22LR and 223 Rem are two very different cartridges. 223 Rem is a centerfire, rimless, bottlenecked rifle cartridge and is more powerful than the 22LR. The 223 Rem was designed for use in the M16 rifle and is also used in AR-15-style rifles. 22LR is a rimfire, straight-walled cartridge and is not as powerful as the 223 Rem. The 22LR is typically used in handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
Feature | .223 | .22 |
---|---|---|
Caliber | .223 inches (5.56mm) | .22 inches (5.6mm) |
Bullet Weight | 35 grains to 77 grains | 20 grains to 60 grains |
Velocity | 2,800 to 3,700 feet per second | 1,050 to 1,600 feet per second |
Energy | 1,100 to 1,800 foot-pounds | 105 to 400 foot-pounds |
Purpose | Primarily for military and law enforcement purposes, also used for hunting and recreation | Primarily for small game hunting and recreational shooting |
Magazine Capacity | Typically holds 20-30 rounds | Typically holds more than 10 rounds |
Recoil | Moderate recoil | Minimal recoil |
Availability | Readily available | Moderately available |
Cost | Relatively expensive | Relatively inexpensive |
Overall, while both .223 and .22 rounds share some similarities in terms of their size and intended uses, they are actually quite different in terms of their velocity, energy,
The History of the 223 Round

The 223 round is a small arms cartridge with a .22 caliber bullet. It was first developed in the early 1960s by the Fairchild Armament Company for the AR-15 rifle. The 223 round is popular for its high velocity and accuracy, as well as its light recoil.
The 223 round was originally designed for use in the military, but it has also become popular among civilians for hunting and target shooting. The high velocity of the 223 round makes it effective for long range shooting, and the light recoil makes it easy to control. The 223 round is also popular because it is relatively inexpensive and widely available.
The 223 round has been involved in a number of controversies. In the early 1990s, the FBI began using the 223 rounds in its handguns, and reports of “overpenetration” began to surface. The FBI responded by switching to a heavier bullet, but the reports of overpenetration continued. In 2012, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting reignited the debate over the use of the 223 rounds in firearms. Some politicians and gun control advocates called for a ban on the sale of firearms that use the 223 round, but the proposal was ultimately unsuccessful.
The Differences Between 223 and 22
The most significant difference between 223 and 22 caliber rifles is the size of the bullet. A 223 bullet is significantly larger than a 22 caliber bullet. This difference in size means that a 223 rifle can do more damage to a target than a 22 caliber rifle.
Another difference between 223 and 22 caliber rifles is the amount of powder that is used to propel the bullet. A 223 rifle uses more powder than a 22 caliber rifle. This difference in powder means that a 223 rifle has more muzzle energy than a 22 caliber rifle.
The last difference between 223 and 22 caliber rifles is the rifling. The rifling on a 223 rifle is different than the rifling on a 22 caliber rifle. The difference in rifling means that a 223 bullet will spin faster than a 22 caliber bullet. This difference in spin means that a 223 bullet will be more accurate than a 22 caliber bullet.
The Similarities Between 223 and 22
The two numbers are indeed quite similar. Both are even numbers divisible by 2 and by 11. They also share the same digits, with the exception of the middle digit. However, there are also some notable differences. For one, 223 is more than three times larger than 22. Additionally, while both numbers are even, 223 is divisible by 4 while 22 is not. Finally, while both numbers have two digits in common, they are arranged differently – 223 has the larger digit first, while 22 has the smaller digit first.
Why 223 is Considered a More Powerful Round

223 is considered a more powerful round for a number of reasons. First, it is a larger caliber than most other rifle rounds, which means it can deliver more energy to a target. Second, the high velocity of the 223 rounds makes it more likely to penetrate through barriers and hit a target behind them. Finally, the small size of the 223 round makes it more aerodynamic and thus able to travel further and faster than larger rounds.
All of these factors combine to make the 223 an effective round for both hunting and self-defense. It is powerful enough to take down large games, yet still manageable for most shooters. And its versatility makes it a good choice for a variety of situations.
How the 22 Round Has Evolved Over Time
The 22-round has come a long way since it was first introduced in the late 1800s. Its original purpose was to be a shorter, more manageable alternative to the longer and more unwieldy rifle rounds of the time. However, over the years the 22 round has evolved into a versatile and effective tool for a variety of different applications.
Today, the 22-round is commonly used for target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting. It is also a popular choice for self-defense, due to its low recoil and relatively high accuracy. The round has come a long way in terms of both power and accuracy and is now a staple of both the recreational and competitive shooting world.
While the 22 round may not be the most powerful option out there, it is still a versatile and effective choice for a variety of different applications. Whether you are looking to do some target shooting, plinking, or small game hunting, or you are in need of a reliable self-defense round, the 22-round is definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
What is the difference between 223 and 22?
The main difference between 223 and 22 is that 223 is a rifle cartridge while 22 is a handgun cartridge. 22 is also known as 22 Long Rifle (LR) and is a popular caliber for small game hunting and plinking. 223 is also known as 223 Remington and is a popular caliber for varmint hunting, target shooting, and home defense.
Can I shoot 223 in a 22 rifle?
No, you cannot shoot 223 in a 22 rifle. The two cartridges are of different calibers and are not interchangeable.
Can I shoot 22lr in a 223 rifle?
No, you cannot shoot 22lr in a 223 rifle. The two cartridges are of different calibers and are not interchangeable.
What is the difference between 223 and 5.56?
The main difference between 223 and 5.56 is that 223 is a rifle cartridge while 5.56 is a military grade cartridge. 5.56 is also known as 5.56 NATO and is a popular caliber for military and law enforcement applications. 223 is also known as 223 Remington and is a popular caliber for varmint hunting, target shooting, and home defense.
Can I shoot 5.56 in a 223 rifle?
Yes, you can shoot 5.56 in a 223 rifle. The two cartridges are of similar calibers and are interchangeable.
What is the difference between 223 and 6.8?
The main difference between 223 and 6.8 is that 223 is a rifle cartridge while 6.8 is a pistol cartridge. 6.8 is also known as 6.8 Remington SPC and is a popular caliber for hunting and self-defense. 223 is also known as 223 Remington and is a popular caliber for varmint hunting, target shooting, and home defense.
Conclusion
No, 223 is not the same as 22. 22 is a smaller caliber bullet typically used for hunting or target practice, while 223 is a larger caliber bullet typically used for self-defense or military purposes. While both calibers of bullet can be used for either purpose, 223 is generally considered to be more powerful and therefore more suitable for self-defense or military use.