Lindcott Armory Compare / .223 Remington vs 5.56x45mm NATO
Cartridge comparison
.223 Remington vs 5.56x45mm NATO
.223 Remington is faster (3,900 vs 3,240 fps); 5.56x45mm NATO carries more energy (1,400 vs 1,350 ft·lb); .223 Remington recoils less.
.223 Remington →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–1000 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
5.56x45mm NATO →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–1000 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .223 Remington | 5.56x45mm NATO | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rifle | Rifle |
| Introduced | 1963 | 1980 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.224″ | 0.224″ |
| Case length | 1.76″ | 1.76″ |
| Velocity | 3,000–3,900 fps | 2,750–3,240 fps |
| Energy | 1,100–1,350 ft·lb | 1,200–1,400 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 55,000 psi | 62,000 psi |
| Recoil | 3.5–5 ft·lb | 3.8–5.5 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 600 yd | 600 yd |
FAQs
- Is .223 Remington faster than 5.56x45mm NATO?
- .223 Remington is faster — up to 3,900 fps versus 3,240 fps.
- Does .223 Remington hit harder than 5.56x45mm NATO?
- 5.56x45mm NATO carries more muzzle energy (1,400 vs 1,350 ft·lb).