5.56x45mm NATO (.223 Rem)

The .223 is commonly used for law enforcement sniping applications, largely because some agencies fear the over penetration of the .308 round in hostage type situations. The .223 generally splinters on impact, allowing almost no excess penetration that could possibly hit innocents, such as hostages. But with this fragmentation and lack of penetration comes a necessity for more precise shot placement, leaving almost no room for error. The .223 has a small temporary wound channel (Stretch cavity), requiring almost a direct hit on the spinal stem in order to get "lights out" on a target. The lighter .223 bullet is very susceptible to the effects of wind, which really limits its long range potential. While it is possible to achieve acceptable accuracy at 600 meters on a calm day, it is to risky on the windy days to really consider this round for long-range selective assassination sniping purposes. Due to the lack of penetration and lack of energy, the .223 should only be used in very rare circumstances and only on head shots. There is more than one instance when a target has been shot with a perfectly placed center mass shot, and it failed to incapacitate him.

Note:

In order to stabilize the 69-gr. Bullets and heavier, the twist on the rifle barrel needs to be at least 1:8"

Recommendation:

only use the .223 within 100 meters and only take head shots if at all possible. If the .223 is all that the operative has in the way of a sniper rifle, be sure to keep in mind the limitations of the round.

Ballistics:

Some possible rounds and their ballistics have been listed below.

Federal Gold Medal match - 5.56x45mm NATO (.223) 69gr 3000fps

Bullet Drop (Inches)

100y 91m | 200y 183m | 300y 275m | 400y 366m | 500y 458m | 600y 549m | 700y 641m | 800y 732m | 900y 824m | 1000y 915m
+14.9 | +26.6 | +32.5 | +31.3 | +21.2 | Zero | -35.6 | -87.7 | -160 | -256

Energy - (Muzzle: 1380 ft-lbs.)

1135 | 925 | 750 | 600 | 475 | 375 | 295 | 235 | 195 | 170

Wind Drift (Inches) - 10mph Crosswind

.9 | 3.7 | 8.7 | 16.3 | 27.0 | 41.3 | 59.5 | 82.2 | 109.2 | 140.0

Federal Premium - 55gr Sierra Gameking BTHP 3240fps

Bullet Drop (Inches)

50y 46m | 100y 91m | 200y 183m | 300y 275m
-0.3 | Zero | -2.7 | -10.8

Energy - (Muzzle: 1280 ft-lbs.)

N/A | 935 | 670 | 465

Wind Drift (Inches) - 10mph Crosswind

N/A | 1.3 | 5.8 | 14.2

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