.223 vs 5.56

Richard Harold Rigney said:

I always wanted a .223 and am finally in the market to buy one....now I'm hearing something about the 5.56 and not sure which one to get? Anyone have experience and advice on these?

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Welcome Richard.
I think if you'll just type "difference between .223 and 5.56" into the "search" box in the upper right hand corner of your screen, and click "search," you'll see there are about 20 pages of threads on the subject.

Are you looking for a bolt action rifle or semi-auto (AR)?

Pretty much every AR is chambered in 5.56mm, meaning you can shoot both 5.56mm and .223 ammo.

Bolt action rifles are usually chambered in .223, but.......you may be able to shoot 5.56mm in the rifle, depending upon the leade of the rifle.

I think the type of gun you'rel looking at will dictate what you end up with. If you want an AR or similar modern sporting rifle, most are chambered for 5.56 (and can still shoot .223).

If you're looking for a bolt action or single shot, most that I'm aware of will be chambered for .223 (and can NOT shoot 5.56).

5.56 rounds are usually hotter than .223 rounds therefore it is recommended to not shoot 5.56 rounds in a .223 chambered gun

A .223 Wylde barrel is another option . . . also shoots both .223 and 5.56 calibers.

Richard Harold Rigney said:

I am leaning towards a semi auto...

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Like others said, you’re going to have a very hard time finding a modern semi-auto rifle chambered in .223. Many companies list their AR-15s as “.223” in ads or on the box, and some even write “.223” on the receiver, but they’re still actually chambered in 5.56.

I had an old Colt AR-15 that said “.223” on the receiver but it was actually a 5.56 and said so on the barrel. Some other rifles are the same way: the IWI Tavor says, “.223” on the receiver but the barrel is marked “5.56”, its true chambering.

Agree with the others. If you're getting an AR, I would get a 5.56 and wouldn't spend any time looking for a .223 AR as you can shoot both calibers in a 5.56. I have a BCM AR in 5.56 and shoot mostly .223 through it as that's what I can get cheap. Have shot north of 2K rounds through it with no issues. By the way, they are a hoot to shoot - cheap to feed, accurate, low recoil (good for introducing new shooters), adjustable, etc. Let us know what you decide.

p.s. also have a Rem 700 bolt gun, and that's in .223 and I handload for it so "cheap ammo" isn't an issue. I craft the loads specifically for that rifle/barrel.