Hornady BLACK 5.56 NATO 62gr FMJ

Hornady BLACK is purpose-built for the modern sporting rifle platform. Unlike generic ball ammo adapted from military specs, the BLACK line is engineered from the ground up for semi-automatic reliability, using propellants and bullet profiles optimized for AR-15 gas systems and feed geometry. The 62-grain FMJ delivers 3,060 fps from a 20-inch test barrel, translating to roughly 2,850 fps from a standard 16-inch carbine, with 1,289 ft-lbs of muzzle energy.

The ammunition uses Hornady's quality brass cases with Boxer primers, fully reloadable for shooters who want to recoup costs. Powder selection emphasizes clean burning and consistent chamber pressures across temperature ranges, which means fewer malfunctions in cold weather and less carbon buildup in the gas system. The 62-grain bullet weight provides a balance between the flat trajectory of 55-grain loads and the wind-bucking ability of heavier match bullets.

Where Hornady BLACK separates itself from budget alternatives is consistency. Hornady's manufacturing tolerances are tighter than most mil-spec production, resulting in better shot-to-shot velocity uniformity and more predictable accuracy. While not match-grade, expect 2-3 MOA from a quality barrel, which is adequate for training, zeroing, and general range work. The 0.274 G1 ballistic coefficient keeps the bullet supersonic past 500 yards from a 16-inch barrel.