Linked Ammo: Belted 5.56 and 7.62 NATO

Linked ammo, also called belted ammo, is rifle ammunition joined by metal links into a belt for belt-fed guns: the M249 and FN M249S, the M240 and M60, belt-fed AR-15 uppers, and the M2. Every linked belt and can we have in stock is listed on this page.

Which link does your gun take?

Linked 5.56 NATO rides on M27 links, the links an M249 or M249S feeds. Linked 7.62 NATO (7.62x51) rides on M13 links for the M240, M60 and 7.62 belt-fed uppers. .50 BMG uses M9 links. Links are made for one cartridge, so match the link to your gun. Common linked 5.56 loads are M855 62 grain green tip, M193 55 grain ball, and 4:1 belts with an M856 tracer every fifth round.

By the belt or by the can

Short belts of 100 or 200 rounds are easy to carry and start on a range day. Sealed ammo cans, commonly 800 rounds of linked 5.56 or 200 to 250 rounds of linked 7.62, cost less per round. Each listing gives the load, the round count and the link type.

Linked ammo costs more per round than the same load loose because you pay for the links. For a magazine-fed rifle, loose 5.56x45mm NATO is the better buy. Some indoor ranges do not allow M855 steel penetrators or tracers, so check with yours.

New to belts? Read our linked ammo guide: M27 vs M13 links, 5.56 vs 7.62, storage and shipping.

You must be 21 or older to order. Orders ship from our Phoenix shop by UPS Ground, and shipping is charged by weight, so a full can costs more to ship than a belt. See where we ship for state rules. Looking for a belt or can you do not see here? Ask us.