Barnes RangeAR Ammunition

by
posted on February 12, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
barnesrangear_1a.jpg

Barnes Bullets, already no stranger to alternative-material projectiles, has announced a new line of lead-free ammunition designed specifically to function through the AR-15 platform (see Barnes' RangeAR video below). The RangeAR line features copper-jacketed, zinc-core, open-tip, flat-base bullets that offer sufficient density, but in a package lighter than comparable lead ammunition. Range AR will initially be offered in two loads—a 52-gr. 5.56x45 mm NATO offering and a 90-gr. .300 Blackout option. Barnes’ use of zinc for the RangeAR line has allowed the company to utilize light-for-caliber bullet weights, which in turn affords its engineers the opportunity to maximize the velocity potential of these chamberings. The 5.56x45 mm NATO load clocks in at 3200 fps from a 20” barrel, while the .300 Blackout load reaches 2550 fps out of a 16” barrel. Despite the light bullet weights, however, Barnes has carefully designed RangeAR to function well in rifles with higher twist rates. Barnes has also carefully selected specialized propellants optimized for use in ARs, offering superior performance through rifles of any barrel length. Intended for target, training and competitive use, Barnes RangeAR Ammunition delivers high velocities and flat trajectories, while still being more economical than many lead-free bullet options. Price (per box of 20): $19 in 5.56x45 mm NATO, $21.50 in .300 Blackout. Contact: Barnes Bullets, LLC., 38 N. Frontage Road, Mona, UT 84645; (435) 856-1000; barnesbullets.com.

Latest

1854 Lorenz
1854 Lorenz

I Have This Old Gun: 1854 Lorenz

The Austrian Model 1854 Lorenz rifle musket, designed by Lt. Joseph Lorenz around 1852, saw use in numerous European conflicts and was the third most common longarm seen in the American Civil War—its popularity being right behind that of the U.S. Model 1861 Springfield rifle musket and British Pattern 1853 Enfield.

Editor’s Choice: Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll Poncho

A modern take on the perennial classic, the patented Swagman Roll Poncho from Helikon-Tex incorporates several simple upgrades that promise far more versatility than a simple blanket.

The Armed Citizen® June 23, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Gun Safe Sales Remain Strong

There are a variety of factors fueling the demand. Burglary rates, mandatory storage regulations in some regions and skyrocketing value of some firearms are noted by several research firms.

Preview: TiCK MiTT

Minimizing the threat of dangerous parasites on gun dogs, pets and their owners is a relatively simple task with specialized products such as the TiCK MiTT.

New For 2025: Rossi R95 Triple Black Pistols

Rossi downsized its Triple Black lever-action rifle into several pistol variants, creating large-format handguns that are sized for easy carry, vehicle storage or tight maneuvering in dense brush.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.