.223 Remington vs 5.56x45 NATO
Typical factory loads side by side: speed, energy, BC, twist, range and what each one is built for.
The short answer
With typical loads, the .223 Remington is about 220 ft/s faster at the muzzle (3,240 vs 3,020 ft/s).
Muzzle energy is nearly the same (1,282 vs 1,255 ft-lbs).
The 5.56x45 NATO's typical bullet has the higher BC (0.30), so it holds speed better and drifts less in the wind at long range.
On the same size target, the 5.56x45 NATO has the longer point-blank range (275 yd), so you can hold dead-on a bit farther without adjusting.
Side by side
| .223 Remington | 5.56x45 NATO | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | Civilian twin of the 5.56 NATO. Built for varmints and coyotes; deer only with 62–70 gr bonded bullets where legal. | U.S. and NATO service round since the M16. |
| Typical load | 55 grsoft point | 62 grM855 green tip |
| Muzzle speed | 3,240 ft/s | 3,020 ft/s |
| Muzzle energy | 1,282 ft-lbs | 1,255 ft-lbs |
| Typical BC (G1) | ≈ 0.24typical, varies by brand | ≈ 0.30typical, varies by brand |
| Twist rate | 1:91:7 for 70+ gr | 1:7 |
| Practical range | 300 yd varmint · 150 yd deer | — |
| Point-blank range | 252 yd4" vital zone | 275 yd6" vital zone |
| Recommended platform | Any rifle, ultralights includedVery light recoil | Varmints and coyotes; deer only with proper hunting bullets where legal. |
Which one fits you?
.223 Remington: Civilian twin of the 5.56 NATO. Built for varmints and coyotes; deer only with 62–70 gr bonded bullets where legal.
5.56x45 NATO: U.S. and NATO service round since the M16.
For most hunters, the right pick is the one you can shoot accurately and comfortably, in a rifle that fits how you hunt. Good shot placement and a bullet built for your game matter more than small differences on paper.
More
- .223 Remington profile
- 5.56x45 NATO profile
- .223 Remington vs .22-250 Remington
- .300 Blackout vs 5.56x45 NATO
- 7.62x39 vs 5.56x45 NATO
- All comparisons
Speed, energy and BC are typical figures for the listed load; real numbers vary by brand, lot and barrel length. Always check the ammo maker's data for your exact load.