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====== Ammo: 5.56x45mm NATO ======

===== Overview =====

The 5.56x45mm NATO is the primary intermediate cartridge for US Forces. It is characterized by low recoil and high velocity. However, its effectiveness relies on **fragmentation** and **penetration**, both of which vary wildly between the variants listed below.

===== Modern Combat Rounds =====

==== M855A1 EPR (Enhanced Performance Round) ====

  * **Visual ID:** Bronze/Silver Exposed Tip
  * **Role:** Standard Issue (Current) The "EPR" is the modern solution to the shortcomings of older 5.56mm rounds. It features a lead-free slug with a hardened steel penetrator.
  * **Pros:** Best-in-class general penetration; "barrier-blind" (maintains trajectory through glass/wood); consistent lethality against armored AI.
  * **Cons:** Higher chamber pressure; slightly more recoil than legacy rounds.

==== Mk318 Mod 0 (SOST) ====

  * **Visual ID:** Open Tip / Lead Cliff
  * **Role:** Carbine / Urban Optimized Developed for the USMC to improve performance in short-barreled weapons like the Mk18. It is designed to fragment on impact while the rear "solid" portion continues through cover.
  * **Pros:** Optimized for CQB; excellent "stopping power" on unarmored targets.
  * **Cons:** Ballistic coefficient is lower than M855A1; performance drops off past 300m.

==== Mk262 Mod 1 (SBLR) ====

  * **Visual ID:** Black Ring / Open Tip
  * **Role:** Long Range / Marksman A heavy 77-grain Match round. While it lacks a steel penetrator, its mass allows it to retain energy at much longer distances.
  * **Pros:** Highest damage-per-shot in the 5.56 family; extremely stable in high-wind conditions; effective out to 700m.
  * **Cons:** Lower muzzle velocity; poor performance against heavy plating.

===== Legacy & Specialty Rounds =====

==== M193 (Ball) ====

  * **Visual ID:** Plain / No Tip
  * **Role:** Cold War / High Velocity The original 55-grain round for the M16A1. It relies on extreme velocity to "shatter" (fragment) upon impact.
  * **Pros:** Very high muzzle velocity; devastating against unarmored "insurgent" type targets.
  * **Cons:** Virtually zero penetration against modern body armor; loses effectiveness rapidly from short barrels.

==== M855 (Ball) ====

  * **Visual ID:** Green Tip
  * **Role:** Legacy Standard (Pre-2010) The "Penetrator" round used for decades. It features a small steel insert.
  * **Pros:** Plentiful in most missions; decent mid-range performance.
  * **Cons:** Infamous for "over-penetration" (passing through targets without damage); struggles against modern Level IV plates.

==== M995 (AP) ====

  * **Visual ID:** Black Tip
  * **Role:** Specialized Anti-Armor Utilizes a tungsten carbide core specifically designed to defeat hardened targets.
  * **Pros:** Can penetrate heavy body armor and light vehicle skin (unarmored trucks/technical rails).**Cons:** Very low "flesh damage"; rare availability.

===== Tracers & Signalling =====

^ Type ^ Matching Round ^ Notes ^
| **M196** | M193 | Red/Orange tip. Legacy tracer with shorter burn time. |
| **M856** | M855 | Standard red tracer. Consistent burn. |
| **M856A1** | M855A1 (EPR) | Modern tracer. Features "Dim Trace" to prevent blinding the shooter. |

===== Ballistic Comparison Table =====

^ Round ^ Weight ^ Velocity ^ Armor Pen. ^ Soft Damage ^ Ideal Range ^
| **M193** | 55 gr | Extreme | Very Low | High | 0 - 200m |
| **M855** | 62 gr | High | Low | Medium | 0 - 300m |
| **M855A1** | 62 gr | High | High | High | 0 - 450m |
| **Mk318** | 62 gr | Medium | Medium | Very High | 0 - 250m |
| **Mk262** | 77 gr | Moderate | Low | Extreme | 300 - 700m |
| **M995** | 52 gr | High | Extreme | Low | 0 - 400m |

===== Deployment Summary =====

  * **General Infantry:** Standardize on **M855A1 (EPR)**. It is the most reliable round for 90% of Arma 3 engagements.
  * **Point-men / Breachers:** Use **Mk318** for superior performance through doors and windows.
  * **Designated Marksmen:** Use **Mk262** for a flatter, more predictable trajectory at long range.
  * **Historical Scenarios:** Use **M193** for Vietnam/80s era kits, but aim for the head or unarmored limbs.