Why I love the .223

[CWL]

Y'all,

I've come to the conclusion that the .223 Rem/5.56 NATO round is my favorite long gun cartridge. Depending on the load, it hits as far as I can see and I have seen with my own eyes the bodily carnage that the .223 can commit.

But the real reason why I like this round so much is because of the platform of rifles (typically black plastic) it shoots from.

Honestly, I simply prefer this round because the AR rifle is soooo much lighter and manageable than .308's and bolt actions. (And yes, I own these type of rifles.)

I have to admit it, I'm lazy and hate humping more weight than I need to.

Anyone share these feelings?

 

[Sir Galahad]

Well, my .223 IS a bolt action. A CZ 527. And a fine rifle. I got it to be able to shoot mlitary surplus ammo and take advantage of it. And as an all-around target rifle. I like the selections in .223 out there. I'll be able to play for years!

 

[Dave R]

Yup. .233 shoots pretty far, shoots pretty fast, shoots pretty cheap.

 

[cheygriz]

The 5.56X45 NATO rocks! It's certainly my favorite "Homeland Defence Rifle" calibre, and my favorite range calibre.

I like the .30-06 for a hunting rifle, but when hunting, I usually get to shoot less than 5 rounds per year. Antelope, deer, elk, and a couple of spare cartridges for "just in case."

.223, well.......perhaps 3500-5000 per year. A few years ago, I went through 2000 rounds of .223 on a single five day camping trip.

I dearly love the .303 and .308 as well, but they come in a distance behind to the .223.

 

[cratz2]

The 223 kills paper as effectively as any other round I have a rifle chambered for. If the targets move and breathe, I'd just as soon have something with a bit more substance... 243, 25-06, 270 and 308.

Not knocking the 223, and I would use it against two-legged targets if need be, but it certainly has it's limitations.