223 vs 5.56

[spy-d]

OK, call me stupid, But what is the difference between the .223 and the 5.56mm ?

I hear the following "You can shoot both 223 and the 5.56 in a 223 barrel, But you can only shoot 5.56 in a 5.56 barrel"

ok........ WHY

Is it the Barrel? or the ammo ?

[MrPlutonium]

Short answer is the 5.56 requires a longer leade in the barrel because it is loaded to higher pressures than .223, so it can generate unsafe pressures in a .223 barrel that has less "room", so they're not quite the same. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that's it.

Oh and it's the other way around: .223 = .223 only

[slik556]

I hear the following "You can shoot both 223 and the 5.56 in a 223 barrel, But you can only shoot 5.56 in a 5.56 barrel"

If the barrel is stamped 5.56 you can shoot both .223 and 5.56, if the barrel is stamped .223 it is advised to only use .223.
Do a google search on the issue of the difference between the two rounds and you will have a little reading for the afternoon.

[Vanguard]

The two previous gentlemen answered this correctly so there's no need for me to post the same answer. I'm just here to get my post count up.

[spy-d]

OK... That is the answer.

A barrel stamped 5.56 will shoot BOTH .223 and 5.56.

A barrel stamped .223 should shoot .223 ONLY.

Thank you.

[CHS]

5.56 and .223 are externally identical.

5.56 brass is typically harder and slightly thicker on the inside.

5.56 is loaded to higher pressures than .223.

The 5.56 chamber has longer headspace than .223 to allow for the higher pressures.

.223 is fine in a 5.56 chamber, but 5.56 might not be ok in a .223 chamber. Ruger Mini-14's are an exception to the rule, as are most of the beefier bolt guns. But, it's still not good practice.

[bsim]

...unless it's a .223 Wylde chamber. Then 5.56 are GTG.

[CHS]

...unless it's a .223 Wylde chamber. Then 5.56 are GTG.

See, now you're just gonna confuse people

[retired]

What is a Wylde chamber and what is the difference from the others and its purpose. I've seen it mentioned before in the For Sale forum but never knew what it really was.

[CHS]

...unless it's a .223 Wylde chamber. Then 5.56 are GTG.

Now you've gone and done it!!! See below!

What is a Wylde chamber and what is the difference from the others and its purpose. I've seen it mentioned before in the For Sale forum but never knew what it really was.

Basically, it's a chambering that allows you to safely use 5.56, but tightens up in certain areas that are critical for accuracy with .223.

It's a compromise chamber. It's built to handle the 5.56 but provide better accuracy.

It won't be as accurate as a true .223 chamber, but you'll be able to fire both rounds out of it without worrying about pressure issues.

[Capt. Speirs]

The two previous gentlemen answered this correctly so there's no need for me to post the same answer. I'm just here to get my post count up.

Now that is honesty, post count just went up one. Seriously, this has been brought up far to often, use the search or read this; http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...ad.php?t=56818

[Brianguy]

Now that is honesty, post count just went up one. Seriously, this has been brought up far to often, use the search or read this; http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...ad.php?t=56818

Interesting