Why 223 Ammo is So Popular

The 223 was originally designed for the US Army as a high velocity small caliber round that could be used in semiautomatic combat arms. Its excellent military performance drove expansion into the consumer market where the 223 exploded in popularity. This increased demand helped foster the development of popular shooting competitions such as 3-gun. It also created a new option in the world of big game, predator, and varmint hunting. Interestingly, despite its military roots, the biggest reason the 223 is such a success is its widespread recreational use. Who doesn’t love to snap off rounds as fast as you can pull the trigger? Along with tame recoil, accuracy, and availability, the 223 is near unbeatable when it comes to a recreational semiautomatic rifle.

While the 223 shines in recreational environments, it also excels in the field chasing small and big game. The stature of the 223 is perfectly suited for coyotes or feral hogs. Popular 223 firearm platforms allow hunters to make rapid follow up shots, stay on target, and hit multiple targets with ease. In addition, 223 rifles are easily adapted to match hunting or tournament environments thus making them extremely attractive for most shooters.

Common Applications for 223 Ammo

If you want to use 223 Remington for hunting, it is important to select the proper grain weight. The 223 is a relatively small bullet so you could run into issues with penetration on larger game if you chose a lighter bullet, or if you make a marginal shot. Responsible hunters must make accurate and ethical shots to ensure quick expiration of target game. If you are looking for a hunting cartridge that is like a 223 in terms of recoil and accuracy, but can harvest deer without an issue, check out the 243 Win. However, if the 223 Remington is your only option for deer hunting ammo, it is crucial that you select a heavy weight, controlled expansion bullet. Be sure to avoid FMJs or hollow points. Indeed, in some states FMJ bullets are illegal for hunting use. Luckily Remington offers a Core-Lokt 223 which provides devastating energy transfer and expansion on game. The 62 grain weight of this bullet is adequate for deer hunting. The Core-Lokt 223 cartridges also are an excellent choice for chasing feral hogs. The size of feral hogs can vary tremendously, but with a well-placed shot or a handful of impacts on target, the Core-Lokt 223 will deliver solid results. On the other hand, the 223 Remington is extremely effective on smaller game such as coyotes, prairie dogs, and other varmints. Unlike bigger game, the weight of the bullet is not as crucial since the required energy for vital penetration is less. For our avid varmint hunters, Remington’s AccuTip-V series is perfect. Its ballistic tip and high velocity help comfortably expand your effective range. No matter what hunting scenario you are in, be sure to pair the proper ammunition with a firearm that is equipped for the occasion. Customization is the beauty of 223 Remington firearms. You can add a bipod for steady long-range shots, high end optics for clarity over range, thermal optics for night hunts, or even silencers to reduce report noise.

Aside from hunting applications, the 223 Remington is a common choice for recreational and competition shooters worldwide. For target shooting applications, a shooter should use a traditional FMJ, or any match grade bullet. You can certainly shoot hollow points or a Core-Lokt, but there are no added benefits to doing so. As for selecting proper grain weights, a medium weighted bullet such as a 55 grain or a heavier should be about right. Since target shooting consumes significant quantities, bulk purchasing is a terrific way to get the most bang for your buck. Check out Remington’s bulk 223 ammo offerings.

Bullet Style and Weight: Finding the Perfect 223 Ammo for Your Needs

While the most common 223 bullet styles include FMJs, soft points and hollow points, Remington also offers a polymer AccuTip bullet in varmint calibers. Our AccuTip-V bullet is designed to expand rapidly and provide vital stopping power on intended critters. The price point and intended use does not make it a feasible target shooting cartridge. A soft point is ideal for hunting because of its controlled expansion. For traditional steel target shooting or paper punching, an FMJ bullet is a perfect choice because of its aerodynamics, accuracy, and availability. However, the FMJ should not be used for hunting applications due to its inability to expand. Hollow points are best suited as self-defense round because of rapid expansion and instantaneous energy transfer providing instant stopping power.

Depending on your scenario, a heavier bullet may perform better than a light one bullet, or a happy medium may be necessary to get what you are after. The weight of the bullet can affect bullet stabilization, velocity, energy, and drift due to wind.

• Light Bullets
  • 40-55 grains. Ideal for rifles with slower twist rates such as 1:12. This means that for every 12”, the bullet makes one full rotation in the grooves of the barrel. The faster the twist rate, the greater the stabilization. These lighter bullets pack more velocity (yielding flat trajectories), but less momentum and overall energy. Additionally, when it comes to impact on target, these fast movers tend to fragment violently. Lighter bullets should not be used for big game for these reasons but earn their stripes when it comes to taking down small game, varmints, or hitting steel targets.
• Medium Bullets
  • 55-62 grains. These are a great all-around choice for hunting applications and target shooting. You cannot go wrong with a bullet in this category. Strong velocity, greater energy transfer on target, and availability make these bullets the winner for everyday use.
• Heavy Bullets
  • 62-77 grains+. Ideal for rifles with a faster twist rate, yielding greater bullet stability over distances. Over distances, heavier bullets carry more energy and hit the target with greater momentum. This makes heavier bullets ideal for big game scenarios as we discussed above. While the increased weight will make the bullet drop more over long range a fine-tuned scope can counteract that phenomenon and render deadly accuracy.

The 223 Remington is a top tier choice for shooters and hunters across the world and will likely remain so for a long time. Its versatility, availability, and accuracy are what make it a great purchase decision. Whether you are pursuing medium or big game, plinking targets, chasing varmints, or punching paper with the 223 Remington, the proper bullet selection is the key to producing positive results. Load your brain with knowledge to break through the clutter of the broad 223 ammo market and make your next purchase with confidence. Your best shots await - make it count with Big Green.