Help Understanding .223 Bullets

[DamnYuppie]

I am compiling data for a reloading app, as such I am gathering data on all the currently manufactured bullets. For each Bullet I am attempting to associate it with a given Caliber, and then from that Caliber to a set of Cartridges.

For example if you have a .22 caliber bullet that is .224 diameters then you can use it in all of the following cartridges:

.218 Bee
.22 Hornet
.22-250 Remington
.220 Swift
.221 Remington Fireball
.222 Remington
.223 Remington
.223 WSSM
.224 Weatherby Magnum

I have come across some bullets that are .223 in diameter, I am aware that .223 is a .22 caliber bullet too. My issue is I can't, currently, find any rifle cartridge that specifies a .223 diameter bullet. I know it is used in rimfire .22 short and .22 long.

Based on all of that is it logical to state that any .22 caliber rifle can use a .223 diameter bullet as it is smaller then .224? Or can anyone tell me of a centerfire rifle cartridge that uses .223 diameter bullets?

Any guidance is much appreciated!

 

[bohem]

Re: Help Understanding .223 Bullets

20 caliber bullets are 0.204

22 cal bullets are 0.222, 0.223, commonly 0.224, and some are 0.227-0.228

JBM has bullet major diameters listed on their pull down menu for hundreds of projectiles.

 

[DamnYuppie]

Re: Help Understanding .223 Bullets

You are correct, I got so carried away I mistakenly typed .20 instead of .22.

Based on what you have described above then the answer to my question is yes; a .223 bullet can be used in any .22 caliber rifle correct?

 

[wfjames22]

Re: Help Understanding .223 Bullets

http://www.grafs.com/catalog/tech-resource/technicalResourceId/12/productId/12638

This may help.

 

[bunt0025]

Re: Help Understanding .223 Bullets

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DamnYuppie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Based on what you have described above then the answer to my question is yes; a .223 bullet can be used in any .22 caliber rifle correct?</div></div>
Well, no. A .224 cal bullet (rare) is going to have more friction/pressure/danger going down a .223 barrel. A .223 bullet will go down a .224 barrel, though. The thousanth of an inch won't hurt anything except accuracy. Your bullet should match the barrel. If not, please share the specific reason why you feel inclined to deviate.
PS- Old 22 hornets had .223 barrels and some shooters use .223 & .224 bullets in them. It does increase pressures, though.

 

[DANNY-L]

Re: Help Understanding .223 Bullets

I had a box of .223 45gr speer given to me and loaded them for my hornet handi rifle and the accuracy was about the same as the .224 that I normaly use

 

[Halfnutz]

Re: Help Understanding .223 Bullets

I was told at one time that many .22 rimfires were converted over to .22 Hornet. The rimfire barrels were designed for .223 diameters. .223 diameter bullets are ususally for 22 Hornets.

Although not all Hornet rifles use the smaller diameter barrels.

I would guess the .218 bee might be in the same class. Not sure.
Everything else in your list should run .224.

This is my understanding of why there are .223 diameters.