Zeroing .223 in a 5.56

[groundshark]

I've read that shooting .223 in a 5.56 spec chamber results in a reduction of accuracy. I have been shooting .223 55g in my 5.56 1/9 and I'm finding it difficult to zero at 50 yards.

How much does it affect the accuracy? Should I buy 5.56 ammo to zero with instead?

[itisagoodname]

More to do with barrel twist and bullet weight... need more info on the ammo.

[Jonathan Doe]

I have fired and zeroed my 5.56 AR with Remington or Federal 55 grain SP ammo at 50 yards. Have never had a problem. They were very accurate. My rifle was 1-8 twist.

If you zero the rifle at 50 yards, you will be able to shoot point blank out to about 225 yards. That is what I do.

[groundshark]

1/9, 55gr federal ammunition.

[Merc1138]

Not enough that you'd have a problem zeroing your rifle at 50 yards.

You need to learn how to zero your rifle.



If you're using irons, same basic thing still applies.

edit: If your shots are wandering around by any significant amount while you've got the rifle in a rest or sitting on sandbags, you need to go check the mounts for whatever you're using as a scope/irons/etc.

[groundshark]

Not enough that you'd have a problem zeroing your rifle at 50 yards.

You need to learn how to zero your rifle.



If you're using irons, same basic thing still applies.

edit: If your shots are wandering around by any significant amount while you've got the rifle in a rest or sitting on sandbags, you need to go check the mounts for whatever you're using as a scope/irons/etc.

This isn't the first time I've zero'd an AR. I have another rifle with the same irons that shoots the same ammo perfectly fine.

[Merc1138]

This isn't the first time I've zero'd an AR. I have another rifle with the same irons that shoots the same ammo perfectly fine.

So like I said, check your mounts. Unless your barrel is FUBAR, the chambering difference isn't going to prevent you from zeroing it.

[groundshark]

There is no scope, only irons on a picatinny rail. The irons seem fine, same as the rail.

[gunsarefun]

Is this a new upper? Did you assemble the upper yourself? Make sure the barrel nut hasn't come loose.

[gibt]

What Merc1138 said.

I shoot .223 55gr federal ammunition in my DPMS with a 1/9 twist barrel. It's very accurate. Please let us know what you find.

Gib

[Merc1138]

There is no scope, only irons on a picatinny rail. The irons seem fine, same as the rail.

Are your irons integrated to the receiver, or bolted on? If so, check how they're mounted.

You also still haven't actually explained what's preventing you from zeroing it. Are the shots all over the place, or can you not get enough windage or elevation? Unless your barrel is messed up, or something is coming loose, shooting .223 out of a 5.56 chamber will not prevent you from being able to zero it, period.

[roushstage2]

How much does it affect the accuracy?

Probably not enough to notice, if at all. I haven't noticed a difference anyways.

Should I buy 5.56 ammo to zero with instead?

If you are mainly going to be shooting 5.56, then yes. You should zero with whatever ammo you are going to be using all of the time.