I was told this is “Armor piercing “…is this true? — 8 Answers

Kinda, sorta, not really. Standard M193 (55 grain) had a bad rap for lack of “stopping power”. M855 was developed featuring a heavier bullet (62 v 55 grain) with a steel core to meet the requirement that it could penetrate a Soviet era steel helmet at distance, thus marketed as a “light armor piercing” (LAP) round.

Experience in the Gulf Wars showed little difference in terminal performance between M193 and M855. The LAP designation faded away. If anything it demonstrated not only that M855 could not penetrate “newer” helmets/body armor, but also lack of uniformity in the steel cores often caused rounds to “wobble” at longer ranges. Thus the M855A1 was developed with an exposed steel (tungsten?) nose and core with significantly higher pressures causing firearms to wear out faster. Some non-mil-spec platforms won’t be able to handle it.

So short answer is, not really. Generally, 55 grain M193 will give you the same outcomes as using 62 grain standard M855. M855A1 is now considered to the “light armor piercing” andXM777 “black tip” is classified as armor piercing. Both may be prohibited to own depending on where you are located.

M855 has a steel core to improve penetration capabilities, but is not a true “armor piercing” round. Developed towards the end of the Cold War as a heavier bullet than M193 (62 v 55 grains) that could penetrate a Soviet era steel helmet

That said, most indoor ranges and outdoor ranges with steel targets prohibit their use. Not because the rounds will go through the armored backers and target steel, but it gouges the heck out of them necessitating more frequent replacement and repair.

no way shape or form. unless the armor Is made of a single sheet of Reynolds wrap. 855 won't even penetrate some 9mm rated armor. it was designed to go through old ww2 era soviet helmets that are about as armored as a baking sheet.

No, it's not. Don't believe boomer fudds.

The bullet proof are black tip the green tip will go through steel. The Green Tip go through the steel range targets that are around 400.00 a piece.

The steel penetrator core contains iron and iron was removed from the ATF restricted component list, therefore the M855 no longer qualifies as armor piercing. Before the change, the M855 was known as the LAP cartridge. Local government entities may have their own restrictions so KNOW YOUR LAWS.

This M855 round has a steel core bullet. Not "armor piercing" though... You can't shoot these at indoor ranges typically as well.