Are Green Tips Legal? M855 Ammo Laws by State
Yes, M855 "green tip" ammunition is legal to buy, sell, possess, and shoot under federal law in the United States. It is not classified as armor-piercing ammunition by the ATF, despite widespread misconception. However, some states and many shooting ranges have their own restrictions. Here's the complete breakdown.
Federal Law: Green Tips Are Legal
Under 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(17), "armor-piercing ammunition" requires a projectile core constructed entirely from hardened metals (tungsten, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium). The M855's core is approximately 80% lead with a steel penetrator tip — it does not meet the statutory definition. The ATF has specifically exempted M855/SS109 from armor-piercing classification.
In February 2015, the ATF proposed reclassifying M855 as armor-piercing and withdrawing its sporting exemption, citing the growing popularity of AR-15 pistols as a justification (since the law focused on ammunition "which may be used in a handgun"). The public response was overwhelming: over 80,000 comments opposing the ban, along with opposition from 53 U.S. Senators and more than 200 House members. The ATF withdrew the proposal in March 2015 and M855 has remained fully legal since.
State-Level Restrictions
Most states follow federal law and impose no additional restrictions on M855. A few states have their own rules:
| State | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | Restricted context | M855 is legal to own but was banned from use on state-managed lands under a lead ammo ban (though M855 contains lead, the steel tip created confusion). Check current regulations. |
| Connecticut | Potentially restricted | State law bans "armor-piercing" ammo with broader language than federal law. M855 falls in a gray area — consult a CT firearms attorney. |
| New Jersey | Effectively banned | NJ bans possession of "armor-piercing" ammunition with a broader definition that may encompass M855's steel penetrator. NJ's AG has aggressively enforced ammo restrictions. |
| All other states | Legal | No additional restrictions beyond federal law. |
Always Verify Current Law
State ammunition laws change. This information reflects our best understanding as of March 2026, but it is not legal advice. Verify your state's current regulations before purchasing, and consult a firearms attorney if you have specific legal questions — especially in California, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
Range Restrictions
Many shooting ranges ban M855 regardless of legality — not because of armor-piercing concerns, but because the steel penetrator damages steel targets and backstops. Indoor ranges almost universally ban it. Outdoor ranges with steel reactive targets often ban it as well. Ranges that use earthen berms as backstops are typically more permissive.
Always ask before shooting green tip at any range. Violating a range's ammunition policy can get you banned or liable for backstop damage.
Is Green Tip Good for Anything?
M855 excels at long-range target shooting — its steel tip improves ballistic coefficient slightly and maintains supersonic flight to approximately 800 yards (vs. ~650 yards for standard M193 55gr FMJ). It's also effective against light barriers like vehicle doors and plywood.
For home defense, M855 is actually a poor choice — the steel core tends to stay intact and overpenetrate rather than fragmenting like standard M193 55gr FMJ. For hunting, the lack of expansion makes it unsuitable for ethical kills on game. Standard M193 or purpose-built hunting/defensive loads are better choices for both applications.
For more on the differences between 5.56 ammo types, read our 5.56 vs .223 guide. For home defense ammo recommendations, see our home defense ammo guide.