223 and 5.56

[steverjo]

I am new to reloading, but I have taken a class and have my equipment now. As soon as I finish my bench, I can start.

What is the difference between .223 and 5.56? My rifle is chambered for 5.56, but all the reloading data I have seen so far only pertains to .223. I assume they take the same size bullet, but is there any difference in the casing? or the the powder load?

 

[W.E.G.]

The load data is interchangeable.

The only "difference" is that some older .223 rifles are chambered too tight in the neck area for mil-spec 5.56 ammo.

In the case of ANY caliber, you need to make sure your brass is properly trimmed so that you are not jamming the neck of the case into the throat ahead of the chamber.

If your gun is chambered 5.56, there is very little chance that the too-long-neck issue will ever present itself.

 

[Harley Quinn]

Steve there is so much information about this at this site, do a "search" and you will find. I am sure a moderator will help you if needed.

Good luck,
Regards

 

[Ridgerunner665]

The last time I gave out 5.56 load info on here I got jumped on...

The rounds can be loaded hotter when they are going to be fired in a 5.56 chamber...

But play it safe...use the 223 Rem. load data until you get some experience.

And before somebody says there is no difference...

There are no 223 Rem. loads that will push a 62 grain bullet out of a 16 inch barrel at over 3,000 fps...which is what mil-spec 5.56 will do.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

There is one major difference that you need to be aware of NOW...

Thats overall length...2.26 is listed for 223 Rem loads

2.25 is listed for 5.56...however, for the 5.56, as long as it will fit in the mag and feed...its fine.
Some of my loads are 2.27...and they feed fine for range use.

This will vary from mag to mag though....some are better than others.

 

[Harley Quinn]

Ridgerunner,

That is a good point.

I was in a gunshop the other day and a man bought a Kel Tec 16 CA model, he was asking about the over-all regarding the heavier bullets... The ones marked 223 were slightly longer (federal) but fit in the mag. He wanted the 63 grains and bought them.

The 5.56 that I have are in the 55 grain Military ball, he said the range (where he was going) would not allow the ball, had to have soft point

Had nothing to do with the twist, just wanted to make sure they feed/fired ok.

 

[243winxb]

http://www.6mmbr.com/223Rem.html There is more info here.