Compare / .222 Remington Magnum vs 5.56x45mm NATO

Cartridge comparison

.222 Remington Magnum vs 5.56x45mm NATO

.222 Remington Magnum is faster (3,300 vs 3,240 fps); 5.56x45mm NATO carries more energy (1,400 vs 1,330 ft·lb); 5.56x45mm NATO recoils less.

.222 Remington Magnum →
Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–1000 yd
100 yd · zero0″−144″144″ drop @ 1000 yd05001000Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
5.56x45mm NATO →
Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–1000 yd
100 yd · zero0″−149″149″ drop @ 1000 yd05001000Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.222 Remington Magnum5.56x45mm NATO
TypeRifleRifle
Introduced19581980
Bullet ⌀0.224″0.224″
Case length1.85″1.76″
Velocity3,100–3,300 fps2,750–3,240 fps
Energy1,070–1,330 ft·lb1,200–1,400 ft·lb
Max pressure54,000 psi62,000 psi
Recoil4.5–7 ft·lb3.8–5.5 ft·lb
Eff. range300 yd600 yd

FAQs

Is .222 Remington Magnum faster than 5.56x45mm NATO?
.222 Remington Magnum is faster — up to 3,300 fps versus 3,240 fps.
Does .222 Remington Magnum hit harder than 5.56x45mm NATO?
5.56x45mm NATO carries more muzzle energy (1,400 vs 1,330 ft·lb).