Winchester Varmint-X .223 Remington 40gr Polymer Tip Ammo Ballistics
Brass Case • PT • MPN: X223P1
Winchester Varmint-X .223 Remington 40gr Polymer Tip Ammo Ballistics
Brass Case • PT • MPN: X223P1
Trajectory @ 100yd Zero
| Range | Velocity | Energy | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 3600 fps | 1151 ft-lb | — |
| 25 yds | 3461 fps | 1064 ft-lb | -0.8" |
| 50 yds | 3327 fps | 983 ft-lb | -0.4" |
| 75 yds | 3198 fps | 908 ft-lb | -0.1" |
| 100 yds ⊕ | 3073 fps | 838 ft-lb | +0.0" |
| 125 yds | 2951 fps | 773 ft-lb | -0.2" |
| 150 yds | 2833 fps | 713 ft-lb | -0.6" |
| 175 yds | 2717 fps | 656 ft-lb | -1.2" |
| 200 yds | 2605 fps | 603 ft-lb | -2.2" |
| 225 yds | 2496 fps | 553 ft-lb | -3.5" |
| 250 yds | 2389 fps | 507 ft-lb | -5.1" |
| 275 yds | 2285 fps | 463 ft-lb | -7.2" |
| 300 yds | 2183 fps | 423 ft-lb | -9.6" |
| 325 yds | 2084 fps | 385 ft-lb | -12.5" |
| 350 yds | 1987 fps | 350 ft-lb | -15.9" |
| 375 yds | 1893 fps | 318 ft-lb | -19.8" |
| 400 yds | 1802 fps | 288 ft-lb | -24.4" |
| 425 yds | 1715 fps | 261 ft-lb | -29.6" |
| 450 yds | 1631 fps | 236 ft-lb | -35.6" |
| 475 yds | 1550 fps | 213 ft-lb | -42.3" |
| 500 yds | 1473 fps | 192 ft-lb | -50.0" |
Product Overview
Winchester Varmint-X 40gr Polymer Tip is the fastest .223 Remington load commonly available. At 3,600 fps, the lightweight 40gr bullet screams out of the barrel with a noticeably flatter trajectory than standard 55gr loads over the first 200 yards. That speed means less holdover on prairie dogs and ground squirrels at typical varmint distances. The polymer tip initiates violent expansion on contact, and the thin jacket ensures the bullet comes apart quickly in small game. The 1,151 ft-lbs of muzzle energy is lower than heavier bullets, but on sub-5-pound animals, energy is rarely the limiting factor.
Dedicated varmint shooters working prairie dog towns will appreciate the reduced wind drift at closer ranges where the high velocity compensates for the lower 0.200 G1 ballistic coefficient. The light bullet also produces less recoil than 55gr loads, which helps with faster follow-up shots and less fatigue during long shooting sessions. AR-15 owners should verify their rifle's twist rate before buying. The 40gr bullet stabilizes best in 1:12 twist barrels and may over-stabilize or show poor accuracy in faster 1:7 or 1:8 twist rates common on modern ARs.
Beyond 250 yards, the low ballistic coefficient catches up with the high muzzle velocity, and the bullet sheds speed faster than heavier options. Wind drift becomes a problem in open prairie conditions at distance. This load is best suited for close-to-mid range varmint work inside 250 yards. Bolt-action varmint rifles with 1:12 twist barrels are the ideal platform. It is not appropriate for coyote-sized game, defense, or any application requiring penetration.
- Fastest .223 Remington factory load at 3,600 fps for extremely flat close-range trajectory
- Explosive expansion on small game with minimal risk of ricochet
- Low recoil allows rapid follow-up shots during extended varmint sessions
- Polymer tip ensures reliable expansion even at lower remaining velocities
- Low ballistic coefficient (0.200 G1) causes rapid velocity loss past 200 yards
- May not stabilize well in fast-twist barrels (1:7 or 1:8) common on modern AR-15s
- Not suitable for coyote-sized or larger game due to bullet fragmentation
- Wind drift becomes severe at longer ranges despite high muzzle velocity
All Winchester Varmint-X .223 Remington 40gr Polymer Tip Ammo Prices
| DEALER | QTY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Gunner | 20 | $12.00 | $18.43 | $30.43 | $1.52 |