223 Ammo & 5.56 NATO Ammo

The .223 Remington is a rifle cartridge designed by Remington Arms in 1962. It was designed as a primary round for a project to fulfill the U.S. military's search for a new rifle and round. The round is essentially a 22-caliber projectile with a larger powder cartridge to provide more power for longer range purposes.

Officially called 5.56 x 45mm NATO, 5.56 is the designation for the military version of the .223 round. Based on the millimeter measurement for the round, 5.56 is the general term for the round in common conversation. It's one of the primary firearm rounds for rifles utilized by NATO countries.

In terms of the measurement of the round itself, the cartridges are virtually identical. The diameter of the bullet is the same, but the casings have slight differences. Additionally, the powder load is bigger for the 5.56. This creates differences in chamber pressure when fired.

There is no clear better choice between the two rounds as an objective standard. However, there can be a better option for your particular situation. The two rounds each have their own pros and cons, and each will have potential benefits to you depending on your situation. Your specific rifle will help you narrow it down.

Just as with comparisons on 5.56 and .223, best is subjective. It's centered on your rifle and the way you intend to use it. Many manufacturers produce excellent options tailored to what you're planning to use the rifle for. You can compare multiple options online at places like Ammunition Depot.

Prices of ammunition fluctuate based on supply availability and demand for the rounds. With the .223 round being one of the more popular rounds, it's highly susceptible to those market forces. In times of higher demand and relative scarcity, the price rises considerably. Price varies per box, but the cheapest method is to purchase in bulk; this greatly reduces the price per round.

Given its popularity, finding .223 ammo is much easier than finding some other rounds. Even in times of increased demand, it's a major staple on ammunition shelves. It can be found at every major ammunition retailer, including online retailers like Ammunition Depot.

This varies depending on the can. Most packaged cans are clearly marked to show how much ammunition is in the can. However, many cans can hold a much larger amount of loose ammunition than what is in the can with the packaging. If using the cans the ammunition came in for storage, you're often able to fit a few hundred more rounds. If using surplus military cans of 30 caliber or 50 caliber, the cans can hold around 600 and 1200 rounds respectively.

While bulk purchases are becoming more popular, that can limit availability among some retailers. For that reason, bulk ammunition purchases are often most easily accomplished through online methods. Stores and gun shows are often limited in the amount they can carry. Most places selling ammunition can provide bulk in some form, but websites like Ammunition Depot have much greater availability than many physical stores.