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 |
| 700 | -166.9 | 22.8 | 1316 | 296 |
| 800 | -246.2 | 29.4 | 1190 | 242 |
| 900 | -350.1 | 37.1 | 1094 | 205 |
| 1000 | -483.0 | 46.1 | 1023 | 179 |
*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.
223 Remington FAQ
What is the effective range of 223 Remington?
The 223 Remington is effective to approximately 600 yards with heavy match bullets like the 77gr Sierra MatchKing, which remains supersonic past that distance. Lightweight 55gr bullets are best suited for shots inside 400 yards due to faster velocity loss and higher wind sensitivity.
What is the best bullet weight for 223 Remington?
It depends on your application. For varmint and predator hunting, 50-55gr bullets at 3200+ fps deliver explosive expansion and flat trajectories. For precision shooting and target work, 69-77gr match bullets offer higher BCs (up to 0.372 G1) and better wind resistance at the cost of lower muzzle velocity.
How does 223 Remington compare to other calibers?
The 223 Remington produces significantly less recoil than larger calibers, making it ideal for high-volume shooting and training. However, it delivers less energy at range — approximately 350 ft-lb at 500 yards with a 77gr bullet versus over 1000 ft-lb for a 308 Winchester. See our 308 vs 223 comparison for detailed data.
Related Comparisons
See how 223 Remington stacks up against other popular calibers.
Manufacturer Resources
Verify ballistic coefficients and load data from the bullet manufacturers:
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