5.56x45mm NATO Ballistics
The 5.56x45mm NATO is the standard military cartridge for the M16 and M4 platforms. It runs at higher pressure than .223 Remington and is not recommended to be fired in rifles chambered exclusively for .223. Versatile, affordable, and the default AR-15 chambering.
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 |
| 62 gr FMJBT | 200 yd | 1.5 | 0 | -7 | -20.2 | -40.7 |
| 77 gr OTM | 200 yd | 1.8 | 0 | -8 | -22.8 | -45.4 |
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 |
| 62 gr FMJBT | 5.8 | 11.6 | 17.5 | 23.3 | 29.1 |
| 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 load data, 20" test barrel scaled; Hornady ballistic calculator |
| 55 gr | FMJ | 18 in | 3,180 | 1,235 | 0.243 | Federal XM193 published load data; Hornady ballistic calculator |
| 55 gr | FMJ | 20 in | 3,240 | 1,282 | 0.243 | Federal XM193 published specification 3240 fps 20" barrel |
| 62 gr | FMJBT | 16 in | 2,970 | 1,214 | 0.307 | Federal XM855 published load data; ballistic calculator |
| 62 gr | FMJBT | 18 in | 3,020 | 1,256 | 0.307 | Federal XM855 published load data; ballistic calculator |
| 62 gr | FMJBT | 20 in | 3,060 | 1,289 | 0.307 | Federal XM855 published specification 3060 fps 20" barrel |
| 77 gr | OTM | 16 in | 2,680 | 1,228 | 0.372 | Black Hills MK262 Mod 1 published load data; Sierra MatchKing BC |
| 77 gr | OTM | 18 in | 2,750 | 1,293 | 0.372 | Black Hills MK262 Mod 1 published load data |
| 77 gr | OTM | 20 in | 2,790 | 1,331 | 0.372 | Black Hills MK262 Mod 1 published specification |
Data Disclaimer
Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from Federal XM193 published load data, 20" test barrel scaled; Hornady ballistic calculator; Federal XM193 published load data; Hornady ballistic calculator; Federal XM193 published specification 3240 fps 20" barrel. 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 5.56x45mm NATO.