The .223 Remington cartridge has been around for over 60 years and has become one of the most popular cartridges in the world. It is used in a variety of applications, from hunting to target shooting; a very similar cartridge is also widely used by the military. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the history of the .223 Remington cartridge, the best uses for this cartridge, and why it is so popular and widely used.
History of .223 Remington
The .223 Remington cartridge was developed in the late 1950s as a response to the U.S. military’s need for a cartridge that was smaller and lighter for use with the new M16 rifle. The M16 was designed to replace the M14, which was chambered in the larger .30-06 Springfield cartridge. The .223 Remington was designed to be a smaller, more efficient cartridge that could still provide effective terminal ballistics. The Army wanted a lighter cartridge, preferably a .22 cartridge, that would remain supersonic past 500 yards and would maintain enough terminal ballistics at that range to penetrate a steel helmet through at least one side.
The .223 Remington was officially adopted by the U.S. military in 1964, and the M16 rifle was issued to troops in Vietnam. The .223 Remington quickly gained popularity among civilian shooters, and in 1965, Remington released the cartridge commercially. Since then, the .223 Remington has become one of the most popular cartridges in the world and countless firearms have been chambered for it.
Practical Uses for .223 Remington
The .223 Remington is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of applications. Two of its most practical applications are hunting and target shooting.
For hunting, the .223 Remington is a great choice for small game such as coyote, fox, and other small varmints. The .223 Remington is a flat shooting cartridge with good accuracy and terminal ballistics, making it an ideal choice for hunting. Its accuracy, flat trajectory, and stopping power make it perfect for small to medium-game; it is particularly popular with predator hunters.
The .223 Remington is also a popular choice for target shooting. It is a relatively low-recoiling cartridge, making it easy to control and shoot accurately. The .223 Remington is also relatively inexpensive, making it a great choice for shooters who are just getting started in the sport. Its wide availability and relatively low price make it popular for target and competition shooting, and many .223 cartridges factory-loaded with high-quality brass can be reloaded, often many times, improving the economy of use.
Finally, there are military applications for a cartridge that has nearly identical dimensions and load specifications as .223 Remington. This is the 5.56 NATO cartridge that is still used by the U.S. military in its M16 and M4 rifles. In fact. the .223 Remington was actually developed for military use, though today the 5.56 NATO is used instead. For more information on the difference between these cartridges, see below.
Why is .223 Remington So Popular?
The .223 Remington is so popular for a variety of reasons. First, it is a versatile cartridge that can be used for hunting, competition, and recreational target shooting. Second, it is relatively inexpensive, making it a great choice for those just getting started in shooting sports. It is accurate and reliable, making it a great choice for a variety of applications. Finally, the fact that the AR-15 (and many similar sporting rifles) are chambered in this cartridge makes it exceptionally popular as well.
Top Choices in .223 Remington Ammo
At Bucking Horse Outpost, we carry some premier .223 Remington ammo loads, including but not limited to:
- Federal .223: Federal .223 ammunition is some of the highest quality in the industry, loaded with non-magnetic bullets and non-corrosive primers. Federal .223 rifle ammo’s high-quality virgin brass can be reloaded up to 7 times.
- Remington UMC .223: Remington UMC .223 ammo exhibits high quality and adherence to tight tolerances while remaining affordable, making it perfect for high-volume shooting. They are loaded with high-quality brass cases and dependable primers.
- American Eagle .223: American Eagle .223 is also great for high-volume, low-cost shooting. American Eagle’s .223 loads are consistent, reliable, and reloadable, making them ideal for target practice.
- TulAmmo .223: TulAmmo .223, with its signature steel casings, is the king of low-cost shooting. It’s perfect for those looking to burn a lot of ammo at the range affordably, but there’s a minor catch: you can’t reload their steel casings. Still, they’re consistent, reliable, accurate, and extremely affordable.
.223 Remington vs. 5.56 NATO: A Note
While 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington cartridges are very similar, it is important to note that there is a minor difference. The 5.56 NATO cartridge has a slightly longer throat which allows for a little bit more volume for a hotter powder charge. With room for almost one more grain of powder, 5.56 NATO loads generate higher pressures than their .223 Rem cousins. Consequently, 5.56 NATO cartridges offer higher muzzle velocities and ballistic performance when compared to .223 Remington.
Bucking Horse Outpost: The Best Prices on Top .223 Loads
The .223 Remington cartridge has been around for over 60 years and has become one of the most popular cartridges in the world. It is a versatile cartridge that can be used for hunting, target shooting, and military use. It is accurate, reliable, and relatively inexpensive, making it a great choice for a variety of applications.
If you’re looking for Remington, TulAmmo, Federal, or American Eagle .223 ammo at great prices, we’re your source. Stock up here today and save at the range.