quick ar-15 question

[03cobra456]

what size rounds can i shoot through my ar-15. i was shooting 5.56mm but i think there is another size i can buy? any clarification on this.

also, where is a good place to buy this ammo in bulk

thanks
steve

 

[Schleprok62]

.223 Rem will also work...

 

[atlanticfire]

5.56 nato and .223 are also acceptable. Ammo has been hard to find in large quantities.

 

[03cobra456]

ok. will shooting the .223 hurt the rifle in any way after shooting 5.56mm. or can i switch back and forth.

i have a s&w mp 15

 

[03cobra456]

cabelas has them in bulk but isnt cabelas considered expensive. 1000 .223 rnds for $450

 

[Schleprok62]

ok. will shooting the .223 hurt the rifle in any way after shooting 5.56mm. or can i switch back and forth.

Well, the way I understand it:

If the rifle is chambered for "5.56" you should be fine with shooting either 5.56 or .223. If it is marked "223 Rem" (or reasonable facsimile thereof) you should not shoot the 5.56... SAAMI pressures are the guide here...

Someone else who is much more better at putting this into words will likely be along... LOL


Tom

 

[VegasGeorge]

Schleprok62 you got it right. If the gun is chambered for 5.56, it will accept either 5.56 or .223. If the gun is marked .223, it only accepts .223. The difference is a small variation in head space between the 2 rounds.

 

[03cobra456]

i think i can shoot both. on the s&w website, it says i can shoot both. can anyome with an M&P15 clarify this for me?

 

[MrCleanOK]

Look at your barrel. If it is marked 5.56mm, then you can shoot 5.56 OR .223 Rem out of it. Switch back and forth, it doesn't make a difference.

It is NOT safe to shoot 5.56mm from a barrel that is marked .223 Rem unless you contact the manufacturer and they tell you so specifically. 5.56mm generates higher chamber pressure than .223 Rem.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

ok. will shooting the .223 hurt the rifle in any way after shooting 5.56mm. or can i switch back and forth.

Since your rifle has a 5.56 chamber, you can shoot 5.56 and 223 interchangably.

i have a s&w mp 15

The difference between 5.56 and .223 is not like that of the .38 Special and .357 Magnum. The differences between the .223 and 5.56 are purely internal (inside the casing), whereas the .38 Special casing is shorter than that of the .357 (as you probably know already).

 

[Eustachius234]

My understanding is that ARs typically have 5.56mm chambers. However, it seems that Les Baer only uses .223 Rem chambers except on their Police Special carbine.

 

[12131]

My understanding is that ARs typically have 5.56mm chambers.

Never assume.

 

[Polar Express]

Just returned from a reasonably large show today, in Puyallup, WA. From what I found, prices for 5.56 at best were 41 cents per round, and that's in 1000 loose quantity. This stuff is getting silly. I'm not that old, and I remember having a fit when it was 10 cents each in '94. At this rate, ammo may be a better investment than any stock or other fund.

 

[Boba Fett]

If the rifle is chambered for "5.56" you should be fine with shooting either 5.56 or .223. If it is marked "223 Rem" (or reasonable facsimile thereof) you should not shoot the 5.56

This is my understanding as well.

Never assume.

Exactly.

Call/email the manufacturer to be absolutely sure if you have any doubts.

 

[RP88]

most barrels are clearly marked with the chambering, and just about any manufacturer that doesnt want a lawsuit will state the chambering on the item description page for whatever you are ordering.

 

[beatcop]

ar15.com FAQ area has accurate answers.