Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default .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?

  2. #2
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    Sayre/Athens, Pennsylvania
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    Default 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.

  3. #3
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    Windsor Twsp., Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: .223 vs 5.56 nato

    Quote Originally Posted by jd21 View Post
    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?
    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.

  4. #4
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    Default 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.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: .223 vs 5.56 nato

    Wow... three responses in a minute.
    While many claim to support the right, precious few support the practice.

  6. #6
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    Central Ma, Massachusetts
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    Default Re: .223 vs 5.56 nato

    Quote Originally Posted by Curmudgeon View Post
    Wow... three responses in a minute.
    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

  7. #7
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    Default Re: .223 vs 5.56 nato

    thanks for the quick respones, i just picked up a new ar and wanted to double check

  8. #8
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    Default Re: .223 vs 5.56 nato

    its a yhm upper with a spikes lower

  9. #9
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    Default 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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