What Makes Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal Stand Out?
The Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal is designed to deliver reliable performance across various AR-15 platforms. Hornady, a name synonymous with quality ammunition, engineered this load for versatility, ensuring it functions well in direct impingement, gas piston, suppressed, and unsuppressed systems. This ammunition caters to a wide range of applications, from tactical training to recreational shooting, making it a compelling choice for AR-15 owners.
My search for a consistent and reliable 5.56 NATO round that wouldn’t break the bank led me to the Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal. I needed something that would cycle reliably in both my AR pistol and rifle, offering consistent performance across both platforms without significant point-of-impact shifts. Furthermore, I wanted a readily available round that I could use for training and general range use.
Upon unboxing, the ammunition presented itself as clean and well-packaged. The brass cases shone, and the projectiles appeared uniform in their seating depth. The overall feel exuded quality, living up to Hornady’s reputation.
Compared to other budget-friendly options like Winchester White Box or Federal American Eagle, the Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal seemed a step above in terms of perceived quality and consistency. While those rounds are certainly adequate, I wanted something with potentially tighter tolerances and more consistent powder charges. I picked this Hornady offering due to the positive reputation associated with the Hornady BLACK line and the promise of optimized performance across various platforms.
My initial excitement was tempered with cautious optimism. While Hornady’s name gave me confidence, the true test would be how it performed downrange. I was eager to see if the ammunition lived up to its claims of versatility and reliability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal to the Test
First Use Experience
The first range trip with the Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal involved both my 16-inch AR-15 rifle and my 10.5-inch AR-15 pistol. The goal was to assess cycling reliability and accuracy at 50 and 100 yards.
The ammunition performed flawlessly in both platforms, with no failures to feed, fire, or eject. Even in a slightly dusty environment, the rounds cycled reliably without any hiccups. The consistency was noticeable; recoil felt similar shot after shot, and the rifle held zero well.
I didn’t need to make any adjustments to either firearm to accommodate the ammunition. The rounds fed smoothly from various magazines, including Magpul PMAGs and Okay Industries aluminum magazines. This level of compatibility is crucial for peace of mind.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and hundreds of rounds fired, the Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal has proven to be remarkably consistent. I’ve used it in various training scenarios, from rapid-fire drills to precision shooting at distance.
There’s been no noticeable degradation in performance over time. The brass casings eject cleanly and consistently, indicating a well-maintained and high-quality round. Minimal cleaning of the firearms has been required to keep them running smoothly.
Compared to cheaper bulk ammunition I’ve used in the past, the Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal definitely outperforms them in terms of consistency and cleanliness. The reduction in malfunctions and the increased accuracy make it worth the slightly higher price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal
Specifications
Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of AR-15 rifles and pistols designed for the NATO standard.
Bullet Weight: 62 grain. The heavier bullet offers a good balance between accuracy and stopping power for general-purpose use.
Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ). FMJ bullets are known for their reliability in feeding and cycling, making them a standard choice for training and target shooting.
Case Type: Brass. Brass casings are reloadable and offer good corrosion resistance.
Optimized Performance: Designed to function across various platforms, including direct impingement, gas piston, suppressed, and unsuppressed systems. This versatility is a key selling point.
These specifications translate to reliable performance in a variety of firearms and scenarios. The 62-grain bullet weight provides a good balance of accuracy and energy transfer, while the FMJ construction ensures smooth feeding and cycling. The brass casing allows for reloading, extending the value of each round.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal performs exceptionally well in its intended role as a versatile and reliable training and target round. Accuracy is consistent, typically grouping within 2-3 inches at 100 yards with a standard AR-15.
The ammunition cycles reliably in both my AR-15 rifle and pistol, exhibiting no malfunctions throughout extensive testing. It consistently meets and exceeds expectations for a general-purpose 5.56 NATO round.
One minor weakness is that it’s not specifically designed for match-grade accuracy. While accurate enough for most applications, those seeking the utmost precision might consider a dedicated match-grade load. However, for the majority of shooters, it’s more than adequate.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal is designed with a focus on functionality and reliability. The brass casings are clean and well-formed, and the FMJ bullets are consistently seated to the correct depth.
The consistent weight and dimensions of each round contribute to its reliable feeding and cycling. There isn’t any noticeable discomfort associated with handling the ammunition.
The lack of any special coatings or ergonomic enhancements is a non-issue, as this is a standard FMJ round designed for function over aesthetics.
Durability & Maintenance
As a brass-cased, FMJ round, the Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal is inherently durable. The components are corrosion-resistant and can withstand typical storage conditions.
Cleaning and maintaining firearms after using this ammunition is straightforward. There is no excessive fouling or residue left behind, making maintenance relatively easy.
With proper storage, this ammunition should last for many years without any degradation in performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal doesn’t require any specific accessories or modifications. It’s designed to be used as-is in any firearm chambered for 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington.
The round is compatible with a wide range of magazines, including Magpul PMAGs, Okay Industries aluminum magazines, and various other AR-15 magazine types. It functions reliably with different buffer weights and gas system configurations. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile choice for different AR-15 builds.
There are no specific customization options for the ammunition itself, but its compatibility with various firearms and accessories allows for a wide range of personalization options.
Pros and Cons of Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal
Pros
- Consistent and Reliable: Feeds and cycles flawlessly in multiple AR-15 platforms.
- Versatile Performance: Functions well in direct impingement, gas piston, suppressed, and unsuppressed systems.
- Good Accuracy: Provides consistent groupings suitable for training and general range use.
- Clean Burning: Leaves minimal residue, making firearm maintenance easier.
- Reasonable Price: Offers a good balance between performance and cost.
Cons
- Not Match Grade: Not optimized for extreme precision shooting.
- FMJ Only: Lacks specialized bullet options for specific applications like hunting or self-defense.
Who Should Buy Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal?
Perfect for: AR-15 owners seeking a reliable and versatile 5.56 NATO round for training, target shooting, and general range use. It’s also well-suited for shooters who own multiple AR-15 platforms and want a consistent load that performs well in all of them.
Who should skip this product? Competitive shooters requiring match-grade accuracy or hunters seeking specialized hunting rounds with expanding projectiles.
Must-have accessories or modifications? None. The ammunition is designed to perform optimally in standard AR-15 configurations.
Conclusion on Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal
The Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal is an excellent choice for AR-15 owners seeking a reliable, versatile, and reasonably priced ammunition option. It consistently delivers good accuracy and functions flawlessly in various platforms, making it ideal for training and general range use.
At a price of $22.89, the value proposition is strong. You get Hornady’s quality and consistency without breaking the bank.
I would personally recommend the Hornady BLACK 5.56x45mm NATO 62 grain Full Metal to anyone looking for a dependable 5.56 NATO round for their AR-15. Give it a try and experience the reliable performance for yourself!