The .22 LR and .223 Remington (5.56 NATO) share confusingly similar names, but they serve completely different purposes. Understanding when to use each can save you money at the range and ensure you're using the right tool for the job.
| Spec | .22 LR | .223 Rem / 5.56 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rimfire | Centerfire |
| Bullet Diameter | .223" | .224" |
| Muzzle Velocity | ~1,200 fps | ~3,200 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | ~140 ft-lbs | ~1,300 ft-lbs |
| Cost Per Round | $0.08-0.12 | $0.40-0.60 |
| Effective Range | ~100 yards | ~500+ yards |
| Recoil | Minimal | Moderate |
| Best For | Plinking, training, small game | Defense, hunting, competition |
The Real Difference
Despite nearly identical bullet diameters (.223" vs .224"), these cartridges couldn't be more different. The .223/5.56 delivers 10x more energy than .22 LR - enough to make it effective for defense and medium game hunting, while .22 LR remains the king of affordable plinking and small game.
Whether you're heading to the range or storing your AR at home, a purpose-built rifle case protects your optics and finish from damage in transit.
Key insight: The .22 LR fires a 40-grain bullet at 1,200 fps. The .223 fires a 55-grain bullet at 3,200 fps. That velocity difference is everything.
Why People Confuse .22 LR and .223
The confusion is understandable - both cartridges fire bullets with nearly identical diameters. The .22 LR uses a .223" diameter bullet, while the .223 Remington uses a .224" bullet. That's a difference of one-thousandth of an inch.
But bullet diameter is where the similarities end.
The term "caliber" refers to the groove diameter of the bore, expressed in hundredths of an inch. So when someone says ".22 LR and .223 are basically the same caliber," they're technically correct about diameter - but completely wrong about capability.
Wait - Is .223 the Same as 5.56 NATO?
Almost. 5.56mm is the metric equivalent of .223" - the numbers describe the same diameter. NATO adopted the metric designation for standardization.
However, there's an important difference: 5.56 NATO runs at higher chamber pressure than .223 Remington.
- 5.56 NATO in a .223 chamber: Potentially dangerous - don't do it
- .223 Rem in a 5.56 chamber: Safe, but may have slight accuracy reduction
- .223 Wylde chamber: Designed to safely shoot both
Most modern AR-15s are chambered in 5.56 NATO or .223 Wylde, so they'll handle both. Check your barrel markings to be sure.
For more details, see our 5.56 vs .223 breakdown.
The 10x Power Difference Explained
Here's where .22 LR and .223 diverge dramatically:
.22 LR Ballistics
- Bullet weight: 20-60 grains (40gr most common)
- Muzzle velocity: 575-1,750 fps depending on load
- Muzzle energy: ~140 ft-lbs
- Effective range: ~100 yards
The .22 LR is a rimfire cartridge - the primer is contained in the rim of the case. This makes it cheaper to manufacture but slightly less reliable than centerfire ammunition.
.223 / 5.56 Ballistics
- Bullet weight: 35-85 grains (55gr most common)
- Muzzle velocity: ~3,200 fps
- Muzzle energy: ~1,300 ft-lbs
- Effective range: 500+ yards
The .223 is a centerfire cartridge with a primer in the center of the case base. It's more reliable, more powerful, and effective at much longer distances.
Centerfire vs Rimfire: Why It Matters
Every cartridge needs a primer - a small explosive charge that ignites the powder when struck by the firing pin.
Rimfire (.22 LR): The primer compound is spun into the rim of the case. The firing pin strikes anywhere on the rim to ignite it.
Centerfire (.223): A separate primer is seated in the center of the case base. The firing pin strikes this specific point.
Centerfire cartridges are more reliable and consistent. Rimfire occasionally fails to fire when the primer isn't evenly distributed in the rim. Modern manufacturing has improved .22 LR reliability significantly, but centerfire remains the standard for defensive and duty use.
Cost Comparison: .22 LR vs .223
This is where .22 LR shines:
| Ammo Type | Cost Per Round | Cost Per 500 Rounds |
|---|---|---|
| .22 LR (bulk) | $0.08-0.10 | $40-50 |
| .223 Rem (bulk) | $0.40-0.50 | $200-250 |
| 5.56 NATO (bulk) | $0.45-0.55 | $225-275 |
You can shoot 5x more .22 LR for the same money. This is why .22 LR remains the best training cartridge - you can practice fundamentals without burning through your budget.
Where to buy: Brownells, Palmetto State Armory, and Lucky Gunner typically have both in stock. See our guide to the best places to buy ammo online.
When to Use Each Caliber
Use .22 LR For:
- Training new shooters: Minimal recoil, quiet, cheap
- Plinking and target practice: 5x more trigger time per dollar
- Small game hunting: Squirrels, rabbits, pest control
- Suppressed shooting: Subsonic loads are extremely quiet
- Youth shooters: Manageable in small frames
Great .22 LR guns include the Colt Huntsman, Ruger SR22, and KelTec CP33.
Use .223/5.56 For:
- Home defense: Adequate stopping power with less overpenetration than pistol calibers, especially from a short-barreled rifle
- Coyote and varmint hunting: Effective to 300+ yards
- Competition shooting: 3-gun, practical rifle matches (a quality red dot sight helps here)
- Medium game: Deer-sized game at closer ranges (where legal)
- Duty/defensive use: Standard military and LE rifle cartridge
The Noveske N4 PDW and standard AR-15 pattern rifles are the most common platforms.
Can You Shoot .22 LR in a .223 Rifle?
Not directly. Despite similar bullet diameters, the cartridges are completely different sizes. A .22 LR won't chamber in a .223 rifle.
However, conversion kits exist for AR-15s that let you shoot .22 LR through your rifle. These replace the bolt carrier group and use dedicated .22 LR magazines. It's a great way to train cheaply on the same platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is .22 LR or .223 better for home defense?
.223/5.56 is significantly better for home defense. It delivers 10x more energy, has reliable centerfire ignition, and modern defensive loads are designed to minimize overpenetration. While .22 LR can be lethal, it's not recommended for defensive use due to lower reliability and stopping power.
Why is .22 LR so cheap compared to .223?
.22 LR uses less material (smaller case, less powder, smaller bullet) and rimfire priming is cheaper to manufacture than centerfire. The cartridge has been in production since 1887, so manufacturing is extremely efficient. It's the most-produced ammunition in the world.
Can I hunt deer with .22 LR?
No. It's illegal in most states and unethical everywhere. .22 LR lacks the energy for a clean kill on deer-sized game. Use .223 as a minimum (where legal), though many hunters prefer larger calibers like .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor for deer.
Is .22 LR good for beginners?
Yes - it's the best caliber for new shooters. Minimal recoil, low noise, and cheap ammo let beginners focus on fundamentals without developing a flinch. Start with .22 LR, master the basics, then move to centerfire calibers.
What does the "LR" in .22 LR stand for?
"Long Rifle." The .22 LR is one of several .22 caliber rimfire cartridges. Others include .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire). The .22 LR is by far the most popular and widely available.
Why do people say .223 is "basically a .22"?
Because the bullet diameters are nearly identical (.223" vs .224"). This is technically true but extremely misleading. The .223 case holds much more powder, propelling the bullet nearly 3x faster with 10x more energy. They're completely different cartridges for different purposes.
For more caliber comparisons, check out our 5.56 vs 300 Blackout breakdown.
