Estimate chamber pressure and muzzle velocity for the 5.56×45mm NATO with the free, in-browser MyLoads internal-ballistics simulator. The figures below are illustrative estimates from a physics model — not a recommended recipe. Always cross-check a current published loading manual.
| Maximum average pressure (MAP) | 62,350 psi |
|---|---|
| Nominal case capacity | 30.6 gr H₂O |
| Groove / bullet diameter | 0.224 in (5.69 mm) |
Muzzle velocity
Peak chamber pressure (interval, ±10% burn-rate)
nominal is 71% of the 62,350 psi maximum average pressure
Illustrative example — every figure is an estimate; always confirm your load against a current published manual before loading.
Use MyLoads as a 5.56×45mm NATO velocity and pressure calculator: it estimates muzzle velocity, muzzle energy and the full chamber-pressure curve for your own powder, charge and barrel length, compared against the reference facts above.
Open the 5.56×45mm NATO in the MyLoads calculator →