The .223 Remington is one of the most versatile and widely used cartridges in the firearms world today. Originally developed for military applications in 1957, by Remington Arms and Fairchild Industries. The round quickly gained traction among civilian shooters due to its excellent accuracy, manageable recoil, and adaptability for various shooting scenarios. Whether you’re hunting varmints, target shooting at the range, or looking for a budget-friendly training round, the .223 Remington offers something for everyone.
To help you find the best ammo for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of top-performing .223 Remington cartridges based on accuracy, reliability, and intended use. Below are our top picks for different shooting situations.
Our Top 4 Picks for .223 Remington Ammo
- Hornady Hornady 223 Rem 73gr ELD-M – Best Overall .223 For Accurate, Dependable Shots on Vermin
- Hornady Frontier 223 Rem 68gr BTHP Match - Best .223 Rem for Going to the Range
- PMC Bronze .223 Remington 55 Grain FMJ - Best .223 Remington for Shooters on a Budget
- Hornady Superformance 223 Rem. 53gr V-Max - Best .223 for Varmint Hunters
Best Overall: Hornady 223 Rem 73gr ELD-M
Hornady’s .223 Rem 73-grain ELD-M (Extremely Low Drag - Match) is a top-tier choice for precision shooters looking for superior accuracy at extended ranges. Featuring a high ballistic coefficient and a heat-resistant polymer tip, this match-grade bullet delivers exceptional aerodynamics and consistency. Designed primarily for competition and long-range target shooting, the ELD-M projectiles offer minimal drag and impressive stability, making them a preferred option for shooters using fast-twist barrels (1:8 or 1:7) to maximize ballistic performance.
Hornady 223 Rem 73gr Eld-m 20/200
Specifications:
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,790 fps
- Muzzle Energy: 1,262 ft-lbs
- Ideal Barrel Twist Rate: 1:7" to 1:8" for optimal stability
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy due to high ballistic coefficient
- Heat shield tip prevents deformation in flight
- Superior performance on small game and varmints
- Consistent performance across different barrels
Cons
- Higher cost compared to standard FMJ rounds
- Not designed for barrier penetration
Why We Selected This Product:
This round is perfect for those needing pinpoint accuracy for varmint hunting or precision shooting. The high ballistic oefficient ensures minimal wind drift and flatter trajectories, making it a favorite among experienced shooters.
Best for the Range: Hornady Frontier 223 Rem 68gr BTHP Match
Hornady’s .223 FMJ Frontier ammo blends affordability with reliability, offering shooters a high-quality option for training, target shooting, and general-purpose use. Manufactured using military-grade components, including brass cases and non-corrosive primers, this ammunition delivers consistent cycling and solid accuracy. Its full metal jacket design ensures reliable feeding and minimal barrel fouling, making it a dependable choice for high-volume shooters looking to maximize range time without sacrificing performance.
For those who want a quality round for range sessions, the Hornady Frontier 68gr BTHP (Boat Tail Hollow Point) Match delivers excellent consistency and performance. This round offers great accuracy while being cost-effective for frequent shooting.
Hornady Frontier 223 Rem 68gr BTHP Match
Specifications:
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,960 fps
- Muzzle Energy: 1,323 ft-lbs
- Ideal Barrel Twist Rate: 1:7" to 1:9"
Pros
- Reliable and consistent accuracy
- Boat tail design enhances stability in flight
- Affordable compared to other match-grade ammo
Cons
- Not the best for hunting due to limited expansion
- Some rifles may prefer different bullet weights for optimal accuracy
Why We Selected This Product:
Hornady’s Frontier line delivers great accuracy at a reasonable price. This makes it an excellent choice for shooters looking to practice at the range while still using a high-quality round.
Best Budget Option: PMC Bronze .223 Remington 55 Grain FMJ
PMC’s 55-grain .223 ammunition is a well-regarded choice for shooters seeking a balance between cost and quality. Featuring precision-manufactured brass casings and non-corrosive boxer primers, this load provides excellent reliability and consistent performance. The 55-grain FMJ bullet offers a standard velocity profile that works well in a variety of firearms, from AR-15 platforms to bolt-action rifles, making it a versatile option for range training, plinking, and even light varmint hunting.
PMC’s Bronze line is well-known for being affordable, reliable, and clean-burning. This 55-grain FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) round is ideal for high-volume shooting at the range, training, or plinking.
PMC Bronze .223 Remington 55 Grain Full Metal Jacket
Specifications:
- Muzzle Velocity: 3,200 fps (24" barrel); approximately 2,900 fps (16" barrel)
- Muzzle Energy: 1,250 ft-lbs
- Ideal Barrel Twist Rate: 1:12" to 1:9"
Pros
- Affordable price point for bulk purchases
- Reliable feeding and cycling in semi-auto rifles
- Clean-burning powder reduces fouling in barrels
Cons
- Not suitable for hunting due to lack of expansion
- Can be less accurate at longer distances compared to heavier bullets
Why We Selected This Product:
For those who want to train on a budget, PMC Bronze offers excellent reliability at a great price. It’s one of the best choices for high-volume shooting without breaking the bank.
Best for Varmint Hunters: Hornady Superformance 223 Rem. 53gr V-Max
Hornady’s .223 Superformance ammo is engineered for shooters who demand maximum velocity without increasing chamber pressure. Utilizing progressive propellant technology, it delivers a noticeable speed advantage over standard .223 loads, often increasing muzzle velocity by 100-200 fps. This results in a flatter trajectory and improved downrange energy, making it a favorite among hunters and competitive shooters looking for consistent accuracy and enhanced performance in their AR-15 or bolt-action rifles.
Hornady’s Superformance 53gr V-Max is a top choice for varmint hunters looking for maximum performance. With a polymer tip designed for rapid expansion, this round is devastating on small game like coyotes and prairie dogs.
Hornady Superformance 223 Rem. 53gr V-Max 20/200
Specifications:
- Muzzle Velocity: 3,465 fps
- Muzzle Energy: 1,413 ft-lbs
- Ideal Barrel Twist Rate: 1:12" to 1:9"
Pros
- High velocity for excellent terminal performance
- V-Max bullet delivers explosive expansion on impact
- Optimized for AR-15 platforms and bolt-action rifles
Cons
- Can cause excessive damage for larger game
- Higher cost compared to basic FMJ rounds
Why We Selected This Product:
This round is specifically engineered for varmint hunters. The high speed and rapid expansion make it an ideal choice for clean and humane kills on small game.
Final Thoughts
The .223 Remington cartridge remains a go-to choice for shooters due to its versatility, affordability, and availability. Whether you need a match-grade round for precision shooting, a budget-friendly option for the range, or a specialized load for hunting, there’s a .223 round to fit your needs.
- For overall accuracy and reliability , Hornady Frontier 75gr BTHP Match is the way to go.
- If you spend a lot of time at the range, Magtech 62gr FMJ provides an affordable, high-volume option.
- Shooters on a tight budget should check out PMC X-Tac 55gr FMJBT for solid performance without breaking the bank.
- If you run an SBR or AR pistol, Hornady Black 75gr SBR Soft Point is optimized for short barrels and home defense.
No matter your needs, stocking up on quality 5.56 ammunition is always a smart move. Stay prepared, stay trained, and shoot with confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions
The .223 Remington is effective up to 500-600 yards for target shooting, though it is best used within 300 yards for hunting to ensure ethical kills.
Yes! A rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO can safely fire .223 Remington rounds. However, the reverse is not always true; using 5.56 NATO rounds in a .223 Remington chamber may result in excessive pressure.
Yes, but primarily for small to medium-sized game such as coyotes, foxes, and prairie dogs. Heavier bullets can be used for deer, but shot placement is critical.
The primary differences are chamber pressure and throat length. 5.56 NATO operates at higher pressures and has a slightly longer lead (freebore), allowing for safer performance in military-grade rifles.
For self-defense, many shooters prefer hollow points or soft-point bullets for better terminal ballistics. Some top options include Hornady TAP or Federal Tactical loads.
The optimal twist rate depends on bullet weight.
- 1:12" – Best for lighter bullets (40-55 grains)
- 1:9" – Good for mid-weight bullets (55-69 grains)
- 1:7" – Ideal for heavier bullets (69+ grains)
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