What Do The Numbers On Federal 223 Ammo Mean?

If you’re a novice when it comes to firearms and you’re in the market for ammunition, all the terms and numbers can be a little confusing. For example, with Federal 223 ammo you might wonder what the numbers on the box actually describe.

There are all kinds of calibers ammunition available and here we seek to provide some clarity for those of you who aren’t seasoned hunters or range shooters.

Federal 223 Ammo & The Cartridges that Came Before Them

Back in the old days, bullets were made up of lead pellets that were shot through the air using gunpowder. The very first product that we’d describe as a cartridge today was manufactured in 1857, although it took another 15-20 years before fully-fledged cartridges became widely used.

Today, cartridges are composed of the shell casing, the primer, the powder and the bullet which is a piece of metal that hits the intended target.

The ‘223’ part of Federal 223 ammo describes the width of the cartridge. So, what that basically means is that any manufactured cartridge that displays ‘.223’ on the box is going to be .223 inches in width. Obviously the Federal part is the name of the manufacturer, so you’ll also get .223 products made by the likes of Winchester and Remington.

So, What Exactly Does the Term ‘Grains’ Refer to?

Although it’s not immediately obvious, when you see the term ‘grains’ on a box of ammunition, it’s actually describing the bullet’s weight. What this means in practice is that the higher the grain, the lower the speed and the longer the trajectory. When the grain is lower, it equates to a faster speed initially but a lower overall distance.

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So, if you bought Federal 223 Ammo with a 55 grain, it will shoot slower but fly further. In turn, a 40 grain would shoot faster, but offer a shorter range – meaning that if you’ve got a pistol for self-defense, ammo with a higher grain would be better.

Understanding Federal 223 Ammo – Easy When You Know How

Getting your head around everything you need to know when getting used to owning a firearm can be tricky, but as you can see, every term has a purpose. When you have a better understanding of how to break the terms down into their constituent parts, you realise that it’s not that difficult.

That said, you should never be afraid to reach out and ask an expert if there’s anything that you don’t quite understand. Everyone has to start somewhere and it’s better to know than to rely on guesswork.

Given time and increased understanding of how to safely use firearms, it’s something that can lead to a better appreciation for shooting as a pastime. Whether you experience regular firearms use by visiting your local range or by getting out during hunting season, the knowledge you gain now will help you get the very most out of your rifle and the ammo you buy for it.

We hope that this blog has helped you better understand ammo and what to look for when you’re shopping – even if it’s in a very small way.