Does XM855 Penetrate Body Armor?
M855 & XM855 has gotten a lot of attention lately. Is this some sort of special round that will defeat body armor? Can it penetrate body armor?
Yes and no.
Please note, you can buy XM855 on
our XM855 & 556 NATO Ammo page here.
Definition of Armor piercing:
Basically, the ATF’s definition of AP / armor piercing means the round must be entirely made of one the metals below.
Here is the actual definition of “armor piercing ammunition” in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(17)(B):
(B) The term “armor piercing ammunition” means—
(i) a projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and
which is constructed entirely (excluding the presence of traces of other
substances) from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron,
brass, bronze, beryllium copper or depleted uranium; or
(ii) a full jacketed projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and intended
for use in a handgun and whose jacket has a weight of more than 25
percent of the total weight of the projectile.
What is the XM855 constructed of?
The green tipped XM855 is not made of one of a solid metal; it has a lead core and a steel tip. The steel tip is for penetration, and the lead is for expansion. It is not entirely made of steel. It is a 62gr round.
Is the XM855 an armor penetrating round?
By the ATF’s definition, no.
But, it depends on the armor. The XM855 round can penetrate some armor such as bullet proof vests. The thing is, ALL 5.56 rounds can.