The 5.56×45mm NATO (official NATO nomenclature 5.56 NATO) is a rifle cartridge developed in the United States and originally chambered in the M16 rifle. Under STANAG 4172, it is a standard cartridge for NATO forces as well as many non-NATO countries. It is derived from, but not identical to, the .223 Remington cartridge. When the bullet impacts at high velocity and yaws in tissue, fragmentation creates a rapid transfer of energy which can result in dramatic wounding effects.
Read more about 5.56×45mm NATO: History, Cartridge Dimensions, Performance, 5.56 Mm NATO Versus .223 Remington, Comparison of 5.56 Mm NATO Versus 7.62 Mm NATO, Military Cartridge Types