PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. -- The Program Executive Office for Ammunition here will host a live-fire demonstration for media of the Army's new M855A1 5.56mm bullet May 4 at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., beginning at 8 a.m.
The demonstration is only open to media members. Members of the media wishing to attend are asked to contact the Picatinny Public Affairs Office by phone (973-724-7243) or e-mail (pica.publicaffairs@conus.army.mil) by Apr. 26.
Last June, PEO Ammunition began fielding the new round to Soldiers in Afghanistan, replacing the M855 cartridge used by troops since the early 1980s.
Attendees will have an opportunity to watch and film Soldiers fire M855A1, M855 and the 7.62mm M80 rounds on a military range and compare the performance of all three against identical targets.
Additionally, media will have the chance to fire the M855A1 after the demonstration.
All three rounds will be fired at an array of different targets including a stationary vehicle, mild steel and some building-type materials.
Small arms weapons used during the demonstration will include the M16A2, M249, M4A2, M240B and M14EBR.
Subject-matter experts from PEO Soldier's Program Manager Soldier Weapons will also be on hand to answer any questions about the weapon systems used.
In addition, experts from the Army Research Laboratory at APG will be available to discuss the science behind the M855A1. The EPR was a joint development effort of the PEO Ammunition, ARL and the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center.
The joint effort resulted in the incorporation of significant enhancements into the M855A1 that are not found in its predecessor. In addition to improved accuracy and higher velocity, the EPR has improved hard target capability, more consistent soft target performance, and a significantly increased range of these effects.
Related Links:
Enhanced Performance Round Brings More Capability to U.S. Soldiers
Army begins shipping improved 5.56mm cartridge
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