Question on OAL .223/5.56

[Kyle1886]

First, I am not a re-loader.

The question:

What is the "general" accepted over all length for .223/5.56 ammo.

The reason for the question. I seldom have different commercial ammo out at the same time. This afternoon I did and noticed a visual difference in OAL of the three I had out.

American Eagle .223 = 2.202
American Eagle 5.56 = 2.257
PMC 5.56 = 2.251

and some inert rounds that were made for me. =2.47 to 2.58/9

(I find the inerts often hang on the feed ramp in hand cycling).

I find varying opinions here going back to 2008 and else where ( http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=127217 )

I assume the above OAL's are well with in the acceptable range, but was surprised at the spread, especially with the AE .223 versus the 5.56.

Respectfully
Kyle

[Colt562]

i load mine ti about 2.200 somewhere around there

[Arcaporale]

2.260 according to wikipedia....

I think that's really just the SAAMI max length. Were these all 55 grainers you measured?

Bullet weight, type, construction, and manufacturer all are a factor. What the actual overall length is will vary considerably between brands and weights.

I've noticed the 62 grain green tips are quite a bit pointier than the 55's and because of that and the cannelure position they have different seating depths.

[Arcaporale]

I should add that reloader/precision shooters using bolt guns and even AR's in many cases will seat them out much longer when using some super heavy bullets like 80 grain amax or the like. They might seat out as long as their chamber lets them and only single feed them.

So there really is no generally accepted OAL, the only standard across the .223 cartridge is the max that you'll see factory ammo in is 2.260.

[XDRoX]

I load mine to 2.223" for obvious reasons.

[EL_NinO619]

I load mine to 2.223" for obvious reasons.

Yep 2.223" to 2.230" for 55gr. 2.250-60" for 69gr

[mjmagee67]

For my MSR's I load to either the cannulare or to a max of 2.260 so they will function in the mag. Now for my bolt gun I load 40 & 55 gr bullets to 2.280 and my 69gr bullets get loaded out to 2.347!! They function fine out of the internal 5 round mag.

[GeoffLinder]

55gr, 2.225 to 2.235 is good range. 69-77gr, 2.250 to 2.255. For an AR, 2.260 is verging on not fitting in the magazine and working properly, hence the 2.255 high end OAL I stated for 69-77gr.

For a bolt rifle, load as long as you want until it hits the lands on chambering.

[EL_NinO619]

55gr, 2.225 to 2.235 is good range. 69-77gr, 2.250 to 2.255. For an AR, 2.260 is verging on not fitting in the magazine and working properly, hence the 2.255 high end OAL I stated for 69-77gr.

For a bolt rifle, load as long as you want until it hits the lands on chambering.

2.260" works flawless in PMAGS. But I wouldn't go to "battle" with them that long. I usually load 2.250. I just like trying to make the .223 look like a real mans cartridge sometimes

[Kyle1886]

Thanks for the feed back, and yes, all rounds were 55gr. I was just surprised to see the obvious difference in length between the two groups of AE rounds, even if being .223 vs 5.56.

I tried hand cycling the inerts that are in the 2.258/9 range again and periodically one or two will jam into the feed ramp. (I know hand cycling is not a true test, but...) No, I will not try the live rounds here at home..

Commercially, if I stay under 2.257 I'm okay (that's what the AE 5.56 measure at and I've not had any problem with them.

Thanks again.

[Hoop]

Most match ammo will be 2.2" for 52gr, 2.24" for 69 and 2.245" for 77s.