223 Remington Ballistics Calculator
Select a common 223 Remington load below to generate a full ballistics table, or use the calculator with your own data.
Popular 223 Remington Load Presets
55gr FMJ (M193)
- Muzzle Velocity: 3240 fps
- BC (G1): 0.255
- Use: Training & general purpose
77gr Sierra MatchKing
- Muzzle Velocity: 2720 fps
- BC (G1): 0.372
- Use: Precision & match shooting
62gr M855
- Muzzle Velocity: 3060 fps
- BC (G1): 0.349
- Use: Barrier penetration & general use
50gr Nosler Ballistic Tip
- Muzzle Velocity: 3300 fps
- BC (G1): 0.238
- Use: Varmint & predator hunting
223 Remington Drop Chart — Reference Data
77gr Sierra MatchKing — 2720 fps MV — 100 Yard Zero
| Range (yds) | Drop (in) | MOA | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.0 | -0.0 | 2478 | 1050 |
| 200 | -4.2 | 2.0 | 2249 | 865 |
| 300 | -15.3 | 4.8 | 2032 | 706 |
| 400 | -34.8 | 8.3 | 1828 | 572 |
| 500 | -64.8 | 12.4 | 1639 | 459 |
| 600 | -107.7 | 17.1 | 1468 | 368 |
*Reference data calculated at sea level, 59°F, 50% humidity, no wind. Use the calculator above for conditions specific to your environment.
223 Remington Ballistic Performance
Velocity-Dependent Performance
The 223 Remington is highly velocity-dependent: lightweight bullets (50–55gr) at 3200+ fps deliver flat trajectories inside 400 yards, while heavier match bullets (69–77gr) at 2700 fps trade initial velocity for higher BCs and better wind resistance. Barrel length significantly affects performance — expect roughly 25 fps per inch lost when shortening from a 20″ barrel.
Wind Drift & Practical Limits
Lighter 223 bullets are more susceptible to wind than heavier calibers. A 55gr FMJ drifts approximately 35 inches at 500 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, while a 77gr SMK drifts approximately 28 inches at the same distance. The 77gr SMK remains supersonic past 600 yards, making it the practical precision limit for most 223 Remington platforms.
Manufacturer Resources
Verify ballistic coefficients and load data from the bullet manufacturers:
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