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Should I get an AR in .223 or 5.56?

chief76
I picked up a lower receiver today and am about to order a complete AR15 parts kit. This will be my first AR build and I'm wondering what I should order. From what I've gathered, you can fire .223 out of a rifle chambered for 5.56 but not the other way around. But since .223 ammo is a lot easier to come by, should I just order it in .223? I guess I'm just needing a little more info. I would like the versatility of being able to fire either caliber. But if I lose accuracy by firing .223 out of a 5.56 upper, is it really worth it? Any thoughts?
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • pietro75
    If you come across a deal on the hotter 5.56 ammo, why not be prepared to shoot it? 5.56 shoots both .223 barrel and ramps shoot only .223 I prefer the 5.56. I just came across a deal on some Fed. xm193, If I was not equipped I could not have took advantage of the opportunity.
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  • Mobuck
    The Wilde chamber is supposed to fire either but it will be a compromise with both. Unless you require the utmost accuracy, the 5.56 would be acceptable.
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  • Wehrmacht_45
    Get the 5.56 unless you are looking for utmost accuracy. The Wylde chamber will work with both as well.
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  • fastcarsgofast
    556
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  • Txs
    Primarily due to differences in the throat area, a 5.56 fired through a .223 chamber generates significantly greater pressure. Your AR is designed to operate at ~50,000 CUP, but 5.56 fired in a 'tighter' throat .223 chamber creates ~60,000 CUP.

    Keep in mind that the problem isn't only the danger of ruptured cases, blown out primers, etc. This jump in pressure effects every component of the rifle's recoil and gas systems.

    If you ever wish to use the much more commonly available 5.56 ammo your rifle needs this chambering.
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  • partisan
    I shoot 2 different "black rifles" and they both shoot either ammo. It isn't important to even keep the rounds separated.
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  • chief76
    Thanks for all the response. Looks like I will be going with the 5.56
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  • quickmajik
    If you wanna spend a few exta dollars, most people seem to think that the Wylde chamber is a little more reliable, and the guns that have it seem too shoot better groups.


    I always check to make sure a rifles bore is chrome lined and chambered for 5.56 before I buy a standard config. Ar-15 carbine or rifle.
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  • don.b
    I can't believe this question is even posed...GOD...SAME CALIBER, dammit. 5.56 MILLIMETER = .223 INCH. At least caliber-wise.
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  • quickmajik
    quote:Originally posted by don.b
    I can't believe this question is even posed...GOD...SAME CALIBER, dammit. 5.56 MILLIMETER = .223 INCH. At least caliber-wise.


    No Don, they are not the same. The hulls are slightly different and the 5.56 is hotter loaded.
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