223 or 5.56

[tbcollins]

Just trying to get some clear information. For barrels, there are either 223, 5.56 and then the Wylde. Not really clear on this, not an expert. I plan to reload / load my own shells. Recently purchased a Wilson Combat Upper that states 5.56 NATO. Reloading book I purchased (Lee) doesn't list 5.56 loading information. Really just want a clear answer as to whether or not the 2 are the same of if there is a difference between the 2 that could cause problems. Would there be a problem running 223 rounds through the barrel and is the loading information for 223 the same as the 5.56. Ultimately if I load 223 rounds and use them on the barrel that states 5.56 NATO, would it have any adverse effects.

[SixPointEight]

.223 and 5.56 are different, however, they are enough the same that you can shoot .223 in a 5.56mm barrel. Don't shoot 5.56 out of a .223 barrel though. Supposedly the shorter .223 lead and higher pressures of 5.56 can cause problems.

You'll have difficulty finding "5.56" reload data, almost all of it will be listed as .223 data.


Long answer made short? .223 is what you're looking for. It will be fine in your gun.

source: http://www.thegunzone.com/556v223.html

[RaymondMillbrae]

5.56/NATO rounds are hotter. The brass is also slightly different. (Internally, and wall thickness).

You can shoot .223 through a 5.56 barrel. But you CANNOT shoot a 5.56 round through a .223 barrel. (It is too hot, and the pressures may be dangerous).

5.56/NATO rounds are sometimes not as accurate. Whereas .223 rounds are more presision rounds, and folks roll their own for bolt-action rifles.

Sometimes I am loading 26 grains in LC brass, and the powder reaches a certain level. And sometimes this same 26-grains will overfill a .223 brass casing. So be careful about that.

I usually seperate, and reload, my LC brass for matchse only. This has my specific powder charge. The other .223 "range brass" gets a slightly lighter powder charge, and is used for practice.

See the video tutorial below my signature. (Click on the RELOADING .223 VIDEO).

In Christ: Raymond

[lanwarrior]

5.56/NATO rounds are sometimes not as accurate. Whereas .223 rounds are more presision rounds, and folks roll their own for bolt-action rifles.

Just out of curiosity: how often is this "inaccuracies"? Would you recommend .223 for any 5.5.6mm rifle. i.e. Daniel Defense M4, etc.

[SixPointEight]

The accuracy mentioned is shooting accuracy. Idk what you mean by how often. As said .223 is fine in a 5.56 rifle

[Masterdebater]

well my lower says .223/5.56... only if i put a 5.56 upper on it can i shoot 5.56?

[SixPointEight]

well my lower says .223/5.56... only if i put a 5.56 upper on it can i shoot 5.56?

For real?

The letters on your lower don't mean jack. It could say 50BMG on there and you'd be fine.

If you BARREL AND CHAMBER are .223 you should only shoot .223. If your BARREL AND CHAMBER are 5.56 you can shoot .223 or 5.56 ammo. I'm not sure how much more clearly I can say it.

[lanwarrior]

The accuracy mentioned is shooting accuracy. Idk what you mean by how often. As said .223 is fine in a 5.56 rifle

Oh, you said that 5.56 sometimes are not as accurate, so I am wondering on this statement.

[Boots]

Oh, you said that 5.56 sometimes are not as accurate, so I am wondering on this statement.

It has to do with how 5.56 are loaded. Powder charge, bullet weight, etc.
But as said... if you have a 5.56 barrel, you can shoot both .223/5.56. But not the other way around.
Pretty much all AR's I've seen are 5.56 barrels... because let's face it, next to the public, their biggest customer is the U.S. Government.
Bolt actions, from my understanding, will mostly be found in .223