Quote:
Originally Posted by Agent Ronin
Headspace is the heart of the issue, the SAAMI spec for the .223 is tighter than the NATO round. This is common with military rounds, due to so many different nations/arsenals producing this common caliber, the military specs are more generous allowing for more variation in headspace dimentions. Therefore, it is certainly quite possible to have a 5.56 round to be too large for the .223 chamber causing a out-of-battery fire. Which can cause catastrophic damage to the rifle and its user.
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I read elsewhere that using 5.56 ammo in a .223 chamber is not a problem as long as you stick with small (55gr or less) bullets. The larger bullets cause the headspace issue and increase the risk of catastrophe.
I have run 55gr 5.56 in my mini-14 without any hiccups.
Disclaimer: It is not a suggestion that you use 5.56 in a .223 chamber; I'm just reporting my experiences. Your mileage may vary.
BTW: I'm currently in the market for an AR-15, but I love the mini-14. I've been shooting 2" groups at 100yds (on the bench, iron sights, no sand bags) since I bought it in 1993. It's reliable and although the barrel gets hot, I think it can hold up to the rigors of severe plinking as well as post-Rodney King style urban unrest.