SMALL CALIBER AMMUNITION
5.56MM Improved Performance (IP)
As one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of small calibre ammunition, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems – Canada (GD-OTS – Canada) is constantly producing new products that keep pace with evolving customer needs. This includes the new 5.56MM Improved Performance cartridge, a recent addition to the 5.56MM family of ammunition.
Designed for use with NATO 5.56MM weapons, this heavy-metal free cartridge (Toxfree®) is more robust and penetrating that standard 5.56MM ball ammunition.
Features
- Patented one piece steel core that reduces barrel wear.
- Ballistic match with NATO Ball round.
- Accuracy similar to Canadian Ball round (C77).
- Lead and heavy-metal free projectile.
- Completely Non-Toxic primer.
- Improved penetration in soft and hard targets.
- Does not break apart when fired into gelatin blocks.
Advantages
- More robust design.
- Improved penetration in CRISAT and mild steel targets.
- No more range contamination.
- Equivalent or better lethality than Ball rounds in soft targets.
- Full functionality at extreme temperatures (-54° C – +52° C).
Performance
The 5.56mm meets the following NATO test criteria:
- Precision
- Barrel wear and erosion
- Bullet extraction
- Function and casualty
- Ballistic match
- Penetration
- Primer sensitivity
- Propellant and primer test
- Waterproofness
- EPVAT
- Climatic storage
- Temperature test procedure (high and low)
Physical Characteristics
|
Cartridge Weight: |
12.1g |
|
Projectile Weight: |
3.9g (60 grains) |
|
Projectile Core: |
Hardened steel |
|
Jacket: |
Copper |
|
Cartridge Case: |
Brass |
|
Propellant: |
Ball powder® |
|
Primer: |
Toxfree® |
Members from 1st Battalion Royal Newfoundland Regiment.
Terminal Ballistics
The 5.56mm IP projectile produces an equivalent probability of incapacitation as standard ball projectiles. This has been demonstrated through extensive testing in 20% ordnance gelatin block on unprotected and CRISAT protected targets. Image (left) shows integrity of IP projectile after travelling 46cm into gelatine block fired at a range of 0.1m
Comparison of Improved Performance (IP) and Canadian Ball Round (C77)
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Other 5.56 Cartridges
Through their Simunition® and Always on Target® product lines, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems – Canada manufactures a wide variety of other 5.56mm training cartridges. For a detailed description of these innovative products please go to www.simunition.com
