5.56 Ammo - 500 Rounds

(7)

Brand:

Winchester

Bullet Type:

Full Metal Jacket

Caliber:

5.56×45mm NATO

Capacity:

500

Finish Per Color:

Brass

Grains:

62 grain

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(0)

Brand:

ArmsCor

Caliber:

5.56×45mm NATO

Capacity:

500

Finish Per Color:

Brass

Rounds:

500

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Marketplace Insights ★ 4.9/5 based on 7 customer reviews across 3 variants from 18 retailers

Winchester M855 ammo is highly reliable and well-regarded, though some customers note pricing is steep and packaging can hinder rebate claims.

What customers like

Reliability & Performance57%
2 boxes of 500 rds down and not a single misfire
Product Quality43%
Good product, American quality we can trust
Ammo Compatibility29%
My guns eat this up and I like the 62 green green tip round

Common concerns

UPC Code Accessibility14%
someone decided to tape the living crap out of the box
Price Concerns14%
It's just a little on the pricey side
Frequently Asked Questions
5.56 Ammo - 500 Rounds

How much are 500 rounds of 5.56 worth?

Five hundred rounds of 5.56 typically cost around $250–$275 for range/FMJ ammunition, with listings from brands like Hornady commonly found near that range. Price depends on brand, bullet weight, and type—defensive loads from manufacturers like Winchester, Federal, or PMC cost more.

Why is 5.56 so expensive right now?

5.56 pricing remains elevated due to higher raw material and production costs since 2020, with prices roughly doubling from around $0.25 to $0.50 per round. Some market normalization has occurred, but a potential gunpowder shortage flagged by Vista Outdoors in 2024 may add further price pressure. Our marketplace currently shows median pricing around $315 per box.

How much does 500 rounds of 5.56 weigh?

Five hundred rounds of 5.56 typically weigh around 14–15 pounds. Exact weight varies by bullet grain and manufacturer—lighter 55-grain loads sit toward the lower end, while heavier 77-grain loads push higher. A 500-round bulk pack of 62-grain 5.56 weighs approximately 15.50 lbs as a reference point.

What is the shelf life of 5.56 ammo?

Properly stored 5.56 ammunition lasts decades. Manufacturers conservatively recommend use within ten years, but rounds remain functional well beyond that if kept cool and dry, away from moisture and temperature swings. Poor storage can degrade ammo within a few years.

What do green tip 556 rounds do?

Green tip 5.56 (M855) rounds use a 62-grain bullet with a steel penetrator tip, designed to penetrate light barriers like sheet metal — not armor plate. The small steel core has minimal effect on defeating body armor. They're common for range use and are not classified as armor-piercing under federal law.

Will 556 go through a person?

5.56 rounds can pass through a human body depending on distance, bullet construction, and where the person is hit. Some rounds fragment or tumble inside tissue and may not exit. Heavier clothing, bone, and range all affect penetration.

Can 5.56 take down a deer?

Yes, 5.56 can take deer, though it's considered marginal for the purpose. Shot placement and bullet selection are critical. Many hunters limit shots to closer ranges. Check local regulations, as some states prohibit 5.56 for deer hunting.

Is 5.56 deadlier than 9mm?

Lethality depends on context. The 5.56 rifle round carries significantly more kinetic energy and velocity than 9mm pistol ammunition, making it more destructive on target. Shot placement and bullet design also matter greatly. Both are effective within their intended applications, but rifle and handgun roles differ fundamentally.

Is 20 year old ammo safe to shoot?

Yes, 20-year-old ammo is generally safe if stored properly in cool, dry conditions. Many shooters fire decades-old rounds without issues. Poor storage—moisture, heat, or temperature swings—can degrade reliability. Inspect for corrosion or damaged primers before shooting.