Handgun Cartridge Detail

Cartridge Specifications for Caliber: .223 Rem

.223 Remington (5.56x45 mm NATO)

Specifications
Case Type:	Rimless, bottleneck
Introduced:	1957	Made For:	Rifle
Cart Len:	2.260-in	Case Len:	1.760-in
Case Dia:	0.376-in	Bul Dia:	0.225-in

Ballistics approximated for:
8.5-inch pistol barrel

Cartridge Variants:
	Weight	Velocity	Energy
From:	40 gr	2524 ft/sec	566 ft-lbs
To:	90 gr	1989 ft/sec	791 ft-lbs

Cartridge Used in Database
Weight	Velocity	Energy
55 gr	2448 ft/sec	732 ft-lbs

Rankings for Cartridge Used in Database
PF:	134635	TKO:	4.318

Description:

The 223 Remington was developed as an experimental military cartridge for the Armalite AR-15 modular rifle. It is now a US military standard as well as an extremely popular commercial sporting round. The cartridge is nearly identical to the 222 Remington Magnum with the only difference being a slightly shorter case. Classified as a long range centerfire 22 round, its velocity is still supersonic at 500 yards. Note that while the military version (5.56x45mm NATO) is dimensionally the same, its higher pressure loads may be unsafe in civilian guns designated only for the .223 cartridge.