Do y'all think I'd be ok using Federal 5.56 m193 ball ammo in my .223 savage 12fv? I had 2 boxes, they're in good shape, and when I got them, the boxes were sealed (no mismatched rounds). For shooting at the range, would these be ok? The rifle is unmodified, and I've shot 2 bullets from it, I bought it new. Thanks in advance
5.56 in varmint rifle?
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Ike R
Member
No, it is not safe for the range. You have a 223 which is not a 556. Yes the cartridge will fit, yes it will even fire, the question is will it blow up on you maiming or killing you or a bystander? Might not do it on the 1st round or even the 500th, may never explode but the potential is there for a tragedy for some innocent bystander who has no idea what ammo you are shooting
Jeff F
Member
Well if thats true we should of blown up our Savage a long time ago. Its eaten up a wheelbarrow full of 5.56 without a problem. There may be some truth to the 5.56 .223 debate when its shot in an automatic, but in a bolt action rifle with a strong action I have not had any signs of anything going south.
Ike R
Member
I still wouldn't do it Jeff, the risk is still there, you can do it every day for 10 years and then one day, one load...that would be all it took.
Your gun may never explode with 556 ammo, it may explode in a year, till the barrel is melted down and the stock is used for firewood though you can't say it will never happen.
Sure its a bolt action, sure 223 and 556 are very much alike, but to call them the same would be a lie and thats why they are labeled differently on both the barrel's and the ammo boxes.
My 2 cents..OP and anyone else can do whatever they want, OP asked for an opinion and I gave him the same one the factory or any good gunsmith would have.
Your gun may never explode with 556 ammo, it may explode in a year, till the barrel is melted down and the stock is used for firewood though you can't say it will never happen.
Sure its a bolt action, sure 223 and 556 are very much alike, but to call them the same would be a lie and thats why they are labeled differently on both the barrel's and the ammo boxes.
My 2 cents..OP and anyone else can do whatever they want, OP asked for an opinion and I gave him the same one the factory or any good gunsmith would have.
FLAvalanche
Member
Why would 5.56 military loaded ammo make a difference in a bolt action? Many people shoot essentially the same thing with reloaded .223 overloaded (IE above book suggestions) as it is. The only downside is the throat of the chamber might wear out a bit faster.
Ike R
Member
It may or it may not, the risk is taken by the shooter, but haveing seen a 223 lever action destroyed from fireing 5.56 mil surplus (which isn't always consistant as to be a mere 10k Pressure diff from a .223 factory load) I would not do it myself. I also know of an incident in which a man lost an eye from a 5.56 in a 223 AR.
I will take the high road in this thread, my opinion has been spoken and the facts are shaken out on the ground when you follow FLAvalanche's link as well.
I will take the high road in this thread, my opinion has been spoken and the facts are shaken out on the ground when you follow FLAvalanche's link as well.
Double Naught Spy
Sus Venator
Some .223s may do fine with 5.56, but that does not mean that they will all do fine with 5.56. The barrels marked .223 are only manufactured and tested to the standards for .223 and not for 5.56. Shooting 5.56 ammo out of a .223 may void your warranty as well
Maj Dad
Member
There must be real ether in the ethernet... and it seems to be having effects. I can't cite all the statements in quotes, but I can say there seems to be several statements that lack basic understanding of the subject.
Out.
Out.
Maj Dad
Member
Let me just add that if you think that major ammunition mfrs would market ammuntion that could "blow up on you" etc., simply by firing NATO rounds in a 223 chamber, think again. The chambers are different, but the differences are not such that it renders them potential bombsites. I mean no disrespect or impugning of character - but please cite references and not internet legends or opinions to support these dire predictons. Factual data is required for intelligent discourse, but this has been hashed out here so many times that I think we need a sticky...
HOWARD J
Member
I have a Savage model 12 FV----.223---The gun is 9#'s
the barrel is approx 1" in Dia.
The metal in the breech is super heavy with a Mauser type lockup.
I have shot 556 in mine--I don't see any big deal.
I do shoot mostly reloads.........................
the barrel is approx 1" in Dia.
The metal in the breech is super heavy with a Mauser type lockup.
I have shot 556 in mine--I don't see any big deal.
I do shoot mostly reloads.........................
these threads come up A LOT... I cannot comment on whether or not you should or should not fire 556 through a 223, but I am curious why this comes up so much...Perhaps it is a matter of a what is available in bulk, but is the 556 that much cheaper or more available for y'all? Around here, .223 is much more available, I dont even remember the last time I saw 556 available for sale in my area. I suppose it is the buying in bulk thing... I dunno..
as I said, It amazes me how often this comes up.... IMO, if you have a .223, shoot .223...
Why the fascination with NATO ammo?
FWIW... it PROBABLY wont hurt a MODERN gun.
as I said, It amazes me how often this comes up.... IMO, if you have a .223, shoot .223...
Why the fascination with NATO ammo?
FWIW... it PROBABLY wont hurt a MODERN gun.
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