16" or less) so it is more useful for me.

Alot of folks here like M855 for its penetration abilities and that is fine but it isn't AP ammo either. I think a situation where the penetrating advantage of M855 would outweigh the added frag ability of M193 will be the exception. If I only stock one, I'll pick the one for the rule, not the exception.

A few points to consider is that M193 will penetrate steel body armor and M855 will not. M855 will penetrate dyneema composite body armor and M193 will not. Neither will penetrate ceramic or hybrid plates. Neither performs well through windshield glass.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_17/650758_M855_vs__M193.html

[CJS06]

One thing to consider with the two is where you will get to shoot. If you go to some ranges they will not allow M855 if you shoot at their steel.

Also M193 though lighter tends to be a more accurate round than M855.

[JoJo]

Thanks Guys. I bet there are a few more people out there that wanted that information.

[Swampy]

What's the difference in 5.56 between M855 and M193 ammo? I'm guessing M193 is ball ammo.

Both are ball ammo. M855 has a steel core to it, which is supposed to aid in penetrating light barriers. M855 uses 62 grain bullets. M193 uses 55 grain.

A few points to consider is that M193 will penetrate steel body armor and M855 will not. M855 will penetrate dyneema composite body armor and M193 will not. Neither will penetrate ceramic or hybrid plates. Neither performs well through windshield glass.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_17/650758_M855_vs__M193.html

M193 will penetrate steel body armor? It seems like that depends on the armor in question. So far, all of what they call "level III+" that I've seen will stop both M855 and M193. Regular Level III not so much. 

[JoJo]

If money was no object my answer would be neither because I would have the money to buy better ammo.

 

 Would Winchester 5.56 in 55 grain be better than M193 or equal? What about Federal 55 grain in 223? Who makes ammo better than M193 and who sells M193?
 I know I have a lot of questions but I've been out of shooting for 35 years and I'm trying to catch up.
Finally joined a gun club now I have to meet some shooters.