The 5.56x45mm NATO round is a micro-caliber rifle round based upon the .223 Remington loading. In the US military, it is known as the M855A1 in it's most recent incarnation. In the rest of the world the 5.56x45mm NATO is known as the SS109.
Originally, the 5.56x45mm was designed with two goals in mind: Incapacitation, and weight reduction. The round was designed to wound a soldier, rather than kill them outright like the 7.62x51mm NATO round that came before it, as it would take two more soldiers out of the fight to take care of them.
Not only this, but the 5.56x45mm NATO is shorter and lighter than the 7.62x51mm NATO round that was it's predecessor, allowing troops to carry more ammunition.
Originally, the 5.56x45mm was designed with two goals in mind: Incapacitation, and weight reduction. The round was designed to wound a soldier, rather than kill them outright like the 7.62x51mm NATO round that came before it, as it would take two more soldiers out of the fight to take care of them.
Not only this, but the 5.56x45mm NATO is shorter and lighter than the 7.62x51mm NATO round that was it's predecessor, allowing troops to carry more ammunition.
The 5.56x45mm NATO round, also called the SS109, is the most commonly used Military-issue rifle round in the western world. However, it's usefulness has deteriorated against an enemy that does not value their lives, nor the lives of their comrades.
by Herr Jaeger November 30, 2011
one of the alternative names for 9x19mm Parabellum used by numerous pistols, sub machine guns and pistol-calibre carbines. the origional was developed by the germans for the 9mm luger pistol, hence the americans also knowing the round as 9x19mm luger. it's all the same thing.
The NATO part comes from the fact that it is the standard pistol bullet used by the armies of NATO countries, such as the USA, Britain, Canada and France (to name but a few)
notable guns which use this round include the classic WW1/2 German Luger, The H&K MP5 series, The UZI, The Browning Hi-Power (P38) and some glock models.
The NATO part comes from the fact that it is the standard pistol bullet used by the armies of NATO countries, such as the USA, Britain, Canada and France (to name but a few)
notable guns which use this round include the classic WW1/2 German Luger, The H&K MP5 series, The UZI, The Browning Hi-Power (P38) and some glock models.
by phaserrifle March 24, 2009
One of NATO's military firearm calibers. The 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge is often used in allied (American, UK, German, French, etc) machine guns, sniper rifles, and even a few assault rifles (such as Heckler & Koch's G3A3).
by Dave February 01, 2004
One of NATO's military firearm calibers. The 5.56x45mm NATO catridge is used pretty much only for allied (America, UK, France, Germany, etc) assault rifles.
China even uses this caliber for their T95 battle rifle.
China even uses this caliber for their T95 battle rifle.
by Dave February 01, 2004
by Redoubt January 20, 2008
Get the nato potato mug.
by bridgeee January 14, 2008