.223 Remington vs 5.56x45mm NATO
Part of our full caliber comparison chart — energy, drop and recoil for every rifle caliber side by side.
The .223 Remington vs 5.56x45mm NATO comparison involves two cartridges that share the same dimensions but differ in pressure specifications. The 5.56 NATO (64gr JSP at 3050 fps) produces 314 ft-lbs at 500 yards, while the .223 Remington (64gr Polymer Tip at 3020 fps) carries 355 ft-lbs. The .223 drops 58.5 inches at 500 yards against 61.2 inches for the 5.56, a gap that comes from these two particular loads rather than from the cartridges. Both produce minimal recoil around 5 ft-lbs. The .223 is loaded to lower pressures for sporting rifles, while 5.56 NATO runs at higher pressures for military specifications. A 5.56 chamber safely fires .223 ammunition, but shooting 5.56 in a .223 chamber may cause pressure issues. Performance varies with ammunition selection and barrel twist rate.
Ammunition Parameters
.223 Remington Parameters (Reference Load)
5.56x45mm NATO Parameters (Reference Load)
.223 Remington vs 5.56x45mm NATO Ballistics Chart
Comparing bullet drop at various ranges between .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO.
Try Our Ballistics Calculators
Want to calculate exact trajectories for these calibers with your specific loads?
.223 Remington vs 5.56x45mm NATO Energy Comparison
Comparing the muzzle energy and energy retention at various distances between .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO.
.223 Remington vs 5.56x45mm NATO Recoil
Comparing recoil energy and impulse between .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO.
.223 Remington Recoil (Reference Load)
5.56x45mm NATO Recoil (Reference Load)
Notes:
- Recoil calculations based on bullet weight, velocity, powder charge, and firearm weight
- Recoil energy indicates the felt force when firing the weapon
- Recoil impulse represents momentum transfer during firing
- Actual felt recoil can vary based on grip, stance, and firearm design
.223 Remington vs 5.56x45mm NATO Velocity
Velocity decay from muzzle to 500 yards for .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO.
.223 Remington vs 5.56x45mm NATO Average Cost
Comparing cost per round and training affordability between .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO.