Anyone else not a fan of .223?

[Bronco72]

The 223 or 556 falls into a category that it's good for certain scenarios! Like a lot of cartridges some are good and some are not for a specific situation. It is economical to shoot as compared to a larger cartridge. It may not be the one cartridge to do all, but it is good for what it does. If I am coyote hunting and see some ground squirrels it is a superb round . I feel it is a little light for even deer, but then again with the proper bullet and placement, it will work. I have a AR that I pieced together with accuracy in mind all through out the picking of parts. I am not a blaster and like to take and place each shot. Off the bench, or prone, with a bi-pod and a rear bag the rifle can put 5 rounds at a 100 yds. that be covered with a dime.
If you can accept it for what it is; it is a great cartridge.
Just my opinion and like something else, everyone has one
JMHO

 

[Bartojc]

I like the cartridge plenty, but in an AR ? Meh.... I have one AR in .223 and one in .450 BM. I never shoot the .223 as much as I would have thought initially. I think if I could find a good bolt action in .223 for what I'd like to pay I would ditch the AR. With the newer tighter barrel twists and heavier bullets available it is as very versatile round. Target shooting and ringing steel inside of 600 yards you are hard pressed to do it any more cheaper than .223.

-Jeff

 

[cfullgraf]

I like the 223 Rem/5.56 NATO cartridge but I have no use for any rifle chambered in it with less than a 20" barrel, longer would be better.

Less powerful 22 caliber cartridges have sound benefits over the 223 Rem/5.56 NATO round when shooting shorter ranges or a higher density of neighbors. More powerful cartridges have a longer reach than 223 Rem/5.56 NATO where space is more open.

Each different cartridge has its advantages but they do have a fair amount of overlap.

I have rifles chambered in 22 Hornet, 221 Remington Fireball, 223 Rem/5.56 NATO, 22 Benchrest, and 22 Nosler.

 

[dogtown tom]

slowr1der said: ↑
I can't really find anything that it does that another caliber doesn't do better.

Name any one rifle, pistol or shotgun "caliber" and there will always be another that can do ______ "better" in a given situation.

It's not just caliber or cartridge, but the firearm as well. And by firearm that includes its magazine and its capacity.

Maybe the better question is "can you find anything that fills more needs and wants than the .223/5.56" ?
If your "needs and wants" only concerns paper targets, hogs, bears or prairie dogs thats one thing. Personal or home protection is another.

 

[Captcurt]

Not crazy about it but it does have some attributes. Price and availability to name a couple. Personally, I prefer 243, but I will always have my AR just because of idiots in Washington..

 

[2ndtimer]

Here is what I like about the .223 / .556

1. Both (above calibers) will work in my bolt action rifle.
2. It is a small, light, accurate and flat shooting caliber.
3. Ubiquity and low(er) price are a real advantage.
4. I have a good supply of ammo. (that counts for something these days)

I too, as other responders have mentioned, prefer NOT to shoot it out of an AR as I feel that platform needlessly wastes rounds. Too easy to fire off 30 shots and not get the satisfaction that 5 well placed bullets from a bolt can can give you. But then this, like your OP, is simply my opinion and not based on any hard facts.

I probably shoot 95% of my.223/5.56 ammo out of a 5 or 10 round magazine. Oh, and my Remington 700 SPS Varmint has a single shot adapter installed. Carefully aimed shots are the goal for either platform. Mag dumps are for chumps.

 

[CapnMac]

Name any one rifle, pistol or shotgun "caliber" and there will always be another that can do ______ "better" in a given situation.

Amen.
7-08
280
260
most of the 25s and ditto the 35s

Ever notice just how thick Cartridges of the World is? Every single entry is one person's favorite; and every single entry is some body's most hated, too

 

[Slamfire]

I earned my Distinguished with a M1a, and so, am disdainful of the poodle round that replaced the 7.62 Nato.

Though I did earn a number of medals at Camp Perry with the 223 and my AR15.Still, it just does not feel to be high power when the cartridge you are shooting does not knock you out of position, or cause you to flinch.

I still miss the days when 30-06 brass would go down my shooting coat and burn me. And I remember being hit by Garand brass, as if I was in a hail storm. Then were was the ping of the eight round clip being ejected.

And that was the way it was, and we liked it!

 

[LeftyRed]

Ever since I read MORTAL ERROR, where the young secret service agent was the one that blew the back of JFKs head off, I just don’t feel the need for a .223

 

[defjon]

Not a fan, no longer own anything in that caliber.

It feels like disrespecting the scared cow in a way, much like a handgunner not embracing 9mm or 22lr.

 

[jamesgs4]

seems to be in the 60cpr range instead of 25-30cpr

online prices are right at 35cpr, still the cheapest common rifle ammo out there

 

[Robert]

As always, use what you like and allow that others may do the same.