What is Military Ammo Called?
The ammo that the US Military uses is referred to as ball ammo. Ball ammo is more commonly referred to as Full Metal Jacket ammunition. The name “Ball” is emanated from Muskets that were using large metal balls before the birth of conical ammunition.
What is the difference between military grade ammo and regular ammo?

Contrary to popular belief, Military-grade ammo is not any more powerful than the regular ammo that is created for the civilian market.
With that being said, US military ammo may be relatively more reliable and increasingly accurate in comparison to the low-end, regular grade ammo made for the “civilian” demand. In addition, military ammunition can be somewhat less accurate than the higher-end, more expensive grades of civilian market ammunition. Commonly, the ammo that US Military is sold in bulk. For this reason, military-grade ammunition is inexpensive.
What is the standard US military round?
The most common round used in the US military is the 5.56 mm round. The 5.56 mm round has a strong history in the military. The 5.56 mm round has held its place in the US military for nearly 60 years.
Read the Backstory
Long ago, the United States and its allies were in search of a more steadfast, precise, and lighter cartridge, as well as a firearm. The 5.56 mm round made its arrival in the US Military in the 1960s. The 5.56 mm round was accompanied by the M-16 style rifle.
Are Hollow Point Bullets Used by the US Military?
The U.S. Army, Police, and Military have been permitted to use hollow points on bases since 2010.
Who Makes the Ammo for the US Military?
The largest ammunition manufacturer for the US Military is Winchester. They manufacture small-caliber ammunition for the U.S. military in large quantities. Winchester is also a well-known and highly trusted company that produces products for civilians and Law Enforcement.
Where is US Military Ammo Made?
US Military Ammo is manufactured at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. Lake City Army Ammunition Plant is a United States Government owned facility in the Northeast Independence, Missouri. This facility is contractor-operated. Remington Arms established this facility in 1941 with the mission of manufacturing and testing small caliber ammunition for the U.S. Army.
Can You Buy Military Ammo?
Today, civilians can purchase surplus ammo online or in person at retail gun stores. Military Ammo may also be purchased directly from the government or through the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP).
The New Era of Military Ammunition
Polymer over Brass
Although the military has held close to brass-cased ammunition, something that predates the Spanish-American War the relationship is coming to an end. Polymer cased ammunition form True Velocity is taking its place in the US military, as well as the civilian market.
Learn More about Military Ammunition
With the new era of ammunition shifting towards a more advanced ammunition, we are here to help educate people about polymer cased ammunition. Here at Virtus Ammo, we are passionate about ammo and work with high-end ammunition manufacturer that allow us to drive high-quality polymer cased ammunition and services to our customers. Virtus is a licensed distributor of True Velocity polymer cased ammunition. Got questions? Contact us today for more information and updates about Ammunition involved with the US Military.