- FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS $500+ & Free Returns
- +1 424 225 1613
- order@eliteammodepot.com
Federal American Eagle 5.56x45mm Ammunition NATO 55 Grain XM193 Full Metal Jacket500 rounds
$366.99
Federal American Eagle 5.56
Federal American Eagle Ammunition 5Â specification
Cartridge
5.56x45mm NATO
Grain Weight
55 Grains
Quantity
500 Round
Configuration
(5 Boxes of 100)
Muzzle Velocity
3240 Feet Per Second
Muzzle Energy
1282 Foot Pounds
Bullet Style
Full Metal Jacket
Description
Description
Federal American Eagle 5.56: The Complete Guide to America’s Premier Training Ammunition
Introduction to Federal American Eagle 5.56
When you’re looking for reliable, affordable ammunition that delivers consistent performance shot after shot, Federal American Eagle 5.56 stands out as a top choice among shooters nationwide. Whether you’re a weekend warrior hitting the range or a competitive shooter honing your skills, this ammunition has built a reputation for dependability that’s hard to match.
Federal Premium has been a trusted name in ammunition manufacturing for decades, and their American Eagle line represents the perfect balance between quality and affordability. But what exactly makes this particular 5.56 ammunition so popular among enthusiasts? Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about Federal American Eagle 5.56.
What Makes Federal American Eagle 5.56 Special?
Federal Premium’s Legacy in Ammunition Manufacturing
Federal Premium didn’t become an industry leader overnight. Since 1922, they’ve been pushing the boundaries of ammunition technology, consistently delivering products that meet the demanding needs of hunters, law enforcement, and recreational shooters. Their commitment to innovation and quality control has made them a household name in the firearms community.
The company’s approach to manufacturing goes beyond just meeting industry standards – they set them. Every round that leaves their facility undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets their exacting specifications. This attention to detail is what separates Federal from many other manufacturers in the market.
The American Eagle Brand Philosophy
The American Eagle line was specifically designed with the everyday shooter in mind. Federal recognized that not everyone needs premium hunting or tactical ammunition for their shooting activities. Sometimes, you just need reliable, consistent ammunition that won’t break the bank during extended range sessions.
This philosophy drives everything about American Eagle ammunition. It’s built to deliver the performance you need for training, practice, and recreational shooting without the premium price tag of specialized rounds. Think of it as the workhorse of the ammunition world – dependable, affordable, and ready for whatever you throw at it.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Bullet Weight and Grain Options
Federal American Eagle 5.56 typically comes in several popular grain weights, with 55-grain and 62-grain being the most common options. The 55-grain variant offers higher velocity and flatter trajectory, making it excellent for general range work and target shooting. The 62-grain option provides better performance in rifles with faster twist rates and offers improved stability at longer distances.
Each grain weight has its sweet spot depending on your rifle’s barrel length and twist rate. Most standard AR-15 rifles with 1:7 or 1:8 twist rates perform exceptionally well with both options, though you might notice subtle differences in accuracy and felt recoil.
Velocity and Energy Characteristics
The velocity performance of Federal American Eagle 5.56 is where it really shines. From a 20-inch barrel, you can expect velocities around 3,240 feet per second with the 55-grain variant, while the 62-grain typically achieves around 3,020 feet per second. These numbers put it right in line with military specifications and ensure reliable cycling in most 5.56 platforms.
Energy delivery is equally impressive, with the 55-grain load producing approximately 1,282 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. This energy level provides excellent terminal performance for training scenarios while maintaining manageable recoil characteristics that won’t punish new shooters.
Ballistic Coefficient and Trajectory
The ballistic coefficient of Federal American Eagle 5.56 varies depending on the bullet weight and design. The 55-grain FMJ typically has a ballistic coefficient around 0.243, while the 62-grain version usually falls around 0.307. These numbers might seem technical, but they directly impact how well the bullet maintains its velocity and energy downrange.
What does this mean for your shooting? Better ballistic coefficients translate to flatter trajectories and less wind drift, making your shots more predictable at various distances. For most range applications within 300 yards, these characteristics provide more than adequate performance.
Construction and Design Features
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Construction
The heart of Federal American Eagle 5.56 lies in its Full Metal Jacket construction. This design features a lead core surrounded by a copper or gilding metal jacket, creating a bullet that’s both accurate and economical to manufacture. The FMJ design also helps reduce barrel leading, which means less cleaning time and more time shooting.
This construction method has been proven effective for decades in military and civilian applications. The jacket provides consistent expansion characteristics and helps maintain bullet integrity during feeding and firing. You won’t find any fancy hollow points or ballistic tips here – just solid, reliable performance that gets the job done.
Case Material and Primer Quality
Federal doesn’t cut corners when it comes to case construction. American Eagle 5.56 uses high-quality brass cases that are designed for reliability and consistency. The cases are manufactured to tight tolerances, ensuring proper chambering and extraction in a wide variety of firearms.
The primers used in American Eagle ammunition are non-corrosive and provide consistent ignition characteristics. This reliability is crucial for maintaining accuracy and ensuring your rifle functions properly, especially during rapid-fire sequences or in less-than-ideal conditions.
Quality Control Standards
Every batch of Federal American Eagle 5.56 undergoes extensive quality control testing. This includes pressure testing to ensure safe operating pressures, velocity testing for consistency, and accuracy testing to verify performance standards. Federal’s quality control process is one of the most rigorous in the industry.
The result is ammunition that you can trust to perform the same way, every time. Whether you’re shooting the first round from a fresh box or the last round after hundreds of shots, you can expect the same level of performance and reliability.
Performance Testing and Accuracy
Range Performance Results
Real-world testing of Federal American Eagle 5.56 consistently shows impressive results across various platforms. In standard AR-15 rifles, accuracy typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 MOA (Minute of Angle), which is excellent for training ammunition. This level of accuracy is more than sufficient for most recreational and training applications.
The ammunition performs well in both carbine-length and rifle-length gas systems, showing consistent cycling and reliable extraction. Shooters report minimal issues with feeding or ejection, even during extended shooting sessions where heat and fouling can affect performance.
Grouping and Consistency
Consistency is where Federal American Eagle 5.56 really demonstrates its value. Shot-to-shot velocity variations are typically kept within acceptable ranges, contributing to predictable accuracy and point of impact. This consistency is crucial for developing shooting skills and building confidence in your equipment.
Group sizes tend to remain stable across different lot numbers, which is important for shooters who buy ammunition in bulk. You won’t experience significant point-of-impact shifts when switching between different production runs of the same ammunition.
Reliability in Different Conditions
Federal American Eagle 5.56 has proven itself reliable in various environmental conditions. Whether you’re shooting in hot summer weather or cold winter conditions, the ammunition maintains consistent performance characteristics. The powder formulation is designed to provide stable burning characteristics across a wide temperature range.
This reliability extends to different storage conditions as well. Properly stored ammunition can maintain its performance characteristics for years, making it an excellent choice for those who like to buy in bulk or maintain emergency supplies.
Comparison with Other 5.56 Ammunition
Federal American Eagle vs. Military Surplus
When comparing Federal American Eagle 5.56 to military surplus ammunition, several key differences emerge. While surplus ammunition can be very affordable, it often lacks the consistency and quality control of commercial ammunition. Federal’s manufacturing standards typically result in better accuracy and more reliable performance.
Surplus ammunition may also have corrosive primers or other characteristics that require special handling and cleaning procedures. American Eagle uses modern, non-corrosive components that are much more user-friendly for civilian shooters.
Price Point Analysis
Federal American Eagle 5.56 occupies a sweet spot in the ammunition market. It’s priced competitively with other training ammunition while offering superior quality control and consistency. While it may cost slightly more than some bargain brands, the improved reliability and performance make it worth the investment.
When you factor in the cost of range time, gas, and your valuable shooting time, the small price difference becomes negligible. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your ammunition will perform reliably is worth the modest premium.
Value for Money Assessment
The value proposition of Federal American Eagle 5.56 becomes clear when you consider the total cost of ownership. Reliable ammunition means fewer malfunctions, which translates to more productive range sessions. The consistent performance also means you’ll develop better shooting habits and skills.
For competitive shooters, the consistency of American Eagle ammunition can contribute to better scores and more predictable performance. The time saved on troubleshooting ammunition-related issues can be spent on improving technique and enjoying the sport.
Best Use Cases and Applications
Training and Practice Sessions
Federal American Eagle 5.56 excels in training environments where reliability and consistency are paramount. Whether you’re conducting basic marksmanship training or advanced tactical exercises, this ammunition provides the dependable performance needed to focus on skill development rather than equipment issues.
The moderate recoil characteristics make it ideal for new shooters who are still developing their fundamentals. The consistent performance helps build confidence and allows instructors to focus on technique rather than troubleshooting ammunition problems.
Competition Shooting
While not specifically designed for precision competition, Federal American Eagle 5.56 performs well in many competitive shooting disciplines. Its consistency and reliability make it a popular choice for 3-gun competitions and other action shooting sports where reliability is more important than maximum precision.
The ammunition’s ability to cycle reliably in various firearms makes it an excellent choice for competitors who use multiple rifles or need to share ammunition between different platforms during competition.
Recreational Shooting
For recreational shooters, Federal American Eagle 5.56 offers the perfect balance of performance and affordability. Whether you’re plinking at the range, participating in informal competitions, or just enjoying a day of shooting, this ammunition delivers the reliability you need without breaking the bank.
The consistent performance also makes it excellent for introducing new shooters to the sport. You can focus on teaching proper technique and safety without worrying about ammunition-related issues affecting the experience.
Compatibility and Platform Considerations
AR-15 Platform Performance
Federal American Eagle 5.56 is specifically designed to work well in AR-15 platforms, which represent the majority of civilian 5.56 rifles. The ammunition’s pressure curves and burn rates are optimized for the direct impingement gas system commonly used in AR-15 rifles.
The consistent performance across different barrel lengths makes it versatile for various AR-15 configurations. Whether you’re shooting a 16-inch carbine or a 20-inch rifle, you can expect reliable cycling and consistent accuracy.
Other 5.56/.223 Rifles
While optimized for AR-15 platforms, Federal American Eagle 5.56 performs well in other 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington rifles. The ammunition’s quality construction ensures reliable feeding and extraction in bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic platforms, and other designs chambered for these cartridges.
It’s important to note that 5.56 NATO ammunition should only be used in firearms specifically rated for 5.56 NATO pressures. While most modern .223 Remington rifles can handle 5.56 NATO ammunition, it’s always best to consult your rifle’s manual or manufacturer.
Gas System Considerations
The burn rate and pressure characteristics of Federal American Eagle 5.56 work well with both carbine and rifle-length gas systems. The ammunition provides sufficient pressure to cycle the action reliably while not being so energetic as to cause excessive wear or violent ejection.
For rifles with adjustable gas blocks, you’ll typically find that Federal American Eagle 5.56 performs well with standard gas settings, reducing the need for constant adjustments when switching between different ammunition types.
Storage and Handling Guidelines
Proper Storage Conditions
Like all ammunition, Federal American Eagle 5.56 should be stored in a cool, dry environment away from extreme temperatures and humidity. The ammunition comes in sturdy packaging that provides good protection, but additional storage considerations can help extend its lifespan.
Metal ammunition cans with good seals are excellent for long-term storage, especially when combined with desiccant packets to control moisture. Avoid storing ammunition in areas subject to temperature fluctuations, such as unheated garages or attics.
Shelf Life and Longevity
When stored properly, Federal American Eagle 5.56 can maintain its performance characteristics for decades. The non-corrosive primers and high-quality case materials contribute to excellent long-term stability.
Regular inspection of stored ammunition is good practice, looking for signs of corrosion, case damage, or other issues that might affect performance. Properly stored ammunition should show no signs of degradation and should perform just as well as when it was first manufactured.
Where to Buy Federal American Eagle 5.56
Authorized Dealers and Retailers
Federal American Eagle 5.56 is widely available through authorized dealers and major sporting goods retailers. Large chains like Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods typically carry this ammunition in their firearms sections.
Local gun shops and shooting supply stores are also excellent sources for Federal ammunition. Building a relationship with your local dealer can provide access to special orders and bulk pricing opportunities.
Online Purchasing Options
Many reputable online retailers offer Federal American Eagle 5.56 with convenient shipping options. Online purchasing often provides access to bulk pricing and the ability to compare prices across multiple vendors.
When purchasing online, ensure you’re buying from licensed dealers who comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. Ammunition purchases typically require age verification and may have shipping restrictions depending on your location.
Bulk Buying Considerations
Buying Federal American Eagle 5.56 in bulk can provide significant cost savings, especially for regular shooters. Many retailers offer case pricing (typically 1,000 rounds) at substantial discounts compared to individual box prices.
Consider your storage capabilities and shooting frequency when deciding on bulk purchases. While the savings can be substantial, you’ll need appropriate storage space and the ability to use the ammunition within a reasonable timeframe.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Feeding Problems
While Federal American Eagle 5.56 is generally very reliable, feeding issues can occasionally occur. These problems are usually related to the rifle rather than the ammunition, but understanding potential causes can help resolve issues quickly.
Magazine-related feeding problems are the most common issue. Ensure your magazines are clean, properly loaded, and in good condition. Damaged or worn magazine springs can cause feeding issues even with high-quality ammunition.
Extraction Issues
Extraction problems with Federal American Eagle 5.56 are rare but can occur in rifles with worn or damaged extractors. The high-quality brass cases typically extract cleanly, but proper rifle maintenance is essential for reliable operation.
If you experience extraction issues, inspect your rifle’s extractor and chamber for wear or damage. A dirty chamber can also cause extraction problems, so regular cleaning is important for maintaining reliable performance.
User Reviews and Community Feedback
The shooting community has consistently praised Federal American Eagle 5.56 for its reliability and consistency. Online forums and review sites regularly feature positive feedback from shooters who appreciate the ammunition’s predictable performance and reasonable price point.
Many users report excellent results in both precision and volume shooting applications. The consensus among experienced shooters is that Federal American Eagle offers one of the best value propositions in the training ammunition market.
Competitive shooters often mention the ammunition’s consistency as a key advantage, noting that it allows them to focus on technique rather than compensating for ammunition variables. This feedback reinforces Federal’s reputation for quality manufacturing.
Conclusion
Federal American Eagle 5.56 represents an excellent choice for shooters seeking reliable, consistent ammunition at a reasonable price point. Its combination of quality construction, consistent performance, and widespread availability makes it a standout option in the crowded ammunition market.
Whether you’re a new shooter learning the fundamentals or an experienced marksman maintaining your skills, Federal American Eagle 5.56 provides the reliability and performance you need. The ammunition’s proven track record in various applications, from training to competition, demonstrates its versatility and value.
The investment in quality ammunition like Federal American Eagle 5.56 pays dividends in improved shooting experiences, reduced malfunctions, and better overall performance. For shooters who demand reliability without paying premium prices, this ammunition delivers on all fronts.
Brand
Brand
Federal
Federal ammo
Choose Federal ammunition, trusted by shooters worldwide for its consistent performance and reliability. Browse our selection of Federal ammo and order today!
Reviews (0)
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.