5.56 and .223?????

Redneck · Mar 26, 2007

Im not a reloader, but i figured those of you who are or maybe even not can answer my simple little question. What is the difference between 5.56 and .223? My AR is marked 5.56, but was told and do shoot .223s through it. Should i stop or is it ok?

HoChiWaWa · Mar 26, 2007

I'm not a reloader either but here is how I understand it. 5.56 has higher chamber pressures, but they are the same form factor. Therefor anything chambered for 5.56 can use .223, but not vice versa unless it is specifically mentioned. The Mini-14 is one such exception, it says it is chambered for .223 but in the manual it mentions it can handle 5.56.

BlackBart · Mar 26, 2007

.223 is the Remington civilian designation, my mini eats both without malfunction. Unless someone of knowledge can enlighten I doubt it's a problem.

HoChiWaWa · Mar 26, 2007

7.62 NATO by the way goes the other direction, civiy .308 is primarily designed for bolt actions and has a higher chamber pressure than the NATO round primarily for semi-autos, anything chambered for .308 should handle both, and I bet most semi-autos could handle both, however you might want to think twice before putting some hot .308 hunting loads through your FAL.

This is as it was explained to me.

VNVGUNNER · Mar 26, 2007

My Rock River is chambered in "wylde' to shoot 5.56 and .223. As a rule you don't shoot 5.56 in a .223 chambered rifle. Or so I have been told.

Some of the experts will set us right on this I'm sure.

Redneck · Mar 26, 2007

So im fine shooting .223 even though its labeled 5.56?

VNVGUNNER · Mar 26, 2007

Redneck · Mar 26, 2007

Thank You Gunner

VNVGUNNER · Mar 26, 2007

http://groups.msn.com/TheMarylandAR15ShootersSite

AND ALSO AR15 UNDER AMMO FAQ

RobMoore · Mar 26, 2007

Redneck17 said:
So im fine shooting .223 even though its labeled 5.56?

Yes, but I believe the 5.56 ammo will be more accurate. The reverse is not true, so dont shoot 5.56 out of a .223 chambered firearm.

slayr15 · Mar 26, 2007

223 in a 556 no 556 in a 223.

VNVGUNNER · Mar 26, 2007

http://www.ammo-oracle.com/

Another great bunch of info.

Redneck · Mar 26, 2007

You guys are awesome!! lol

5.56 and .223?????

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