I recently acquired some M856 orange tip ammo.  Upon most everything I've read, this stuff does not have the steel penetrator core like the M855 does.  However, when I placed a magnet to the bullet tip, the thing stuck to it with a vengeance.

I've read from numerous sources that the M856 does not have a steel penetrator in it.  However, I read here that the M856 is refered to as the "M856 Penetrator Tracer".  So which is it?  I'm fairly certain the stuff that I have has steel in it based on the strength of the bullet's attraction to the magnet.

My M856 has a steel type jacket But no steel core

Quoted: I recently acquired some M856 orange tip ammo.  Upon most everything I've read, this stuff does not have the steel penetrator core like the M855 does.  However, when I placed a magnet to the bullet tip, the thing stuck to it with a vengeance. I've read from numerous sources that the M856 does not have a steel penetrator in it.  However, I read here that the M856 is refered to as the "M856 Penetrator Tracer".  So which is it?  I'm fairly certain the stuff that I have has steel in it based on the strength of the bullet's attraction to the magnet.

I believe it is referred to that way ("penetrator tracer") because it is the tracer used in mix (tracer, ball, ball, ball, ball, tracer, etc) ammo with the M855 rounds for both M249 and M16 weapons systems. it is similar (not the same)  in weight.

Thanks.