A 223 ballistics chart 100 yard zero provides the precise drop and drift measurements for .223 Remington ammunition when the firearm is calibrated to strike the point of aim at exactly 100 yards. When utilizing a 100 yard zero, shooters can anticipate consistent point of impact performance at short to mid range distances, which is ideal for target shooting, varmint hunting, and tactical applications. This guide presents comprehensive ballistics data, variables influencing trajectory such as bullet weight and muzzle velocity, and an analysis of how environmental conditions affect your specific load.
223 Ballistics Chart 100 Yard Zero
| Load Name | Bullet Weight | Muzzle Velocity | Ballistic Coefficient (G1) | 100 yd Drop | 200 yd Drop | 300 yd Drop | 400 yd Drop | 500 yd Drop |
| Hornady V-MAX | 40 gr | 3800 fps | 0.200 | 0.0″ | -2.1″ | -8.1″ | -19.9″ | -39.3″ |
| Federal Sierra BlitzKing | 50 gr | 3325 fps | 0.228 | 0.0″ | -2.3″ | -8.6″ | -20.6″ | -39.9″ |
| Winchester USA FMJ | 55 gr | 3240 fps | 0.255 | 0.0″ | -2.4″ | -8.9″ | -21.0″ | -40.1″ |
| Sierra MatchKing | 69 gr | 2950 fps | 0.301 | 0.0″ | -2.8″ | -10.2″ | -23.7″ | -44.2″ |
| Hornady BTHP | 75 gr | 2790 fps | 0.395 | 0.0″ | -3.1″ | -11.1″ | -25.2″ | -46.2″ |
Understanding the Chart
Bullet Weight
Bullet weight, measured in grains, dictates the mass of the projectile. Heavier bullets retain velocity better at long ranges but often start at lower muzzle velocities compared to lighter, high speed varmint loads.
Muzzle Velocity
This is the speed of the bullet as it exits the barrel, measured in feet per second (fps). Higher muzzle velocity results in a flatter trajectory, meaning the bullet drops less over a given distance.
Ballistic Coefficient (G1)
The Ballistic Coefficient is a measure of a bullet’s ability to overcome air resistance. A higher number indicates better aerodynamic efficiency, which helps the bullet resist wind drift and retain velocity at extended ranges.
100 yd Drop
This confirms the zero distance. At 100 yards, the bullet path intersects the line of sight, resulting in zero vertical deviation from the target center.
200 yd Drop
This measurement shows how much the bullet has fallen below the point of aim at 200 yards. With a 100 yard zero, all .223 loads will show significant drop at this distance.
300 yd Drop
This value identifies the bullet’s position relative to the point of aim at 300 yards. This is a critical metric for long range precision, as drop increases exponentially beyond 200 yards.
400 yd Drop
At 400 yards, atmospheric conditions and the bullet’s ballistic coefficient play a major role in the point of impact. Shooters must compensate for this drop to ensure accurate hits.
500 yd Drop
This represents the extreme edge of effective range for many .223 loads. Vertical compensation is essential here, as most standard .223 cartridges will have dropped several feet by this point.