Ammo ?

[tcvb357]

I know it'ss probaly been asked here a hundred times but let me stand correct.You can shoot 223 through a 556 but not 556 through a barrel marked 223 say like a Mini 14.

Thank's

Tim

 

[BadKarmaZeroSix]

5.56 fires with more compression, if your rifle is chambered in 5.56, it can handle both...if it's chambered in .223, it's not recommended that you fire 5.56 through it -- that's how it was explained to me

 

[Hack]

Mini-14's are marked .223, but can fire 5.56. At least that's what my owner's manual states.

 

[BadKarmaZeroSix]

i understand that there are several .223s that CAN fire 5.56, but you should check with manufacturer i think...for example, i have an HK SL8-1 that is marked .223, but the spec sheet states that it's actually calibrated for 5.56, they stamp it .223 to get by some import restriction on "military" weaponry or some crazy stuff...best suggestion, in my opinion, is to check with the manufacturer if you aren't shooting what the weapon is stamped with...

 

[HotRoderX]

from rugers FAQ

With the exception of the Mini-14 Target Rifle, which accepts only .223 Rem. ammunition, .223 Rem. and 5.56 NATO can be used in all Mini-14 rifles and Ranch Rifles.
Please note that "Military Surplus" 5.56mm NATO can vary greatly in its quality and consistency.

So on the Mini-14 it depends.

The AR-15 to be on the safe side I would only use the ammo the barrel is marked for. Personally I prefer to play it safe when it comes to guns even if the risk is minimal.

With very few exceptions like Manufacture saying otherwise.

 

[gscrasher]

Specifically for the Mini-14, I copied this from the Ruger website FAQ:

Can I shoot 5.56 NATO ammunition in my Mini-14 or Ranch Rifle?
With the exception of the Mini-14 Target Rifle, which accepts only .223 Rem. ammunition, .223 Rem. and 5.56 NATO can be used in all Mini-14 rifles and Ranch Rifles.

Please note that "Military Surplus" 5.56mm NATO can vary greatly in its quality and consistency.

Oops. HotRoderX beat to it.

 

[GMC man]

I can tell you that the XM193 is longer then the .223 cartridge. 5.56 has a COL of 2.250 and the .223 has a COL of 2.20. The 5.56 is also a hot round, if you look at the primers you will see they are flattening them out a little.

 

[arizona98tj]

I can tell you that the XM193 is longer then the .223 cartridge. 5.56 has a COL of 2.250 and the .223 has a COL of 2.20. The 5.56 is also a hot round, if you look at the primers you will see they are flattening them out a little.

While we all probably agree that a 5.56 round is hotter than a .223, unless you are using the same brand of primer in both the .223 and 5.56 cartridge, saying one is hotter because the primer is flatter than the other is comparing apples to oranges. While primers are one of many high pressure indicators used during the shooting of ammo (especially hand loads), basing a statement on just the primer is getting onto a slipper slope. I'm sure you knew his but I'm betting others may not.

 

[richeyo2]

The way you understand it is correct...I've seen alot of guys run 5.56 in a .223 w/o issue alot at the range. Would I do it, probably not.

 

[ZeroTolerance6]

The way you understand it is correct...I've seen alot of guys run 5.56 in a .223 w/o issue alot at the range. Would I do it, probably not.

/\...smart man. Couldn't agree more.