.223 not 5.56

muleman

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Jan 8, 2010
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Denton, Neb.
Whats the deal with some of these new AR-15's. I'm told if it says on the barrel .223, you cannot shoot 5.56 in it??? I thought these were the same cartridge, .223 being American & 5.56 the Metric equlivelent.
 
Re: .223 not 5.56

No, 5.56mm has a higher pressure rating than .223. You can fire .223 in 5.56 but not 5.56 in .223.

Also the specs for the chambers are a bit different, typically make it a touch more difficult to get the same sort of accuracy out of a true to spec 5.56 chamber.
 
Re: .223 not 5.56

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DP425</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No, 5.56mm has a higher pressure rating than .223. You can fire .223 in 5.56 but not 5.56 in .223.

Also the specs for the chambers are a bit different, typically make it a touch more difficult to get the same sort of accuracy out of a true to spec 5.56 chamber. </div></div>

+1. This is good info for you.

One of the reasons that many mfgs offer the Wylde chamber as a compromise which allows for the safe shooting of both 223/5.56 ammo selections. But, as with any compromises, you don't get the MOST out of either cartridge. If you get a .223 Remington chambered rifle, just stick to .223 ammo and you will be fine.