223 Remington Ballistics Calculator
Calculate precise bullet drop and trajectory for 223 Remington ammunition. Generate printable ballistics charts for popular loads including 55gr FMJ, 77gr SMK, and varmint hunting bullets.
Calculate 223 Remington BallisticsPopular 223 Remington Loads
55gr FMJ (M193)
- • Muzzle Velocity: 3240 fps
- • BC (G1): 0.243
- • Best for: Training/plinking
- • Effective Range: 400 yards
77gr Sierra MatchKing
- • Muzzle Velocity: 2720 fps
- • BC (G1): 0.372
- • Best for: Precision/match
- • Effective Range: 600 yards
50gr Nosler Ballistic Tip
- • Muzzle Velocity: 3300 fps
- • BC (G1): 0.238
- • Best for: Varmint hunting
- • Effective Range: 350 yards
223 Remington Applications
Varmint and Predator Hunting
The 223 Remington excels for varmint hunting with lightweight, high-velocity bullets that provide explosive terminal performance on prairie dogs, coyotes, and other small game.
Bullets in the 40-55 grain range achieve velocities over 3200 fps, delivering flat trajectories out to 300-400 yards with minimal wind drift.
Precision and Competition
Heavy match bullets (69-80 grains) transform the 223 Remington into a capable precision cartridge, competing effectively in service rifle and high power matches.
The 77gr Sierra MatchKing provides excellent accuracy potential and remains supersonic beyond 600 yards in most conditions.
223 Remington Drop Chart Example
77gr Sierra MatchKing - 2720 fps MV - 100 Yard Zero
| Range (yds) | Drop (in) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | MOA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.0 | 2478 | 1050 | 0.0 |
| 200 | -4.2 | 2249 | 865 | 2.0 |
| 300 | -15.3 | 2032 | 706 | 4.9 |
| 400 | -34.8 | 1828 | 572 | 8.3 |
| 500 | -64.8 | 1639 | 459 | 12.4 |
| 600 | -107.7 | 1468 | 368 | 17.1 |
*Example data at sea level, 59°F, 50% humidity, no wind
Barrel Length Impact on 223 Remington
| Barrel Length | 55gr FMJ Velocity | 77gr SMK Velocity | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16″ Carbine | ~3000 fps (55 gr FMJ) | ~2500–2550 fps (77 gr SMK) | CQB / Tactical |
| 20″ Standard | ~3100 fps | ~2600–2650 fps | General Purpose |
| 24″ Precision | ~3240 fps | ~2750 fps | Long-Range / Match |
223 Remington Wind Sensitivity
The .223 Remington's lighter bullets are more susceptible to wind drift than heavier, higher-BC rounds. Values below assume a 10 mph full-value crosswind; actual drift varies with bullet BC, MV, and atmospheric conditions.
55gr FMJ Wind Drift (10 mph crosswind)
- • 200 yards: ~3.5–5 in
- • 300 yards: ~8–12 in
- • 400 yards: ~15–21 in
- • 500 yards: ~25–33 in
77gr SMK Wind Drift (10 mph crosswind)
- • 200 yards: ~3–4 in
- • 300 yards: ~7–10 in
- • 400 yards: ~14–17 in
- • 500 yards: ~22–28 in
Calculate Your 223 Remington Ballistics
Use our free ballistics calculator to generate custom trajectory charts for your specific 223 Remington load. Account for your barrel length, environmental conditions, and bullet selection.
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