Velocity: 2700 FPS (18" barrel)
Kinetic Energy: 1376 ft-lbs
BC: 0.410 G1
85 gr 5.56 Match Burner
This one wasn’t built to rewrite physics — it was built because some rifles just love it.
The 85 gr 5.56 Match Burner pushes a heavy-for-caliber projectile at 2700 FPS from an 18” barrel, delivering 1,376 ft-lbs of energy with a 0.410 G1 BC. Barnes designed this projectile to be compatible in AR-15 magazines so it can be run in gas guns. Paired with an NAS3 case it provides enough velocity to make performance compelling. On paper, it doesn’t claim anything a good 77 gr load can’t already do. In the real world, though, this round has a unique application.
Where it shines is transonic stability. As velocities decay and conditions get weird, the 85 gr Match Burner stays composed, carrying itself cleanly through the transonic barrier where lighter bullets can start to lose their manners. Some barrels and gas systems simply shoot this load exceptionally well — tighter groups, better consistency, and a feel that’s hard to explain until you see it on target.
This round started as a "insider only, off menu load". Quietly tested, quietly refined, and quietly loved by the guys running it behind the scenes. After enough “you need to release this commercially” messages, we listened.
If you’ve been in the loop, you already know.
If you haven’t — enjoy it.
And if you really like it, thank the boys who wouldn’t shut up about it.
Not flashy. Not gimmicky.
Just a heavy 5.56 that some rifles shoot unreasonably well.
