.223 vs 5.56 nato
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Nathan Williams
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In some manufactuers yes, in others no. If it will take a 5.56 it will take a .223, but that does not always work the other way around. Best to call the maker and ask them if in doubt.
Wait a minute, Wilson. Be careful of such blanket statements.
It's my understanding that military ammo has a very slight difference in the shoulder to compensate for the beating the ammo takes in full-auto fire. Some gun makers caution against using NATO ammo in a .223 sporting rifle and perhaps some do have tight chambers and may present problems but I routinely use Mil-Surp 5.56 ammo in my bolt action rifles in .223 without any difficulty. I also have fired both NATO and commercial ammo through my AR15 without being able to tell the difference.
I suspect an AR would not have any trouble with either ammo but some bolt guns may be sticky when you try to close the bolt on military ammo. Have to try it to see.
It's my understanding that military ammo has a very slight difference in the shoulder to compensate for the beating the ammo takes in full-auto fire. Some gun makers caution against using NATO ammo in a .223 sporting rifle and perhaps some do have tight chambers and may present problems but I routinely use Mil-Surp 5.56 ammo in my bolt action rifles in .223 without any difficulty. I also have fired both NATO and commercial ammo through my AR15 without being able to tell the difference.
I suspect an AR would not have any trouble with either ammo but some bolt guns may be sticky when you try to close the bolt on military ammo. Have to try it to see.
Nathan Williams
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The problem is most 5.56 ammo is loaded to higher pressure than .223 so it can funtion properly on full auto. Some guns chambered for .223 cannot handle the pressure generated by the 5.56. Just call the maker if you are in doubt of this. Why take a chance of a KB or worse based on someones speculations?
22-rimfire
Member
My Mini-14 never had a problem digesting the military ammo.
Taurusfan_pt92
Member
My Mini 14 also shoots both really well.
George S.
Member
The Ruger Mini-14 will handle either the civilian .223 Remington or the 5.56 NATO. The chamber was designed for that.
ocabj
Member
as a couple sig lines around here remind us daily, "the plural of anecdotes is not data"
you guys should be moderately careful with your survivor bias. yeah, your guns haven't blown up yet, but you never know what n00b is listening who will combine several semi-dangerous components into a KB.
you guys should be moderately careful with your survivor bias. yeah, your guns haven't blown up yet, but you never know what n00b is listening who will combine several semi-dangerous components into a KB.
lycanthrope
Member
With AR's with 5.56 chambers you can shoot 5.56 and .223 ammo.
With AR's with .223 Wylde chambers you can shoot 5.56 and .223 ammo.
With AR's with .223 match chambers you can shoot .223 but NOT 5.56.
However, some manufacturers stamp .223 on the barrel but chamber for 5.56.
Consult the ammo oracle.
With AR's with .223 Wylde chambers you can shoot 5.56 and .223 ammo.
With AR's with .223 match chambers you can shoot .223 but NOT 5.56.
However, some manufacturers stamp .223 on the barrel but chamber for 5.56.
Consult the ammo oracle.
RecoilRob
Member
To really see the difference, measure once fired 5.56 brass....it will be WAY long if you are using .223 dimensions. The necks are certainly longer on the 5.56 ammo.
DWARREN123
Member
Talk to whoever made it, they will tell the real answer.
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