Hornady makes 223 loads for almost every job an AR-15 or bolt gun can do. There’s cheap training ammo, fast varmint rounds, long-range match loads, defense loads and lead-free hunting rounds. That range is great, but it can make the shelf confusing. This guide sorts the Hornady 223 ammo we carry by job, so you can match the box to your rifle and your plans.
All velocity and energy figures below come from the product listings in our catalog. They are factory numbers, usually from a 24-inch test barrel.
Hornady 223 Lines at a Glance
| Load | Bullet | Grain | Velocity | Energy | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady 223 55 Grain FMJ Boat Tail Training Ammo | Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail (FMJ-BT) | 55 | 3,240 fps | 1,282 ft-lbs | 50-round box |
| Hornady Black 223 62 Grain FMJ | Full Metal Jacket (Hornady FMJ) | 62 | 3,100 fps | 1,323 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
| Hornady American Gunner 223 55 Grain Hollow Point | Jacketed Hollow Point (Hornady Match) | 55 | 3,240 fps | 1,282 ft-lbs | 50-round box |
| Hornady Varmint Express 223 55 Grain V-Max | Polymer Tip (Hornady V-Max) | 55 | 3,240 fps | 1,282 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
| Hornady Superformance 223 53 Grain V-Max Varmint | Polymer Tip (Hornady V-Max) | 53 | 3,465 fps | 1,413 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
| Hornady 223 35 Grain NTX Lead-Free Varmint | Polymer Tip (Hornady NTX) | 35 | 4,000 fps | 1,243 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
| Hornady Critical Defense 223 55 Grain FTX | Polymer Tip (Hornady FTX) | 55 | 3,240 fps | 1,282 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
| Hornady Critical Defense 223 73 Grain FTX | Hornady FTX Polymer Tip | 73 | 2,790 fps | 1,262 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
| Hornady 223 73 Grain ELD Match | Polymer Tip (Hornady ELD Match) | 73 | 2,790 fps | 1,262 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
| Hornady Match 223 75 Grain BTHP | Jacketed Hollow Point | 75 | 2,790 fps | 1,296 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
| Hornady Superformance Match 223 75 Grain BTHP | Jacketed Hollow Point | 75 | 2,930 fps | 1,429 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
| Hornady Black 223 75 Grain Match Hollow Point | Jacketed Hollow Point (Hornady Match) | 75 | 2,790 fps | 1,296 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
| Hornady CX 223 50 Grain Superformance Lead-Free | Jacketed Hollow Point (Hornady CX monolithic copper) | 50 | 3,300 fps | 1,209 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
| Hornady Custom 223 55 Grain Soft Point | Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) | 55 | 3,240 fps | 1,282 ft-lbs | 50-round box |
Two quick patterns stand out. Most 55-grain loads list 3,240 fps. The heavy 73- and 75-grain match bullets list slower speeds, around 2,790 fps, but they carry more energy downrange thanks to their shape.
Training and Range Ammo
If you just want to shoot a lot, start here.
- The Hornady 223 55 Grain FMJ Boat Tail Training load is simple, clean range ammo. It lists 3,240 fps and 1,282 ft-lbs.
- The Hornady Black 62 Grain FMJ uses a heavier bullet. Heavier bullets often shoot better from rifles with faster twist rates.
- The American Gunner 55 Grain Hollow Point is Hornady’s value line. The hollow point is a match-style bullet, so it tends to group well for the money.
Brass cases, consistent powder and good primers make these a solid pick for drills and plinking.
Varmint and Predator Loads
Hornady’s V-Max bullet is a favorite for prairie dogs, groundhogs and coyotes. The red polymer tip starts fast expansion and the bullet breaks up on impact. That limits ricochet and pass-throughs.
- Varmint Express 55 Grain V-Max: a classic all-round varmint load at 3,240 fps.
- Superformance Varmint 53 Grain V-Max: Superformance powders push this one to 3,465 fps for a flatter path.
- 35 Grain NTX Lead-Free: a very light lead-free bullet at 4,000 fps. It suits small varmints where lead-free ammo is required or preferred.
Varmint bullets are not made for deer. They open too fast for big game. Check your state’s rules on calibers and bullets for each species.
Match and Long-Range Loads
Heavy, sleek bullets resist wind better and hold speed farther out. That is what you want for precision work past 300 yards.
ELD Match and BTHP
The Hornady 73 Grain ELD Match and the Hornady Match 75 Grain BTHP are the core of the line. Both run near 2,790 fps. The Superformance Match 75 Grain BTHP adds speed, listing 2,930 fps and 1,429 ft-lbs.
Check your twist rate
Long bullets need a fast twist to stay stable. Many AR-15 barrels use a 1:7 or 1:8 twist, which handles 73- to 75-grain bullets well. Older rifles with a 1:12 twist often do best with 55-grain loads. Your barrel is usually stamped with its twist, or the maker can tell you.
Defense Loads
Hornady’s Critical Defense line uses the FTX bullet, a hollow point with a soft polymer tip. The tip helps stop clothing from plugging the cavity.
- Critical Defense 55 Grain FTX: lists 3,240 fps and 1,282 ft-lbs.
- Critical Defense 73 Grain FTX: a heavier bullet at 2,790 fps and 1,262 ft-lbs.
The Hornady Black 75 Grain Match Hollow Point is another option many AR owners keep on hand. Laws on defense ammo and hollow points vary, so check your state and local rules.
Hunting Loads
Some states allow 223 for deer, and others don’t. If yours does, pick a bullet built for game.
- The Hornady Superformance 50 Grain CX is a monolithic copper bullet. It is lead-free and designed to hold its weight. It lists 3,300 fps.
- The Hornady Custom 55 Grain Soft Point is a traditional soft point for coyotes and other medium game.
Shot placement matters even more with a small bullet. Keep shots close and check your local hunting regulations first.
How to Choose Your Hornady 223 Ammo
- Name the job. Practice, varmints, match, defense or hunting.
- Check your twist rate. Fast twists like heavy bullets. Slow twists like light ones.
- Know your chamber. A 223 Remington chamber should fire 223 only. A 5.56 or 223 Wylde chamber can safely fire both. Confirm with your rifle’s maker.
- Test a few boxes. Shoot groups from a rest. Buy more of what your rifle likes.
Running a 5.56 chamber? See our Hornady 5.56 ammo guide for the Hornady loads stamped 5.56. To compare with another big maker, read the Winchester 223 ammo guide.
Shop Hornady 223 Ammo
See the full lineup in our Hornady 223 ammo category, or browse every brand in 223 ammo. Whatever the job, there’s likely a Hornady 223 ammo load built for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 5.56 rifle shoot 223 ammo?
Yes. A rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO or 223 Wylde can safely fire 223 Remington ammo. The reverse is the issue: firing 5.56 in a rifle marked only 223 Remington can raise pressure. Check your barrel stamp and follow the maker’s guidance.
What is Hornady V-Max used for?
V-Max is a polymer-tipped varmint bullet. It expands fast and breaks apart on impact, which suits prairie dogs, groundhogs and coyotes and reduces ricochet. It is not designed for deer or other big game, where you need deeper penetration.
What grain 223 is best for an AR-15?
It depends on your barrel twist and job. A 1:7 or 1:8 twist handles heavy 73- to 77-grain match bullets and also shoots 55-grain loads. A 1:9 often likes 55 to 69 grains. Older 1:12 barrels usually prefer 55 grains. Test a few loads to see what groups best.
Is Hornady Critical Defense 223 good for home defense?
Critical Defense uses an FTX bullet with a soft polymer tip that helps prevent clogging and supports expansion. Many owners keep it for defense. Results depend on your rifle, barrel length and setting, and laws on defense ammo vary, so check your state and local rules.
