IMI Systems has developed a new bullet that aims to combine the advantages of 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm ammunition.The new lightweight ammunition has been developed by IMI Systems’ Small Caliber Ammunition Division, based on combat experience and operational requirements received from IMI’s international customers. This new ammunition is already being evaluated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which is widely recognized as a leading laboratory for testing infantry assault rifles and ammunition.The standard 5.56 mm round is used in many types of assault rifles, while the 7.62 mm round is generally used in machine guns. Army units have had to carry both calibers because of their relative advantages in dealing with different combat situations. IMI claims its new 5.56mm Armor Piercing Match (APM) round has better accuracy and penetration than the standard 5.56mm. The new 5.56mm APM ammunition is of the FMJ-BT Hard Core APHC type with a projectile weight of 73 grains and a cartridge weight of 12.9 g.Extensive ballistic testing by IMI’s Small Caliber Ammunition Division showed the new bullet to be up to 30% more accurate than a 7.62mm MBO at a range of 550 meters. Penetration was also dramatically higher. When fired on a 3.4 mm NATO steel plate, the new round achieved 100% penetration out to 800 meters. According to IMI, the new bullet was developed to meet the operational requirements of armies seeking ammunition commonality while maintaining the benefits of the two existing calibers in use today.IMI says the innovative development was achieved through a new bullet design, the type of powder used and the way the bullet is inserted into the case shell casing. A new type of primer was also used in the development process.The new bullet can be used in assault rifles, including M-16s, and a wide range of 5.56 mm rifles and machine guns.Ammunition manufactured by IMI’s Small Caliber Ammunition Division is used by elite military units around the world.
