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Tag: 5.56mm

The 5.56mm, also known as 5.56x45mm NATO, is the standardized rifle cartridge used for the nations under the NATO. It was designed by Remington Arms and ArmaLite and its production began in 1983. This rifle cartridge is sold commercially as .308 Winchester. The 5.66mm is based on the .223 Remington cartridge, which is why it has the same physical appearance, except for the casing head stamp, which has a NATO insignia. The 5.56mm has a 5.71 bullet diameter, an overall length of 2.26 inches, with a maximum pressure of 63,000 psi, and is best fired using a barrel that has a 1:8 rifling twist.

There has been complaints that the 5.56mm lacks stopping power, but others contend that with the correct shot placement, it can still be lethal and that the difficulty with the 5.56mm lies in properly training the person who is using it.

There are many variations of the 5.66mm both for military and civilian use. The M193 cartridge is a full metal jacket that has a pressure of 52,000 psi and a weight of 55 grains. The M196 is a tracer cartridge, which has the same ballistics as that of the M193. There is also the M855 which has better penetration against steel surfaces.

  • Amazing Story of How Sergeant Clifford Wooldridge Received Navy Cross

    Amazing Story of How Sergeant Clifford Wooldridge Received Navy Cross

    Sergeant Clifford Wooldridge was awarded the Navy Cross two years ago for his valor in Afghanistan. The Navy Cross is the second highest honor or military decoration that one can receive in the Navy, for an act of valor while in combat.

    This medal was awarded to him for his actions on June 18, 2010 in Musa Qala, Afghanistan. When Wooldridge’s patrol vehicle came under fire, his team dismounted after he saw 15 fighters preparing to ambush them. Leading his team, he was able to kill eight people with his M249 Squad Automatic Weapon using 5.56mm rounds.

    As his team slowly withdrew from the area, Wooldridge solely covered for his team. He then heard voices from a wall which he bravely faced, and saw two enemies. He managed to kill both. Crouching against the wall to reload his gun, he saw a barrel of a gun appear from the other side of the wall.

    Wooldridge dropped his own weapon and grabbed the barrel of the machine gun. There was a struggle and the enemy reached for the pin of a grenade attached to Wooldridge’s vest. Wooldridge was able to grab the machine gun from the fighter and took a shot. When it did not work, he used the stock of the gun to pummel the insurgent to his death.

    Because of these actions, the Navy awarded Sergeant Wooldridge the Navy Cross. An amazing story.