5.56 ammo vs 223 ammo
Can 5.56 ammo be used in a single shot 223 cal rifle and vice versa?
For example: Have a single shot H&R 223 rifle.
Can 5.56 ammo be used without issues, etc.
I read about this sometime back in a magazine article but have since lost the article.
For example: Have a single shot H&R 223 rifle.
Can 5.56 ammo be used without issues, etc.
I read about this sometime back in a magazine article but have since lost the article.
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Found the answer: maybe? google search says
5.56 to 223 rifle not recommended, but 223 to 5.56 might be ok!
Reason: the bullet in the 5.56 nato is seated out further and may cause high chamber pressures in a 223 rifle.
(5.56 nato rifle has longer throat leade)
Now: Can the existing bullet in 5.56 nato ammo be re-seated in a reloading press to 223 rifle chamber recommended OAL length or is the bullet crimped to tight for such and then fired in a 223 or not recommended, etc ?????0 -
I'm in too much of a hurry to get into this, but if you do a search of forum postings, this issue has been covered ad nauseum over the years.........
this will get you started http://forums.GunBroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=93378&SearchTerms=.223,vs,5.560 -
The 5.56vs223 issue pertains to gas operated semi autos and operating pressure. Firing 5.56 in, say, an AR15 with a .223 chamber generates excessive bore pressure and can batter the action.
Bolt guns and single shots don't rely on bore pressure to activate the action and are, for most actions, strong enough to tolerate the additional pressure.0 -
I can specifically say that the NEF single shot I have DOES NOT like 5.56 ammo. This is the only .223 rifle I own that objects to the use of 5.56 M193(or it's equivalent). At this time, I have not used any type 855 ammo in any .223 chambered rifles.
I can only point out the common recommendation that 5.56 is not interchangeable with .223.0 -
Modifying your ammunition, or rechambering your rifle, are neither practical nor safe. Not worth considering, as the correct ammo for your rifle is readily available.
The Colt AR-15, & most AR-type semiautomatic rifles are chambered to fire either round interchangeably.
Neal0 -
quote:Originally posted by Okie743
Found the answer: maybe? google search says
5.56 to 223 rifle not recommended, but 223 to 5.56 might be ok!
Reason: the bullet in the 5.56 nato is seated out further and may cause high chamber pressures in a 223 rifle.
(5.56 nato rifle has longer throat leade)
NO! The two cartridges are not loaded to different lengths, 5.56 is loaded to higher pressures. So, without having a 5.56 chamber NO, it is not advised to run 5.56 through a .223 chamber. Having said that, since .223 is a lower pressure round and the dimensions are the same, YES, you can run .223 through a 5.56 chambered weapon.
quote:Originally posted by Okie743
Now: Can the existing bullet in 5.56 nato ammo be re-seated in a reloading press to 223 rifle chamber recommended OAL length or is the bullet crimped to tight for such and then fired in a 223 or not recommended, etc ?????
The bullet in a 5.56 is usually crimped too tight to move deeper without affecting accuracy. I would suggest measuring it before you move anything if you plan on 'just running it through'. I think you'll find what I'm saying is true. One thing you can do here is to run the re-seated bullets through a factory crimp die. It re-aligns the neck and re-crimps the bullet. To a certain degree.
There is also the issue of "you didn't load the powder". Normally, it won't be a problem, but it could be if you don't know what powder the manufacturer used for those rounds. In the case of 5.56 all the powders I know won't be adversely affected by moving the bullet deeper.
FWIW, I re-seat bullets often that I haven't crimped. Some reasons for that are I want the round to fit a different magazine or need the bullet to get a run at the lands. Again, in your case, it is a pressure thing not to run 5.56 in a .223 chamber.
ADDED:
Here is a link discussing this issue previously. The bottom post of nononsense shows a cut-away of how pressure is relieved in the 5.56 where it is not in the .223
http://forums.GunBroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5857530
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