.223 Rem. Ladddata

The .223 Remington, developed in 1957 by Remington Arms, was originally designed for the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle, which the military later adopted as the M16. This caliber is one of the most popular centerfire rifle cartridges in the United States and is favored for its versatility in various applications.

With a bullet diameter of 0.224 inches and a case length of 1.76 inches, the .223 Remington is classified as a small bore cartridge. It typically generates velocities between 3,000 and 3,300 feet per second, and muzzle energies ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 foot-pounds, depending on the bullet weight. Common bullet weights for the .223 Remington include 55 to 77 grains, with the 55-grain FMJ often used for target shooting and the 62 to 77-grain bullets preferred for long-range precision and hunting small to medium game.

Ballistically, the .223 Remington offers flat trajectories and low recoil, which makes it ideal for varmint and predator hunting, as well as competitive shooting disciplines such as 3-Gun and High Power Rifle matches. For reloaders, the .223 Remington provides numerous advantages, including easy availability of brass and bullets, a wide range of propellant choices, and a substantial body of reloading data due to its widespread use. These factors, combined with its cost-effectiveness, make the .223 Remington an excellent option for reloaders looking to tailor loads for specific applications, whether it be hunting or competitive shooting. With care in reloading, the .223 Remington can also be adjusted for improved accuracy and consistency across different shooting platforms.