5.56 NATO for sniping

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5.56x45mm NATO (.223 Rem)

The .223 is used for law enforcement 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, with its low ballistic coeffecient, 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 too risky on the windy days to really consider this round for military 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 then one instance when a target has been shot with a perfectly placed center mass shot, and it failed to incapacitate the target. The very heavy .223 bullets (75gr +) are becoming more popular in long range shooting, but the special barrels and rifles required to shoot these high BC bullets are not available as standard sniper rifles to everyday snipers.

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 your unit 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.

Military Applications
NOTE: I have chosen the new Federal 77gr Gold Medal Match ammo, which has decent 1000 yard ballistics, but they are still not as good as the other common sniping rounds, and arrive with very little energy. Also, the 77gr will require at LEAST a 1:8 twist, and possibly more. You will need to verify. This round was designed for the increased popularity of the .223 in 600 yard shooting competitions (Service Rifle) not for sniping.

Federal Gold Medal match - 5.56x45mm NATO (.223) 77gr 2750fps

Bullet Drop (Inches)

100y 91m	200y 183m	300y 275m	400y 366m	500y 458m	600y 549m	700y 641m	800y 732m	900y 824m	1000y 915m
+17.7	+31.3	+38.1	+36.6	+24.7	Zero	-40.9	-101.9	-187.4	-302.1

Energy - (Muzzle: 1295 ft-lbs.)

1070

880

715

580

465

370

295

240

205

180

Wind Drift (Inches) - 10mph Crosswind

3.9

9.2

17.2

28.4

43.2

61.9

85.0

112.2

143.1

Law Enforcement Applications
NOTE: I have chosen the Federal 55gr Sierra Gameking round, which provides okay expansion, with okay penetration. Federal also makes a 55gr Trophy Bonded Bear Claw which might also warrent a look. Like all my suggestions, your own tests will need to be conducted to verify your OWN data.

Federal Premium - 55gr Sierra Gameking BTHP 3240fps

Bullet Drop (Inches)