Question about M855A1

[M995]

Does the new M855A1 use a copper slug and steel tip? I heard the old M855A1 used a bismuth tin alloy and had to be ditched because of temperature issues. I heard in a presentation that the M855A1 has improved penetration compared to M855 as well as better soft target performance (http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2010armamen...ffreyWoods.pdf). Can the M855A1 defeat NIJ Lv3 body armor? What features of the M855A1 make it have more consistent terminal ballistics?

[stanc]

Does the new M855A1 use a copper slug and steel tip?

Yes.

Can the M855A1 defeat NIJ Lv3 body armor? What features of the M855A1 make it have more consistent terminal ballistics?

I haven't seen any info regarding those aspects.

[stanc]

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/...o-afghanistan/

[angsniper]

"Gasp" “During testing, the M855A1 performed better than current 7.62mm ball ammunition against certain types of targets, blurring the performance differences that previously separated the two rounds.” I'm sorry. I have a hard time believing that statement. Smoke and mirrors. I have to raise the BS flag on that one until I see it proven.

[Clint]

"Gasp" “During testing, the M855A1 performed better than current 7.62mm ball ammunition against certain types of targets, blurring the performance differences that previously separated the two rounds.” I'm sorry. I have a hard time believing that statement. Smoke and mirrors. I have to raise the BS flag on that one until I see it proven.

Yeah. Lets see the data.

Here's the press release

[angsniper]

Yeah. Lets see the data.

Here's the press release

I've read it. I can believe it out performs the current M855. I've personnally seen someone with a double tap center mass continue advancing while firing his weapon. However, they will have to prove that it out perfoms the 7.62 because I'm afraid they are full of SH*T.

[68WJ]

Please define "certain types of targets"

[M995]

"Gasp" “During testing, the M855A1 performed better than current 7.62mm ball ammunition against certain types of targets, blurring the performance differences that previously separated the two rounds.” I'm sorry. I have a hard time believing that statement. Smoke and mirrors. I have to raise the BS flag on that one until I see it proven.

I also have a hard time believing that they have made the M855A1 have consistent performance as well as having better performance against targets that M855 is ineffective against. However, M855 penetrates steel better than 7.62mm M80 because of its steel tip.

[M995]

Is M855A1 a FMJ projectile? I think DocGKR said the M855A1 had more similarities with a Remington Bronze Point than a traditional FMJ bullet.

[angsniper]

I also have a hard time believing that they have made the M855A1 have consistent performance as well as having better performance against targets that M855 is ineffective against. However, M855 penetrates steel better than 7.62mm M80 because of its steel tip.

I would believe that except that I shoot M855 all the time and I have personnally fired both the M118 and the M855 at a 1 inch thick steel plate at 100yds. The M855 barely cratered the plate but the M118 blew a 50 cal hole thru it. I don't shoot the M80 as it's 147 gr so I can't attest to that. Maybe there's that much difference between the 147 and the 173gr bullets, IDK.

ETA: the M855 and M118 I get are issued from the base so it's the real deal not a commercial copy.