Reloading 5.56 and .223

[Smoothron]

Hi. When reloading 5.56. Do I use .223 dies and bullet with .223 data? Ty

 

[kcofohio]

Welcome to THR!

Most load data published is for .223. The .223 dies will work for 5.56 loading, as the casing size is the same. Bullet diameters will be the same, .224".

 

[edwardware]

Yes. The cartridge geometry is exactly the same.

The differences are:
- a slightly different set of tolerances
- a slightly different leade shape in the throat
- a slightly different pressure specification
- a different unit of pressure measurement

Use the same tools.

Edit: and, until you're pushing on the very edges of the pressure envelope for 5.56, you're still in .223Rem territory. I have never found a reason to distinguish the two in loading.

 

[kcofohio]

You can shoot a .223 Rem. out of a 5.56 NATO chambering safely, but not usually the other way around.

 

[Dale Alan]

Same components ,if using .223 data you will be plenty safe . Some powder sites will list 5.56 along with .223 data , studying those numbers will give you and idea of the differences when it comes to pressure, etc . .

 

[Dale Alan]

Shooters world lists both , will give you a better understanding looking at the numbers .

https://shootersworldpowder.com/wp-content/uploads/shooters-world-manual.pdf