.223 vs 5.56 Brass Reloading

[arflattop]

I'm a long time reloader of handgun cartridges, but am starting out to reload some brass for my AR-15. I've done a search and read all I could about the differences, but my unanswered question is this: As I understand it, the interior volume is smaller for the 5.56 than .223 due to thicker brass. If this is so, how do I identify a commercial .223 brass vs. a 5.56 military brass? It would seem they should be separated to avoid velocity variations with the same load which would impact accuaracy. Or am I making a mountain out of a molehill? I'm not a target shooter.... just minute of groundhog out to 100 yards (MY capability, not the AR). I'd appreciate your opinions on the subject and how to procede. Thanks!

 

[RyanM]

Actually, the numbers I've seen indicate that 5.56 brass has more case capacity, when actually measured.

Anyway, one of the easiest ways to tell them apart is that military brass will have crimped in primers.

Personally, I sort brass by brand even in pistol calibers, so I know where you're coming from. Whether it's more or less case capacity, 5.56mm brass will probably change your point of impact.

 

[evan price]

If you full-length resize and trim your brass in one die or the other, it will all become that chambering.

 

[tlen]

....how do I identify a commercial .223 brass vs. a 5.56 military brass?

Headstamp.

 

[243winxb]

http://www.6mmbr.com/223Rem.html This info might help.

 

[longdayjake]

My personal loads are mixed between LC, rp, commercial, etc. I have probably 5 brands that I load with 23 grains of Ramshot TAC. I shot a group of 20 at 100 yards a few weeks ago that all went within 1". I was using a bench and I wanted to see what they could do. Within the 1" I was getting 3 different groups. I don't know if that was due to the casings or if I was just holding the cross hairs in a different spot. However, I figured that within an inch was perfect enough regardless of the brass.