The Annoyed Man
Member
I know that, even though .308 Winchester and 7.62 NATO are very similar rounds, they are not exactly the same; the differences having to do with case capacity and head spacing; and although some rifles can chamber both, some rifles shouldn't.
My question is, are there similar distinctions between .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO, and if so, should this distinction be a safety/function issue in a Bushmaster Varminter rifle?
I've recently purchased one of these rifles, and it is my first foray into the .223 caliber. So far, I've only fired various commercial .223 loads through it, from cheap UMC ($99.95/box of 200), to expensive Federal Gold Match 69 gr SMK, and 2 or 3 offerings in between. If it is safe to do so, and if it won't excessively beat up my rifle (like being bad for the bore or something), I would probably buy mil-surp ammo just for plinking with. I just don't want to do it if it isn't good for the gun.
Any input would be appreciated.
Pic of the rifle attached:
My question is, are there similar distinctions between .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO, and if so, should this distinction be a safety/function issue in a Bushmaster Varminter rifle?
I've recently purchased one of these rifles, and it is my first foray into the .223 caliber. So far, I've only fired various commercial .223 loads through it, from cheap UMC ($99.95/box of 200), to expensive Federal Gold Match 69 gr SMK, and 2 or 3 offerings in between. If it is safe to do so, and if it won't excessively beat up my rifle (like being bad for the bore or something), I would probably buy mil-surp ammo just for plinking with. I just don't want to do it if it isn't good for the gun.
Any input would be appreciated.
Pic of the rifle attached: