I wouldn't worry about it anyway. .223 Ammo is just as cheap and available as 5.56. If you get into a situation where your life depends on it, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot 5.56 ammo in a .223 chamber either, although just for fun and normal hunting, I would not.
Best all around rifle and caliber for a newbie
- Thread starter stogiegila
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I wouldn't worry about it anyway. .223 Ammo is just as cheap and available as 5.56. If you get into a situation where your life depends on it, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot 5.56 ammo in a .223 chamber either, although just for fun and normal hunting, I would not.
Vern Humphrey
Member
But you'll find loads with .223 chambers, which is virtually identical. Lots of people shoot surplus 5.56 in .223 chambers. The main difference between .223 and 5.56 is where the pressure measurement is taken.
MrDig
Member
You mean manufacturers like Ruger, Savage Remington, CZ or Mossberg?
Yeah they all make Bolt Action rifles that will handle either round.
I own a Mossberg MVP specifically rated for 5.56, and even takes AR Mags.
henschman
Member
Not a bad choice for a starter rifle... cheap to feed and accurate. Throw up some pics!
I agree with the others who have suggested attending an Appleseed. You can do it with the Savage, though you might be pressed for time on the reloads under time pressure. No big deal... the main thing is that you will learn more about rifle marksmanship than you ever thought possible in a weekend. Make sure you have a good adjustable sling on that rifle if you go to one (sling use is a big deal in Appleseed). www.appleseedinfo.org
I agree with the others who have suggested attending an Appleseed. You can do it with the Savage, though you might be pressed for time on the reloads under time pressure. No big deal... the main thing is that you will learn more about rifle marksmanship than you ever thought possible in a weekend. Make sure you have a good adjustable sling on that rifle if you go to one (sling use is a big deal in Appleseed). www.appleseedinfo.org
There is no such thing as an "all around rifle". Some calibers have more uses than others, that's for sure, but I agree with others. Get a good .22...cheap to buy and shoot and there are a zillion options. This will not be your only rifle...I gaurantee that, so plan to buy a .223...also cheap to buy and shoot, with a zillion options. The .243 should be your 3rd rifle; will cost a bit more to shoot than the .223, but lots and lots of options in terms of availability and ammo options. Have fun
...and you can shoot .223 in a 5.56 chamber, but not the other way around.
I don't see how a bolt action .223 ranks very well for SHTF usefulness, or general hunting.
stogiegila
Member
Its .223
The scope is 3-9x40
Now I just have to practice with it and get it sighted in for me.
Thanks
The scope is 3-9x40
Now I just have to practice with it and get it sighted in for me.
Thanks
Who made the scope? What model is it?
Does it even have any irons sites?
I would always learn to use irons sites before using optics.
ColdDayInHell
Member
.22lr. Get a Ruger 10/22, thank me later.
ColdDayInHell
Member
You can shoot .223 out of a 5.56 barrel. But you CANNOT shoot a 5.56 in a .223 barrel. The 5.56 is mil-spec and has higher pressures that a .223 barrel cannot withstand. Sure some people still do it but I'd highly recommend you not to try.
OP did not take this (very common) advice.
He got a bolt action .223 Savage that included a 3-9x40 scope.
Vern Humphrey
Member
Yes you can -- done it many a time.
The basic difference between the two is the location of the pressure port that establishes the pressure standards.
A bolt action is ideal for hunting -- that's why the vast majority of hunters use them.
A .223 is not a big game cartridge, but with a fast twist and a properly-designed heavy bullet it's fine for game up to deer size.
I will rephrase: You should not fire 5.56 in a .223 chamber.
That is asking for a problem due to the pressure difference.
ColdDayInHell
Member
Do not continue doing so. If you bought the .223 rifle without knowing it cannot shoot 5.56 ammunition, that sucks but move on. Being careless around firearms is bad news, especially an AR-15. I am reckless in many things but when it comes to my guns I know how bad things can get, real fast. Because of the NATO higher pressures in the 5.56, the the increase in pressure is massive and the gun can actually blow up. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you're asking to be blown up.
meanmrmustard
Member
I'm aware. Talking about bolt rifles. Unless specified, I would not subject my bolt guns to 5.56 pressures. Also, your comment has nothing to do with my post. More tip selections in factory offering in .223 rem. That was my point.
meanmrmustard
Member
Agreed. Just because you can doesnt mean you should subject a rifle obviously chambered .223 rem to the pressures of 5.56 NATO because it fits. Youre causing uneccesary wear n tear on the chamber. Best to go with what's stamped on your barrel.
Roadking Rider
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Hard to argue about a 10/22 or an SKS. Both are really great rifles. However since a a zombie attack is very unlikely I'll through another one in the mix. No rifle collection would be complete without a lever action 30/30. Probably one of the most useful rifles ever made. I own all three and it would kill me to have to give anyone of them up.
I'm also a big fan of the new Mini 14 ranch rifles that shoot 223 and 5.56 ammunition. There real world accurate and never miss a beat.
I'm also a big fan of the new Mini 14 ranch rifles that shoot 223 and 5.56 ammunition. There real world accurate and never miss a beat.
Ok, I misunderstood your post to be telling Warp that a rifle chambered in .223 gave better ammo selection.
There are a few bolt actions chambered in 5.56.
Mossberg MVP, Remington has chambered some of their 700 in 5.56 over the years. CZ has gone on record by saying their 527 can fire 5.56
All moot now, as the OP has bought a .223, and as I said earlier I don't think he made the wrong choice.
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meanmrmustard
Member
No harm, no foul. Mustn't judge too harshly.
As for factory loads, I like the 55 gr Barnes TSX for deer.
52 gr Vmax tipped federal American eagle for yotes.
Tulammo 55 gr for cheap practice.
What twist is this rifle?
I have to admit that at the local gun stores, there are more varieties of 30'06 than almost everything else combined. Last I looked, there were three whole shelves of '06. And that doesn't count what a reloader can do with one.
But the OP bought a .223. It's got a lot going for it for a first centerfire... like ammo for about $7 a box. Not the path I would have taken, but he could have done far worse and I hope it works for him.
But the OP bought a .223. It's got a lot going for it for a first centerfire... like ammo for about $7 a box. Not the path I would have taken, but he could have done far worse and I hope it works for him.
meanmrmustard
Member
He lives in AZ. Black bears don't winter down there much.
I've no qualms with shooting a black bear with a .223 whatsoever.
Other than bullet selection in store, IMO the .338 win mag is more versatile than the '06.
Brockak47
Member
a nice 10/22 or bolt action savage .22
if you are looking to kill zombies that will never invade us, maybe a 12 gauge or AK/similar black rifle
if you are looking to kill zombies that will never invade us, maybe a 12 gauge or AK/similar black rifle
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