Federal 223 FMJ vs. 5.56 NATO FMJ in a Bushmaster?

[bushmaster1313]

Bushmaster XM15 E2S 16.5 inch fluted barrel marked 1/9 BAR 5.56 NATO

Do I care if I shoot 55 gr Federal American Eagle 223 FMJ versus Federal 5.56 55 gr FMJ?

I ordered some of the .223 but maybe I should switch the order to the 5.56?

I know I should not shoot 5.56 in a .223 chamber.

 

[GCMkc]

I know I should not shoot 5.56 in a .223 chamber.

Correct. You can shoot .223 in a 5.56mm rifle. Federal American Eagle (both .223 and 5.56) run great in my AR's and I can usually find it at Wal-Mart and easily off the internet. I don't think that you will have a problem.

Extra reading material: http://www.ar15armory.com/forums/556-223-Ammunition-Ch-t22582.html

Have fun shootin!

 

[gotigers]

GCMkc is spot on.

I shoot a lot of AE223. I was shooting hornady steel match, but the AE223 shoots just as good out of my ARs. My groups have been consistant over the last year through several different purchases. I use in it 3 gun. We regularly shoot 12" flashers at 300 yards.

 

[toejamm]

I think we may have the same rifle. Late 90's vintage.

Mine shoots them both, but it does better with the Federal XM193 than the AE223.
Of the FMJ I run through my Bushmaster they rank, good to less good:
Federal XM193
PMC Bronze 223
AE223
PMC X-Tac 5.56

It does real well with the Federal gold metal match 77gr Sierra. Sub MOA all day.

Happy shooting.

 

[TonyAngel]

The M193 is probably going to be a little hotter. Other than that, I shoot what I can get the bet price on.

 

[powder]

OP, the 223 order will be fine. Just start a notebook, throw it in the case and write your impressions down after shooting.