Federal American Eagle 5.56 55 Grain FMJ

*Federal has updated the packaging for this product. Box art may vary*

The general accuracy of the boat tail projectile in this loadout and the significant tolerance and load production control of the Federal factory makes it a premium round at a bargain price that leverages the production volume and subsequent shooter use of the cartridge. It is a consummate performer from about 75 yards to about 400 yards and can easily be used beyond that range if under specific circumstances. It is a formidable choice for use on varmints all over the United States, from groundhogs to coyotes and everything in between. It is also a particularly potent round, despite its small diameter projectile for medium-sized game up to and including hogs, and deer at around 350 lbs. and under. For the purpose of home defense, hunting, target use, or thanks to the lower price point that Federal offers, even plinking, this is a legitimately performing round at a significantly value-centric price point.

American Eagle is a Federal product produced on substantially similar (and in some cases the same) machinery as the military contract M193 ammunition for the M4 and M16 and other 5.56x45mm firearms used by the military. The sole difference is that M193 is a contracted “mil-spec” cartridge that has a very specific parameter for the quality and consistency of tolerances and the XM193 is a civilian version of that ammunition. The venerable, proven 55 grain projectile functions in most twist rates for the AR15/M16 platform, but is exceptional out of the mid-range twist rates from about 1 in 8 inches to about 1 in 10 inches, with the shorter twist rates (like 1 in 7 inches) being better suited to the larger projectiles in the 5.56x45 spectrum which need better bullet stabilization. The smaller projectile loses some efficiency in the wind at longer distances, but performs admirably out to about 400 yards, where it still packs a potent punch, despite being a small caliber projectile. The down range terminal ballistics are enough for this round (rather, its military equivalent) to be the load of choice for the United States Armed Forces small caliber rifles.