5.56 vs .223 Rem.

[alsaqr]

The OP was asking about thr difference between 223 and 5.56 and if anyone knew of any injuries or weapons damage from shooting 5.56 in 223 Firearms.

Yes, he did.

i never heard of anyone being injured from firing 5/56mm military ammunition in a .223 chamber. That is not to say it has never happened.

Junebugs in the US Army Ordnance Corps changed the powder in the 5.56mm cartridge. The substituted ball powder was very dirty and that caused big problems. Additionally, the rifle was issued sans cleaning equipment. That's right, no cleaning rod, etc. came with the rifle.

i still have the letter from my brother in the 2/7 Cav where he mentions the unit trading their M14 rifles for M16 rifles. He was concerned with the lack of cleaning equipment for their rifles. My brother died at LZ Albany on 17 November, 1965.

The US Sec'y of Defense, Robert McNamera, became personally involved in the M16 debacle: He parroted Colt's claim that the rifle was "self cleaning". i would have whizzed on McNamera's grave but he was cremated.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

Here’s a drawing of the difference in the chambers.


The lead is also known as the freebore.