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Thread: .223 vs 5.56 nato
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January 31st, 2010, 07:43 PM #1Junior Member
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.223 vs 5.56 nato
just wondering what the difference is between the two, ive read different things. If the markings on the barrel says 5.56 nato am i able to shoot .223?
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January 31st, 2010, 07:48 PM #2
Re: .223 vs 5.56 nato
thats my understanding if it is a 5.56 you can shoot .223, but not the other way around? but those with them should know better.
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January 31st, 2010, 07:50 PM #3
Re: .223 vs 5.56 nato
Yes.
.223 is the "civilian" round. 5.56 is the "military" version of the same round, typically the case has a thicker wall and the round is loaded to a higher pressure for a higher velocity projectile.
These higher pressures mean it is not a good idea to use the 5.56 in .223 rifle, but .223 in a 5.56 is OK. That said, I have heard some folks say that any modern weapon can shoot either round reliably and safely, but I don't have any reliable documentation to support that.While many claim to support the right, precious few support the practice.
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January 31st, 2010, 07:50 PM #4
Re: .223 vs 5.56 nato
Externally, both rounds are the same, but 5.56 loadings are hotter and teh casings are often reinforced to deal with that.
As a result, guns with 5.56 chambers are reamed differently to account for the increase in pressure.
So...you can shoot .223 in a 5.56 chamber, but probably shouldn't shoot 5.56 loadings in a .223 chamber.
Lycanandthesamegoesfor.223Wyldethrope
I taught Chuck Norris to bump-fire.
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January 31st, 2010, 07:51 PM #5
Re: .223 vs 5.56 nato
Wow... three responses in a minute.
While many claim to support the right, precious few support the practice.
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January 31st, 2010, 07:57 PM #6
Re: .223 vs 5.56 nato
I'll offer you one more difference between the 5.56 and .223 and it is in the chamber dimnsions; the 5.56 has a slightly greater headspace than the .223 chamber, hence the higher pressure in the .223 with 5.56 ammo. If you have any questions call the manufacturer of the barrel and ask. For example if you call Colt, they will tell you that even though the old Sporter models are marked .223 they are chambered for 5.56, to sort of differentiate between military and cvilian arms.
NRA Endownment & NRA Pistol Instructor
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January 31st, 2010, 07:58 PM #7Junior Member
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Re: .223 vs 5.56 nato
thanks for the quick respones, i just picked up a new ar and wanted to double check
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January 31st, 2010, 07:59 PM #8Junior Member
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Re: .223 vs 5.56 nato
its a yhm upper with a spikes lower
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January 31st, 2010, 08:01 PM #9
Re: .223 vs 5.56 nato
Here's a diagram of the differences between the 5.56 NATO chamber and the .223 rem chamber.
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