.223 Wylde Ballistics
The .223 Wylde chamber is a hybrid design that safely fires both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition with improved accuracy. It is the most popular chamber choice for precision AR-15 builds.
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 FMJ | 200 yd | 1.4 | 0 | -7.1 | -20.9 | -42.9 |
| 69 gr OTM | 200 yd | 1.6 | 0 | -7 | -20.4 | -41 |
| 77 gr OTM | 200 yd | 1.8 | 0 | -7.4 | -21.3 | -42 |
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 FMJ | 6.6 | 13.2 | 19.7 | 26.3 | 32.9 |
| 69 gr OTM | 6.2 | 12.3 | 18.5 | 24.6 | 30.8 |
| 77 gr OTM | 5.4 | 10.7 | 16.1 | 21.5 | 26.8 |
Effective Range by Application
Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations
Published Load Data
| Weight | Type | Barrel | MV (fps) | ME (ft-lb) | BC (G1) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 gr | FMJ | 16 in | 3,100 | 1,173 | 0.243 | Federal XM193 published specs; equivalent to 5.56 in .223 Wylde chamber |
| 55 gr | FMJ | 18 in | 3,180 | 1,235 | 0.243 | Federal XM193 published specs; equivalent to 5.56 in .223 Wylde chamber |
| 55 gr | FMJ | 20 in | 3,240 | 1,282 | 0.243 | Federal XM193 published specs; equivalent to 5.56 in .223 Wylde chamber |
| 69 gr | OTM | 16 in | 2,850 | 1,244 | 0.301 | Sierra 69gr MatchKing published load data |
| 69 gr | OTM | 18 in | 2,930 | 1,315 | 0.301 | Sierra 69gr MatchKing published load data |
| 69 gr | OTM | 20 in | 2,990 | 1,369 | 0.301 | Sierra 69gr MatchKing published load data |
| 77 gr | OTM | 16 in | 2,680 | 1,228 | 0.372 | Sierra 77gr MatchKing; Black Hills Mk 262 specs |
| 77 gr | OTM | 18 in | 2,750 | 1,293 | 0.372 | Sierra 77gr MatchKing; Black Hills Mk 262 specs |
| 77 gr | OTM | 20 in | 2,820 | 1,359 | 0.372 | Sierra 77gr MatchKing; Black Hills Mk 262 specs |
Data Disclaimer
Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from Federal XM193 published specs; equivalent to 5.56 in .223 Wylde chamber; Sierra 69gr MatchKing published load data; Sierra 77gr MatchKing; Black Hills Mk 262 specs. 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 Wylde.