5.56x45mm
NATO cartridges
Two recent additions to the FN® 5.56x45mm range of ammunition
FN Herstal is the original designer of the military 5.56x45mm SS109 cartridge, which was adopted by NATO as the second official standardized caliber in 1980.
Ammunition types
• SS109 (Ball)
• L110 (Tracer)
• FN PERMAX™ EPR - New
• FN PROPASS™ AP - New
• Blank
Uses
• Carbines (e.g. FN SCAR®-SC)
• Assault rifles (e.g. FN SCAR®-L)
• Light support weapons (e.g. FN MINIMI® 5.56)
Key Benefits
- SS109 round, designed by FN Herstal and adopted as the 5.56 NATO standard
- NEW FN PERMAX™ 5.56 EPR (Enhanced Performance Round)
- Superior performance in urban combat
- Excellent mass retention behind barriers, maintaining greater incapacitating effect
- Lead-free projectile
- Propellant without DBP
- NEW FN PROPASS™ 5.56 AP (Armour Piercing)
- Ideally suited when the mission requires defeating hard targets using 5.56x45mm calibre

Technical Data
5.56x45mm NATO | SS109 Ball |
L110 Tracer |
FN PERMAX™ | FN PROPASS™ | Blank |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Projectile weight |
~ 4 g ~ 61.7 gr |
~ 4 g ~ 61.7 gr |
~ 4 g ~ 61.7 gr |
~ 4 g ~ 61.7 gr |
N/A |
Perforation |
|
No No |
- 100m |
N/A ≥ 300m |
N/A |
Velocity at 25m | ~ 915m/s | ~ 875m/s | ~ 920m/s | ~ 910m/s | N/A |
FN AZURON™ properties Propellant without DBP Green primer Lead-free projectile |
Yes No No |
Yes No No |
Yes No Yes |
Yes No No |
Yes No N/A |
Related Products

FN SCAR®-SC
Subcompact Carbine
Specifically adapted for optimised mobility and flexibility

FN SCAR®-L
Assault Rifle (5.56mm cal)
For the world’s most demanding combat and security units

FN MINIMI® 5.56 Mk3
Light Machine Gun
Adopted on all continents, recently evolved to meet the requirements of the modern soldier
Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that all product photographs, descriptions and specifications on this website are accurate. However, inadvertent errors may occur, and changes in design or materials, due to our continual effort to improve products, may result in some change in specifications before subsequent publications are issued. FN Herstal, S.A. reserves the right to modify or change specifications without notice.
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