Are the M855A1 and M80A1 Worth Considering as Civilian Cartridges?

When it comes to firearms ammunition, the M855A1 and M80A1 rounds have garnered much attention due to their level of performance and their categorization as U.S. military issue rounds. They are not available on the commercial market, making them a mystery to many civilians who want to know if these rounds would be worth it for their own use. This article aims to demystify these rounds and provide insights into their value and legality for civilian use.

Overview of M855A1 and M80A1

The M855A1 and M80A1 rounds are specifically designed for and used in the M16, M4, and other similar rifles. They are known for their superior performance in delivering effective hits and are heavily favored by military and law enforcement personnel.

Availability and Legality

One of the most significant hurdles in obtaining these cartridges as a civilian is their availability. The M855A1 and M80A1 are military issue rounds and not commercially available. This means that if you wish to purchase or own them, you must turn to private sources or find unreliable and possibly illegal means. Additionally, the rounds are often sold individually or as "pulls," a term that refers to spent ammunition removed from used cartridges, which makes them extremely expensive.

Current Legal Status

At present, it is not illegal to possess AP (armor-piercing) bullets in the U.S. However, the loaded rounds are often considered a "grey market" item, with legal status uncertain. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) has not yet determined whether these specific rounds meet the criteria for being classified as armor-piercing. Until this legal ambiguity is resolved, it is recommended to treat these rounds akin to black tip AP rounds for legal and safety reasons.

Considerations for Civilian Use

While the M855A1 and M80A1 may seem appealing due to their reputation and effectiveness, several factors should be considered before making such a decision:

Pricing: Due to their rarity and military origin, these rounds are prohibitively expensive for most civilians. The cost can be several times higher than traditional hollow-point rounds. Legality and Risk: As previously mentioned, the legal status of these rounds is uncertain. Owning and loading them can be legally risky, especially in the current legal gray area. This uncertain legal status poses significant risks to both the owner and the seller. Performance: While these rounds do provide excellent performance in military and tactical scenarios, their utility in civilian use may be more limited. They are designed for a specific purpose and may not be the best choice for general self-defense or hunting applications.

Alternatives to M855A1 and M80A1 for Civilian Use

For those seeking similar performance to M855A1 and M80A1 but within legal and practical boundaries, there are several alternatives to explore:

Truly Superior Ammunition (TSA) BP391: Some civilian ammunition manufacturers offer cartridges that closely mimic the performance of M855A1. These rounds are legal and can be found in the market. Handloading: For experienced gun owners, reloading your own ammunition can be cheaper and more controlled. Brands such as Fiocchi and Hornady offer semi-wadcutter hollow points that can be reloaded to achieve similar results to M855A1. Custom Black Powder Loading: For those who prefer a more traditional approach, custom loading with black powder can produce rounds with similar characteristics. However, this requires specialized knowledge and equipment.

Conclusion

While the M855A1 and M80A1 rounds are highly regarded for their military performance, their limited availability and uncertain legal status make them a high-risk purchase for civilians. For those seeking similar performance with less risk, it is recommended to explore truly superior ammunition, handloading, or custom black powder loading. Whatever route you choose, ensuring legal compliance and safety should always be a priority.