223/556 AND BULK 223/556 AMMO

About .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO Ammo

.223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO are among the most popular and widely used rifle cartridges in the world.

While they look nearly identical and are often used interchangeably, they have unique origins and key performance differences.

Introduced in 1962, the .223 Remington was developed by Remington Arms in partnership with Armalite and Fairchild Industries for the AR-15 rifle platform.

Its low recoil, flat shooting trajectory, and reliable accuracy made it an instant hit with hunters and recreational shooters—especially those targeting varmints and small game.

Shortly thereafter, the U.S. military modified the cartridge into a more powerful version known as 5.56x45mm NATO.

Standardized in 1980, 5.56 NATO was optimized for military use with increased chamber pressure and a longer leade, making it ideal for automatic and semi-automatic rifles like the M16 and its modern variants.

While these rounds are nearly identical in size, 5.56 NATO ammo should not be fired in firearms chambered only for .223 Remington due to its higher pressure.

However, most rifles chambered for 5.56 NATO can safely shoot .223 Remington.

Today, both cartridges remain a top choice for military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters.

Whether you’re training, hunting, competing, or defending your home, .223 and 5.56 ammo offer versatility, performance, and availability that make them a mainstay in any shooter’s collection.

Common Types of .223 / 5.56 Ammunition

FMJ (Full Metal Jacket)
Ideal for range use and target practice. Lead core with copper jacket.

HP (Hollow Point)
Expands on impact; excellent for hunting and personal defense.

Ballistic Tip
Polymer-tipped bullets for accuracy and effective expansion—great for hunting.

Match Grade
Precision-engineered for competitive shooting with consistent loads and weights.

Tracers
Contains a pyrotechnic charge for visible trajectories during shooting.

M193
55-grain FMJ commonly used in training and practice; classic military-style load.

M855 (Green Tip)
62-grain FMJ with steel core and boat-tail design—designed for improved penetration.

223/556 Ammunition Benefits

High Velocity
Delivers flat trajectories and impressive accuracy at extended distances.

Low Recoil
Ideal for beginners and rapid follow-up shots.

Versatile Applications
Perfect for hunting, target shooting, and home defense.

Lightweight
Easier to carry in bulk—especially in 30-round magazines.

Compatible Platforms
Standard chambering for AR-15 and M16-style rifles.

Widely Available
Found in almost every gun store and online ammo retailer in many load types and brands.

Advantages and Disadvantages of 5.56 / 223 Ammo

Advantages

• Accuracy: Known for excellent precision in both training and competition settings.
• Manageable Recoil: Shooters of all experience levels can enjoy quick and accurate shooting.
• Availability: Easy to find in bulk or individual boxes across most retailers.
• Performance: Balanced ballistics for short, medium, and even some longer-range shooting.
• Versatility: Effective for everything from small game to self-defense scenarios.

Disadvantages

• Limited Stopping Power: May not be ideal for large game or situations requiring maximum terminal energy.
• Over-Penetration: Risks exist in home defense settings where barriers or walls are present.
• Wind Sensitivity: Lightweight bullets can be more affected by wind at long distances.
• Noise: Known for producing a sharp report, which can be harsh without hearing protection.
• Chamber Compatibility: 5.56 should not be used in firearms marked only for 223 Rem.