Winchester Lake City 5.56mm M855 Green Tip 62gr FMJ WM855200C $37.60 Off Review

First Impressions of Winchester Lake City 5.56mm M855 Green Tip 62gr FMJ WM855200C $37.60 Off

As a gear specialist with over a decade in the field, I’ve handled a vast array of ammunition types, from standard target rounds to specialized tactical loads. When I first saw the Winchester Lake City 5.56mm M855 Green Tip 62gr FMJ WM855200C $37.60 Off on sale, my interest was immediately piqued, especially given its reputation and the Lake City name behind it.

My primary interest in this particular round stemmed from a need for a reliable, general-purpose 5.56mm cartridge for training and potential varmint control on my property. I wanted something with consistent performance and reasonable barrier penetration. Unboxing the 800-round case (4 boxes of 200 rounds each) felt like Christmas. The rounds were neatly packaged, and the green tip immediately signifies the M855 designation, promising certain performance characteristics.

Compared to typical range ammo like basic 55gr FMJ, the M855 variant is designed with a steel penetrator, suggesting better performance against light barriers. I was also considering Federal American Eagle 5.56mm, which is another popular choice for range use, and PMC X-Tac 5.56mm for its consistent loading and reputation, but the discount on the Winchester Lake City sealed the deal. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism, hoping it would live up to the reputation of Lake City ammunition and deliver the promised performance.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Winchester Lake City 5.56mm M855 Green Tip 62gr FMJ WM855200C $37.60 Off to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Winchester Lake City 5.56mm M855 Green Tip at my local shooting range, primarily using my AR-15 platform with a 16-inch barrel. Conditions were fairly standard for a late summer day: sunny with a slight breeze. The first few magazines were fired at paper targets at 100 yards to assess accuracy.

The rounds fed smoothly, and I experienced no malfunctions within the first 200 rounds. I also set up a simple barrier test using plywood and a steel plate to get a sense of the M855’s penetration capabilities compared to standard 55-grain FMJ ammunition that I had on hand. The Green Tip rounds noticeably outperformed the 55-grain FMJ against the plywood and left a more pronounced dent on the steel plate.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the next few months, I put several hundred more rounds of the Winchester Lake City M855 through various AR-15 platforms, including a shorter-barreled pistol variant. The ammunition continued to perform reliably. I experienced no failures to feed, fire, or eject across all platforms.

I did notice that the ammunition seemed to produce slightly more muzzle flash compared to some other 5.56mm loads I’ve used. After approximately 600 rounds fired, there was no noticeable increase in wear or any unusual fouling in the firearms. Winchester’s Lake City M855 outperformed some other budget ammunition I’ve used in the past, particularly in terms of consistent primer strikes and overall reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Winchester Lake City 5.56mm M855 Green Tip 62gr FMJ WM855200C $37.60 Off

Specifications

The Winchester Lake City 5.56mm M855 Green Tip ammunition features a 62-grain full metal jacket (FMJ) bullet with a steel penetrator. It is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. The rounds are brass-cased and utilize a centerfire primer.

The advertised muzzle velocity is 3060 ft/s, generating a muzzle energy of 1289 ft-lbs. This velocity, combined with the steel penetrator, is designed to improve barrier penetration and terminal ballistics compared to standard 55-grain FMJ rounds. This makes it suitable for various applications, including target shooting, varmint control, and self-defense, though some question its suitability for the latter.

Performance & Functionality

The Winchester Lake City M855 performed admirably in my testing. Accuracy was acceptable for a general-purpose round, with consistent groupings around 2-3 inches at 100 yards with a 16″ barrel AR-15. Reliability was excellent; I experienced no malfunctions during extensive use.

Its strength lies in its improved penetration against soft body armor and light barriers, a direct result of the steel penetrator. A slight weakness is that the accuracy may not be as precise as match-grade ammunition. It definitely met my expectations for a reliable and versatile 5.56mm cartridge.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is straightforward; a standard 5.56mm cartridge with a Green Tip to denote the M855 designation. The brass casing ensures reliable feeding and extraction in AR-15 platforms. Handling is typical of any standard 5.56mm round.

There’s no real “ergonomics” to speak of with ammunition, but the overall design is proven and reliable. No learning curve is needed; it’s point and shoot.

Durability & Maintenance

As factory-sealed ammunition, the shelf life is exceptionally long if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The brass casing resists corrosion well under normal storage conditions. There is no required maintenance for the ammunition itself; proper firearm cleaning after use is always recommended.

Accessories and Customization Options

Being ammunition, there are no direct accessories or customization options. However, different optics and barrel lengths can influence the round’s performance. M855 ammunition is compatible with all standard AR-15/M16 platforms designed to chamber 5.56x45mm NATO.

This makes it compatible with a vast range of aftermarket parts and accessories, including magazines, optics, and triggers. It’s also worth noting that some ranges restrict the use of steel-core ammunition like M855 due to potential fire hazards or damage to steel targets.

Pros and Cons of Winchester Lake City 5.56mm M855 Green Tip 62gr FMJ WM855200C $37.60 Off

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Who Should Buy Winchester Lake City 5.56mm M855 Green Tip 62gr FMJ WM855200C $37.60 Off?

This ammunition is perfect for shooters looking for a reliable, general-purpose 5.56mm round with improved barrier penetration. It’s also well-suited for preppers looking to stockpile ammunition for potential emergencies. Law enforcement and security personnel who may face situations requiring barrier penetration could also benefit.

Individuals primarily focused on achieving the highest levels of precision accuracy should skip this product, as match-grade ammunition will offer better performance in that area. Also, those who primarily shoot at ranges with strict “no steel-core” policies should avoid this. A must-have accessory is high-quality magazines to ensure reliable feeding.

Conclusion on Winchester Lake City 5.56mm M855 Green Tip 62gr FMJ WM855200C $37.60 Off

The Winchester Lake City 5.56mm M855 Green Tip 62gr FMJ ammunition is a solid performer that delivers on its promise of improved barrier penetration and reliable function. At the discounted price of $652.39 for 800 rounds, the value proposition is quite compelling, especially considering the current ammunition market.

I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone seeking a versatile and reliable 5.56mm cartridge for training, varmint control, or defensive applications, keeping in mind its limitations in terms of ultimate accuracy and potential range restrictions. Buy it, try it, and see if it meets your needs – you likely won’t be disappointed.