- Whether M855 green tip is legal where you live (spoiler: probably yes)
- The specific federal law that makes green tip NOT armor-piercing
- The full story of the 2015 ATF ban attempt and why it failed
- State-by-state restrictions (New Jersey is the big one)
- Which ranges allow green tip and which don't
The Short Answer
Yes, M855 green tip ammunition is legal to purchase, possess, and shoot in most of the United States. It is NOT classified as armor-piercing under federal law. You can buy it at any major online ammo retailer or local gun shop that stocks 5.56/.223 ammunition.
The only states with potential complications are New Jersey (where a secondary statute creates genuine legal risk), Connecticut (steel-core restrictions create a gray area), and California (generally permits possession but restricts use locations). Everywhere else, green tip is as legal as any other ammunition.
What Is M855 Green Tip?
M855 (also designated SS109 in NATO terminology) is a 62-grain 5.56×45mm NATO round featuring a steel penetrator tip ahead of a lead core, encased in a copper jacket. The green paint on the tip is a military color code that identifies it as the steel-penetrator variant — distinguishing it from the older M193 55gr ball round, which has no colored tip.
The steel penetrator was added to improve performance against light barriers at range — things like windshields, sandbags, and body armor plates at 600+ meters. At typical civilian shooting distances, M855 performs similarly to standard M193 ball ammunition.
M855 is widely manufactured and sold commercially. Federal American Eagle, PMC, and various importers sell M855-spec ammunition at prices comparable to standard .223/5.56 ball ammo. It's one of the most common 5.56mm loads on the market.
Why M855 Isn't Armor-Piercing Under Federal Law
The federal definition of armor-piercing ammunition is found in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(17)(B). It defines AP ammo as a projectile or projectile core that:
- (i) May be used in a handgun and is constructed entirely from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium; or
- (ii) Is a full jacketed projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and intended for use in a handgun whose jacket weight exceeds 25% of total weight.
M855 doesn't meet either definition. Its core is approximately 80% lead with a steel penetrator tip — not "entirely" steel. It also has a separate sporting purpose exemption under subsection (C) of the same statute.
This is the key legal distinction: the word "entirely" in the statute. Because M855's core is mostly lead, it falls outside the AP definition regardless of the steel penetrator. A bullet would need to be all steel (or one of the other listed metals) to qualify.
The 2015 ATF Ban Attempt
On February 13, 2015, the ATF proposed reclassifying M855 by revoking its sporting purpose exemption. The argument: AR-15-platform pistols (like the AR-15 pistol with a short barrel) meant M855 could be "used in a handgun," potentially bringing it under the AP definition.
The public and political response was overwhelming:
- The public comment period received more than 80,000 comments, overwhelmingly opposed to the ban
- Over 200 House members signed letters opposing the reclassification
- 53 Senators sent opposition letters to the ATF
- 23 state attorneys general urged the ATF to permanently abandon the proposal
On March 10, 2015, the ATF halted the proposal. M855 retained both its non-AP classification and its sporting purpose exemption. As of March 2026, there has been no subsequent attempt to reclassify it.
The 2015 ban attempt is worth knowing because it could happen again. If the ATF ever revives this proposal, it would affect millions of AR-15 owners and potentially remove one of the most affordable 5.56mm options from the civilian market. The overwhelming public and Congressional response in 2015 is the main reason it was shelved.
State-by-State Breakdown
| State | M855 Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Most States (45+) | Yes — no restrictions | M855 is treated the same as any other rifle ammunition |
| New Jersey | Legal gray area — high risk | NJ's AP statute mirrors federal law (M855 should be fine), but a separate "body armor penetrating bullets" statute based on Rockwell B Hardness ratings may classify M855 differently. AP possession in NJ is a 4th degree crime: up to 18 months imprisonment and $10,000 fine per round. Consult a NJ firearms attorney. |
| Connecticut | Gray area | CT has steel-core ammunition restrictions that create ambiguity for M855. The statute is less punitive than NJ, but the legal risk exists. |
| California | Generally yes | CA permits M855 possession but restricts where you can use it. Local ordinances may add further restrictions. Check your county. |
This article provides general information about ammunition laws. It is not legal advice. Laws change frequently and local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Always verify your specific state and local laws before purchasing or possessing any ammunition. When in doubt, consult a firearms attorney in your state.
Range Rules for Green Tip
Even where M855 is legal to own, many ranges restrict or prohibit its use:
- Indoor ranges: Most indoor ranges ban M855 green tip. The steel penetrator damages backstops, creates sparking on metal surfaces, and accelerates wear on bullet traps. Always ask before loading green tip at an indoor facility.
- Outdoor ranges: Generally allow M855, but some prohibit steel-core ammo on steel targets (the hardened penetrator can pit and damage steel plates). Check the range's posted rules.
- Public land / BLM land: Generally no restrictions on M855 beyond standard fire safety rules. However, in high fire-risk areas, any ammunition that creates sparks may be restricted seasonally.
Not sure if your ammo has a steel penetrator? Hold a magnet to the bullet tip. M855 green tip will attract a magnet (steel penetrator). Standard M193 and most commercial .223 will not. Many ranges use this test — pass the magnet test and you're clear to shoot.
Find M855 Green Tip Deals
Compare M855 prices across trusted retailers. Get the lowest cost per round on green tip ammo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is M855 green tip armor-piercing?
No, not under federal law. The federal AP definition under 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(17)(B)(i) requires a projectile core constructed entirely of restricted metals. M855's core is approximately 80% lead with a steel penetrator tip — not "entirely" steel. It also holds a sporting purpose exemption. However, some states (notably New Jersey) have broader definitions that may classify it differently.
Are green tips legal in California?
Generally yes. California permits possession of M855 green tip ammunition. However, California has location-specific restrictions on where ammunition can be used, and some local ordinances may add further limitations. Check your county and range rules.
Can I shoot green tips at an indoor range?
Most indoor ranges prohibit M855 green tip because the steel penetrator damages backstops and creates sparking. Some outdoor ranges also ban it on steel targets. Always check your specific range's ammunition policy before bringing green tip. When in doubt, bring standard M193 or commercial .223 FMJ instead.
Are green tips legal in New Jersey?
This is a genuine legal gray area with serious potential consequences. NJ's primary AP statute mirrors federal law, meaning M855 should be exempt. But NJ also has a separate "body armor penetrating bullets" statute based on Rockwell B Hardness ratings that could potentially classify M855 differently. Since AP possession in NJ carries up to 18 months imprisonment and $10,000 fine per round, consult a New Jersey firearms attorney before possessing M855 in the state.
What happened to the 2015 ATF green tip ban?
On February 13, 2015, the ATF proposed reclassifying M855 by revoking its sporting purpose exemption. The public response was massive — over 80,000 comments, 200+ House members, 53 Senators, and 23 state attorneys general opposed it. The ATF halted the proposal on March 10, 2015, less than a month after publishing it. No subsequent ban attempt has been made as of March 2026.
