A .223 bullet drop chart for a 55-grain projectile provides the precise trajectory data required for accurate varmint hunting, tactical shooting, and target practice. Your actual bullet drop depends heavily on the specific ammunition load, muzzle velocity, ballistic coefficient, chosen zero distance, and environmental conditions. By reviewing a reliable ballistic chart, shooters can understand exactly how much their projectile arcs and make necessary optic adjustments over distance. The chart below details the critical flight metrics needed to master the standard 55-grain .223 Remington cartridge.
223 Bullet Drop Chart 55 Grain
| Distance (Yards) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Bullet Drop (Inches) | Drop (MOA) | Drop (MIL) |
| 100 | 2865 | 1002 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 200 | 2519 | 775 | -2.3 | 1.1 | 0.3 |
| 300 | 2198 | 590 | -10.4 | 3.3 | 1.0 |
| 400 | 1902 | 442 | -26.5 | 6.3 | 1.8 |
| 500 | 1632 | 325 | -53.9 | 10.3 | 3.0 |
| 600 | 1395 | 238 | -97.3 | 15.5 | 4.5 |
| 700 | 1198 | 175 | -163.0 | 22.2 | 6.5 |
| 800 | 1051 | 135 | -259.5 | 31.0 | 9.0 |
The parameters for the table above are based on standard ballistic data for the widely used Hornady 55-grain V-MAX load. This provides an excellent and widely applicable baseline for standard .223 Remington varmint and target ammunition.
Ballistic Parameters:
- Ammunition Load: Hornady V-MAX .223 Remington
- Bullet Weight & Type: 55-grain V-MAX (Polymer Tip)
- Muzzle Velocity: 3240 feet per second (fps)
- Ballistic Coefficient (G1): 0.255
- Zero Distance: 100 Yards
- Sight Height: 1.5 inches above bore
- Test Barrel Length: 24 inches
- Environmental Assumptions: Sea level altitude, 59 degrees Fahrenheit
Note: Velocity and energy figures at the muzzle are sourced from standard Hornady manufacturer ballistic charts. Drop figures and extended data out to 800 yards are established ballistic calculations based on the 0.255 ballistic coefficient under standard atmospheric conditions.
Understanding The .223 55 Grain Bullet Drop Chart
.223 Bullet Drop At 100 Yards
At 100 yards, the 55-grain projectile reaches its zero distance. The bullet perfectly intersects your optic’s line of sight, resulting in zero bullet drop. Traveling at 2865 fps, it retains just over 1000 foot-pounds of energy. A 100-yard zero provides a clean mathematical baseline for traditional scopes and is considered the standard for bolt-action varmint rifles.
.223 Bullet Drop At 200 Yards
When the bullet reaches 200 yards, the .223 Remington demonstrates its flat-shooting capabilities. It drops a mere 2.3 inches below the center line. Shooters only need to dial 1.1 MOA or hold 0.3 MIL on their reticle. Retaining 775 foot-pounds of energy, this distance is highly effective for harvesting coyotes and small predators.
.223 Bullet Drop At 300 Yards
At 300 yards, the trajectory requires deliberate attention as the bullet drops 10.4 inches. You will need to make an elevation correction of 3.3 MOA or 1.0 MIL. Velocity slows to 2198 fps, and kinetic energy drops to 590 foot-pounds. This distance represents the maximum ethical range for most varmint hunting, as the lightweight bullet sheds energy rapidly.
.223 Bullet Drop At 400 Yards
Crossing the 400-yard mark requires precise dope adjustments. The lightweight 55-grain projectile drops 26.5 inches below the line of sight. A shooter must dial 6.3 MOA or 1.8 MIL to score a center hit. With energy sitting at 442 foot-pounds, terminal ballistics are greatly reduced, and crosswinds will significantly deflect the bullet horizontally.
.223 Bullet Drop At 500 Yards
At 500 yards, the .223 Remington experiences a steep drop of 53.9 inches. You will need an elevation shift of 10.3 MOA or 3.0 MIL. The velocity drops to 1632 fps. Hitting small targets at this range demands exceptional wind reading skills, as the low ballistic coefficient makes the 55-grain bullet highly susceptible to atmospheric drift.
.223 Bullet Drop At 600 Yards
Reaching 600 yards pushes standard 55-grain .223 ammunition to its limit. The bullet plunges 97.3 inches, requiring a turret adjustment of 15.5 MOA or 4.5 MIL. The velocity falls to 1395 fps, creeping closer to the transonic zone where aerodynamic instability occurs. Consistent target shooting at this distance typically requires transitioning to heavier match-grade bullets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors change my .223 55-grain bullet drop chart?
Your personal trajectory will vary depending on your specific ammunition and rifle configuration. A shorter barrel will produce a lower muzzle velocity, which increases bullet drop at every distance. Altitude, temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure also alter the air density. Thinner air at higher altitudes reduces drag, allowing the bullet to fly flatter compared to heavy, cold sea-level conditions.
How does a 55-grain .223 compare to a heavier 77-grain bullet?
A lighter 55-grain bullet leaves the muzzle extremely fast, yielding a very flat trajectory inside 300 yards. However, it lacks aerodynamic efficiency. A heavy 77-grain match bullet starts slower but possesses a significantly higher ballistic coefficient. Past 400 yards, the heavier 77-grain bullet retains its velocity better, resists wind drift far more effectively, and provides vast improvements in long-range precision.
What is the best zero distance for a 55-grain .223 rifle?
For a traditional bolt-action hunting rifle, a 100-yard zero is the standard recommendation because it simplifies long-range turret adjustments. For shooters using an AR-15 platform with a red dot or low-power variable optic, a 50-yard zero is incredibly popular. A 50-yard zero causes the bullet to rise slightly and cross the line of sight again near 200 yards, allowing you to hit targets from zero to 250 yards with almost no holdover.