MISSION:
Provide the warfighter with 5.56mm (ball tracer) ammo that improves hard and soft target performance while eliminating more than 2,000 metric tons of lead annually from training ranges.
DESCRIPTION:
The 5.56mm Ball, M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round (EPR) contains an environmentally friendly projectile that eliminates up to 2,000 tons of lead from the manufacturing process each year in direct support of Army commitment to environmental stewardship. The M855A1 is tailored for use in the M-4 weapon system (Colt M4 Carbine and Colt M4A1 Carbine Short Barreled Rifle platforms) but also improves the performance of the M-16 assault rifle and M-249 (FN M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and Light Machine Gun) families of weapons. The M855A1 steel penetrator is effective against light armored targets while its three-piece construction maintains operational capabilities against unprotected personnel targets. The M855A1 enhances performance on hard targets or barriers, and contains an improved propellant that reduces flash.
SYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCIES
- Small arms–crew served weapons
- Small arms–individual weapons