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.223 Ammo Overview

The .223 Remington cartridge was introduced in 1964 for varmint hunting and later adapted for military use. It delivers a flat trajectory and manageable recoil, making it popular for sporting and tactical rifles. Today, .223 ammo remains a top choice in civilian and law enforcement markets.

Why .223 Ammo is a Top Choice

Reliable feeding in AR-platform rifles
Versatile for self-defense and target shooting
Wide availability and affordable pricing
Compatible with various bullet types and weights
Manageable recoil for quick follow-up shots

Key Variants

55 Grain FMJ

Standard military full metal jacket round ideal for range practice and duty use.

62 Grain VMAX

Hunting bullet designed for rapid expansion on small to medium game.

75 Grain Sierra MatchKing

Precision match-grade bullet favored in competition shooting.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.223 Ammo	5.56x45mm NATO	7.62x39mm
Typical Muzzle Velocity (fps)	3,200	3,100	2,350
Energy (ft-lbs)	1,300	1,300	1,200
Effective Range	500 yards	600 yards	300 yards
Common Bullet Weights	40–77 grains	55–77 grains	122–154 grains
Usage	Hunting, self-defense, sport	Military, law enforcement, civilian	Military, hunting, sport
Notable Pro	Widely available, moderate recoil	Military standard, high reliability	Heavier bullet, effective penetration
Notable Con	Less penetration than 7.62x39mm	Slightly higher recoil	Heavier recoil, less flat trajectory

Best Use Cases

Self-defense and home protection
Target shooting and range training
Small to medium game hunting
Law enforcement and duty use
Plinking and recreational shooting

FAQs

Can I use .223 ammo in a 5.56 NATO rifle?

Yes, 5.56 NATO firearms typically chamber .223 safely. The reverse (using 5.56 in .223 firearms) can be unsafe due to higher pressures.

What is the difference between .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO?

The 5.56 NATO generally operates at higher pressures and has a slightly different chamber. .223 Remington is common for civilian use and sport shooting.

How does bullet weight affect .223 ammo performance?

Lighter bullets offer higher velocity and flatter trajectories; heavier bullets provide deeper penetration and stability at long range.

223 AMMO for Sale