Found on .223 v 5.56 mm ammo

[Robert A Whit]

I rummaged around and found this.


<TBODY>
Just a friendly warning; .223 & 5.56mm are NOT the same round!<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
<!-- google_ad_section_start -->I've been handloading and experimenting with cartridges for 30 years. I've personally built dozens of "AR-15s" for myself and others, and I've owned and shot many different "generations" of Mini-14, as well as crafted handloads for all using various makes of once-fired brass, extruded IMR powders and Winchester ball powders.
Without ANY doubt, when using new ammo, any rifle chambered for .223 Remington WILL chamber and shoot--SAFELY, any military designated "5.56x45" round.
...and yes, I DO, and knew a LONG time ago that the 5.56 was slightly different in case dimensions, as well as its "time pressure curve" being principally loaded for the Mil-Spec M-16 rifle, but in the practical world, the REAL world, the world most humans reside in, the difference is of no matter.
I have a Mini-14 that has NEVER had a ".223" fired through it, only 5.56 NATO, and it's never missed a beat--nor did any of the numerous other Mini-14s I've owned or encountered over the years.
When dealing with factory ammo, even though a shouldered round headspaces on a "datum line" about midway along the shoulder, ALL present significant "windage" when chambered in standard, non-match chambers, with the case being "blown out" or fire-formed to the exact chamber shape upon firing.
To obsess about the minute difference between the .223 and 5.56 IDEAL spec is no different than becoming enchanted by the notion of developing handloads in pursuit of a few feet per second more velocity...the difference is of no import in the REAL world...period.
If one wishes to believe differently, then they are certainly free to spend 2-5 times more for their ammo reserve buying commercial grade .223.
As for the misconception that 5.56mm ammo will at some point cause one's rifle to "blow up", that's pure fiction with absolutely ZERO basis in fact...unless someone attempts to blame the ammo for other issues with a particular gun in order to suport their zeal.
My comments are applicable to FACTORY NEW ammo and not remanufactured or personal handloads since there are a host of variables that come into play with those that have ZERO to do with factory.
The BEST thing that ever happened for owners of .223 chambered rifles has been the huge amount of surplus 5.56mm ammo on the market at prices that makes it possible to lay-in a half-way decent supply of ammo.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->



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http://www.stormfront.org/forum/images/statusicon/post_old.gif 12-15-2006, 11:41 AM
#122 (http://www.stormfront.org/forum/t144981-13/#post3695758)


<!-- google_ad_section_start(weight=ignore) -->Bill T<!-- google_ad_section_end --> (http://www.stormfront.org/forum/member.php?u=85418)
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http://www.stormfront.org/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif <!-- google_ad_section_start -->Re: Just a friendly warning; .223 & 5.56mm are NOT the same round!<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Quote:

<TBODY>
Originally Posted by Kilibreaux1957 http://www.stormfront.org/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.stormfront.org/forum/t144981-13/#post3695174)
I've been handloading and experimenting with cartridges for 30 years. Without ANY doubt, when using new ammo, any rifle chambered for .223 Remington WILL chamber and shoot--SAFELY, any military designated "5.56x45" round. To obsess about the minute difference between the .223 and 5.56 IDEAL spec is no different than becoming enchanted by the notion of developing handloads in pursuit of a few feet per second more velocity...the difference is of no import in the REAL world...period. As for the misconception that 5.56mm ammo will at some point cause one's rifle to "blow up", that's pure fiction with absolutely ZERO basis in fact...unless someone attempts to blame the ammo for other issues with a particular gun in order to suport their zeal.


</TBODY>

I've been handloading and shooting for 35 years and I could not agree more! This is by far the best post yet on this subject. The "differences" between these to cartridges are not enough to be of concern for anyone shooting a .223, or 5.56 MM chambered rifle. Bill T.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->


</TBODY>

[ConHog]

I rummaged around and found this.


<tbody>
Just a friendly warning; .223 & 5.56mm are NOT the same round!<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
<!-- google_ad_section_start -->I've been handloading and experimenting with cartridges for 30 years. I've personally built dozens of "AR-15s" for myself and others, and I've owned and shot many different "generations" of Mini-14, as well as crafted handloads for all using various makes of once-fired brass, extruded IMR powders and Winchester ball powders.
Without ANY doubt, when using new ammo, any rifle chambered for .223 Remington WILL chamber and shoot--SAFELY, any military designated "5.56x45" round.
...and yes, I DO, and knew a LONG time ago that the 5.56 was slightly different in case dimensions, as well as its "time pressure curve" being principally loaded for the Mil-Spec M-16 rifle, but in the practical world, the REAL world, the world most humans reside in, the difference is of no matter.
I have a Mini-14 that has NEVER had a ".223" fired through it, only 5.56 NATO, and it's never missed a beat--nor did any of the numerous other Mini-14s I've owned or encountered over the years.
When dealing with factory ammo, even though a shouldered round headspaces on a "datum line" about midway along the shoulder, ALL present significant "windage" when chambered in standard, non-match chambers, with the case being "blown out" or fire-formed to the exact chamber shape upon firing.
To obsess about the minute difference between the .223 and 5.56 IDEAL spec is no different than becoming enchanted by the notion of developing handloads in pursuit of a few feet per second more velocity...the difference is of no import in the REAL world...period.
If one wishes to believe differently, then they are certainly free to spend 2-5 times more for their ammo reserve buying commercial grade .223.
As for the misconception that 5.56mm ammo will at some point cause one's rifle to "blow up", that's pure fiction with absolutely ZERO basis in fact...unless someone attempts to blame the ammo for other issues with a particular gun in order to suport their zeal.
My comments are applicable to FACTORY NEW ammo and not remanufactured or personal handloads since there are a host of variables that come into play with those that have ZERO to do with factory.
The BEST thing that ever happened for owners of .223 chambered rifles has been the huge amount of surplus 5.56mm ammo on the market at prices that makes it possible to lay-in a half-way decent supply of ammo.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->


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http://www.stormfront.org/forum/images/statusicon/post_old.gif 12-15-2006, 11:41 AM
#122 (http://www.stormfront.org/forum/t144981-13/#post3695758)


<!-- google_ad_section_start(weight=ignore) -->Bill T<!-- google_ad_section_end --> (http://www.stormfront.org/forum/member.php?u=85418)
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http://www.stormfront.org/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif <!-- google_ad_section_start -->Re: Just a friendly warning; .223 & 5.56mm are NOT the same round!<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Quote:

<tbody>
Originally Posted by Kilibreaux1957 http://www.stormfront.org/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.stormfront.org/forum/t144981-13/#post3695174)
I've been handloading and experimenting with cartridges for 30 years. Without ANY doubt, when using new ammo, any rifle chambered for .223 Remington WILL chamber and shoot--SAFELY, any military designated "5.56x45" round. To obsess about the minute difference between the .223 and 5.56 IDEAL spec is no different than becoming enchanted by the notion of developing handloads in pursuit of a few feet per second more velocity...the difference is of no import in the REAL world...period. As for the misconception that 5.56mm ammo will at some point cause one's rifle to "blow up", that's pure fiction with absolutely ZERO basis in fact...unless someone attempts to blame the ammo for other issues with a particular gun in order to suport their zeal.


</tbody>

I've been handloading and shooting for 35 years and I could not agree more! This is by far the best post yet on this subject. The "differences" between these to cartridges are not enough to be of concern for anyone shooting a .223, or 5.56 MM chambered rifle. Bill T.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->


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Actually I just reread and that poster is wrong. Gun manufactures themselves say do NOT fire 5.56 ammunition from a weapon chambered for .223

[jimnyc]

Actually I just reread and that poster is wrong. Gun manufactures themselves say do NOT fire 5.56 ammunition from a weapon chambered for .223

I had read elsewhere, and posted on this very thread, that while it's possible to do so, it's not always safe and can heat up. I'm too lazy to go backwards or find links tonight.

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

I rummaged around and found this.


<tbody>
Just a friendly warning; .223 & 5.56mm are NOT the same round!<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
<!-- google_ad_section_start -->I've been handloading and experimenting with cartridges for 30 years. I've personally built dozens of "AR-15s" for myself and others, and I've owned and shot many different "generations" of Mini-14, as well as crafted handloads for all using various makes of once-fired brass, extruded IMR powders and Winchester ball powders.
Without ANY doubt, when using new ammo, any rifle chambered for .223 Remington WILL chamber and shoot--SAFELY, any military designated "5.56x45" round.
...and yes, I DO, and knew a LONG time ago that the 5.56 was slightly different in case dimensions, as well as its "time pressure curve" being principally loaded for the Mil-Spec M-16 rifle, but in the practical world, the REAL world, the world most humans reside in, the difference is of no matter.
I have a Mini-14 that has NEVER had a ".223" fired through it, only 5.56 NATO, and it's never missed a beat--nor did any of the numerous other Mini-14s I've owned or encountered over the years.
When dealing with factory ammo, even though a shouldered round headspaces on a "datum line" about midway along the shoulder, ALL present significant "windage" when chambered in standard, non-match chambers, with the case being "blown out" or fire-formed to the exact chamber shape upon firing.
To obsess about the minute difference between the .223 and 5.56 IDEAL spec is no different than becoming enchanted by the notion of developing handloads in pursuit of a few feet per second more velocity...the difference is of no import in the REAL world...period.
If one wishes to believe differently, then they are certainly free to spend 2-5 times more for their ammo reserve buying commercial grade .223.
As for the misconception that 5.56mm ammo will at some point cause one's rifle to "blow up", that's pure fiction with absolutely ZERO basis in fact...unless someone attempts to blame the ammo for other issues with a particular gun in order to suport their zeal.
My comments are applicable to FACTORY NEW ammo and not remanufactured or personal handloads since there are a host of variables that come into play with those that have ZERO to do with factory.
The BEST thing that ever happened for owners of .223 chambered rifles has been the huge amount of surplus 5.56mm ammo on the market at prices that makes it possible to lay-in a half-way decent supply of ammo.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->


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<tbody>
http://www.stormfront.org/forum/images/statusicon/post_old.gif 12-15-2006, 11:41 AM
#122 (http://www.stormfront.org/forum/t144981-13/#post3695758)


<!-- google_ad_section_start(weight=ignore) -->Bill T<!-- google_ad_section_end --> (http://www.stormfront.org/forum/member.php?u=85418)
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Glendale, Az.
Posts: 146
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http://www.stormfront.org/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif <!-- google_ad_section_start -->Re: Just a friendly warning; .223 & 5.56mm are NOT the same round!<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Quote:

<tbody>
Originally Posted by Kilibreaux1957 http://www.stormfront.org/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.stormfront.org/forum/t144981-13/#post3695174)
I've been handloading and experimenting with cartridges for 30 years. Without ANY doubt, when using new ammo, any rifle chambered for .223 Remington WILL chamber and shoot--SAFELY, any military designated "5.56x45" round. To obsess about the minute difference between the .223 and 5.56 IDEAL spec is no different than becoming enchanted by the notion of developing handloads in pursuit of a few feet per second more velocity...the difference is of no import in the REAL world...period. As for the misconception that 5.56mm ammo will at some point cause one's rifle to "blow up", that's pure fiction with absolutely ZERO basis in fact...unless someone attempts to blame the ammo for other issues with a particular gun in order to suport their zeal.

</tbody>

I've been handloading and shooting for 35 years and I could not agree more! This is by far the best post yet on this subject. The "differences" between these to cartridges are not enough to be of concern for anyone shooting a .223, or 5.56 MM chambered rifle. Bill T.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->

</tbody>






Robert , I post this on another thread. You should read it .-Tyr

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http://beaconbrass.com/2012/03/223-vs-556-the-evil-black-rifle/

The 5.56 mm chamber specification has changed since its adoption. The current military loading (NATO SS-109 or US M855) uses longer, heavier bullets than its predecessor. This has resulted in a lengthening of the throat in the 5.56mm chamber. Thus, while .223 Remington ammunition can be safely fired in a 5.56 mm chambered gun, firing 5.56mm ammunition in a .223 Remington chamber may produce pressures in excess of even the 5.56mm specifications due to the shorter throat. In other words, you’re probably better off not not firing 5.56mm in a .223 Remington chamber! (hint, hint)
This is right on target (pun intended) as an excellent exposé on why, if you have a .223 barreled EBR you should shoot onlycommercial ammo and stay away from the mil-surplus stuff. If you have a .223/5.56mm barreled EBR or one that is only marked “5.56mm” then you are able to shoot either the commercial .223 or the mil-surplus 5.56.
I hope this helps explain the difference.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Know your weapon folks and be sure to fire the right ammo.
Those pissy ass rounds are to small anyways. Go larger ,with more lethal ammo is my motto. A thumbsize hole on entry with a fistsize or larger on exiting. Make sure the bastard is dead before he hits the ground.;)-Tyr

[ConHog]

Robert , I post this on another thread. You should read it .-Tyr

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http://beaconbrass.com/2012/03/223-vs-556-the-evil-black-rifle/

The 5.56 mm chamber specification has changed since its adoption. The current military loading (NATO SS-109 or US M855) uses longer, heavier bullets than its predecessor. This has resulted in a lengthening of the throat in the 5.56mm chamber. Thus, while .223 Remington ammunition can be safely fired in a 5.56 mm chambered gun, firing 5.56mm ammunition in a .223 Remington chamber may produce pressures in excess of even the 5.56mm specifications due to the shorter throat. In other words, you’re probably better off not not firing 5.56mm in a .223 Remington chamber! (hint, hint)
This is right on target (pun intended) as an excellent exposé on why, if you have a .223 barreled EBR you should shoot onlycommercial ammo and stay away from the mil-surplus stuff. If you have a .223/5.56mm barreled EBR or one that is only marked “5.56mm” then you are able to shoot either the commercial .223 or the mil-surplus 5.56.
I hope this helps explain the difference.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Know your weapon folks and be sure to fire the right ammo.
Those pissy ass rounds are to small anyways. Go larger ,with more lethal ammo is my motto. A thumbsize hole on entry with a fistsize or larger on exiting. Make sure the bastard is dead before he hits the ground.;)-Tyr




I find myself agreeing with Tyr.

Hmmmmm

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

I find myself agreeing with Tyr.

Hmmmmm

Better check your ticker then . ;) Don't go all Fred Sanford on us...

[ConHog]

Better check your ticker then . ;) Don't go all Fred Sanford on us...

well, I did flip over to the WeatherChannel and check out the weather conditions in hell, just in case.

;)

[jimnyc]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/stdi-1tIUhM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

well, I did flip over to the WeatherChannel and check out the weather conditions in hell, just in case.

;)

Yes, I see. Lucifer just sent me a pm about it , THE OLD DOG IS IN SHOCK...- ;)-TYR

[ConHog]

I had read elsewhere, and posted on this very thread, that while it's possible to do so, it's not always safe and can heat up. I'm too lazy to go backwards or find links tonight.

If you read the post I posted in the other thread where you asked me the difference, I explained it. the 5.56 has thicker walls in the casing to accommodate the higher pressures inside the chamber of a military weapon. Also , as I mentioned and Tyr also mentioned the throat is longer, almost twice as long.

[Robert A Whit]

Tyr,

I read your tidbit.

Did you notice that per the site I offered, there is a surplus of the old style 5.56 ammo.

So, what do you think the commercial ammo producers want you to believe?

Chuckle.

Big bore ammo in my opinion is better.