.223 Remington Ballistics
The civilian sibling of 5.56 NATO. Slightly lower pressure and identical external dimensions. Rifles marked .223 only should not be used with 5.56 ammunition. Popular for target shooting, varmint hunting, and predator control.
Cartridge Specifications
Common Bullet Weights and Types
Muzzle Velocity by Barrel Length
Muzzle Energy by Barrel Length
Bullet Drop Table
Values in inches. 16-inch barrel reference data. Positive values rise above line of sight, negative values fall below.
| Load | Zero | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 gr SP | 200 yd | 1.5 | 0 | -7.3 | -21.5 | -44.2 |
| 68 gr BTHP | 200 yd | 1.7 | 0 | -7.6 | -21.8 | -43.5 |
| 75 gr BTHP | 200 yd | 1.9 | 0 | -8.2 | -23.3 | -46.2 |
Wind Drift at 10 mph Crosswind
Drift in inches at a 90 degree full value wind. Estimated from muzzle velocity and G1 ballistic coefficient.
| Load | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 gr SP | 6.8 | 13.6 | 20.5 | 27.3 | 34.1 |
| 68 gr BTHP | 5.4 | 10.8 | 16.2 | 21.6 | 27 |
| 75 gr BTHP | 5.1 | 10.1 | 15.2 | 20.2 | 25.3 |
Effective Range by Application
Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations
Published Load Data
| Weight | Type | Barrel | MV (fps) | ME (ft-lb) | BC (G1) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 gr | SP | 16 in | 3,050 | 1,135 | 0.235 | Hornady Custom .223 55 gr SP published load data |
| 55 gr | SP | 18 in | 3,120 | 1,189 | 0.235 | Hornady Custom .223 55 gr SP published load data |
| 55 gr | SP | 20 in | 3,240 | 1,282 | 0.235 | Hornady Custom .223 55 gr SP published specification 20" |
| 68 gr | BTHP | 16 in | 2,800 | 1,184 | 0.355 | Hornady Match .223 68 gr BTHP load data |
| 68 gr | BTHP | 18 in | 2,850 | 1,227 | 0.355 | Hornady Match .223 68 gr BTHP load data |
| 68 gr | BTHP | 20 in | 2,960 | 1,323 | 0.355 | Hornady Match .223 68 gr BTHP published specification 20" |
| 75 gr | BTHP | 16 in | 2,650 | 1,170 | 0.395 | Hornady Superformance Match 75 gr BTHP load data |
| 75 gr | BTHP | 18 in | 2,720 | 1,232 | 0.395 | Hornady Superformance Match 75 gr BTHP load data |
| 75 gr | BTHP | 20 in | 2,790 | 1,296 | 0.395 | Hornady Superformance Match 75 gr BTHP published specification 20" |
Data Disclaimer
Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from Hornady Custom .223 55 gr SP published load data; Hornady Custom .223 55 gr SP published specification 20"; Hornady Match .223 68 gr BTHP load data. Always confirm zero and trajectory with your specific firearm.
Pick the right barrel
Twist rate should match the bullet weights you plan to shoot. See barrel steel grades, profiles, chamber types, and twist rate guidance on the barrel specs page, then jump into the builder to filter barrels chambered in .223 Remington.