The 5.56x30mm MINSAS ammunition is intended for close quarter battle use. The round is in some ways a derivative of the experimental Colt MARS, using a bottlenecked case 30mm long, loaded with a light pointed bullet with steel penetrator core. The bullet weighs 2.6 grams and muzzle velocity from 300mm barrel of the MSMC carbine is listed as 650 m/s, resulting in muzzle energy value of 550 Joules, ballistically similar to modern pistol cartridges. The cartridge, now officially known as 5.56x30mm MINSAS, offers an effective range of about 200 to 300 meters, with effective penetration against body armor. The early carbines for this round, known as MINSAS, were based on the INSAS rifle.