SMALL CALIBER AMMUNITION

5.56MM Improved Performance (IP)

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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).

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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®


5.56IP_1stBatallion
Members from 1st Battalion Royal Newfoundland Regiment.

Terminal Ballistics

5.56IP_integrity_graphicThe 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

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