ok guys, got a question, im pretty sure i know the answer to but i wanted some reassurance. while working today i happened to pass a store and a smith and wesson dealer sign caught my eye, so i stopped to see if they had any 223 in stock, well they guy says sure here ya go, and hands me boxes that say 556, and i said oh no good i got a 223, you cant shoot 556 out of it. so he asked me what kind of gun, m&p15 i said. so he says its a 556, i told him it says 223 right on the barrel not 223/556, he said i think your wrong, i knew i was right, and he said either way ALL smiths are chambered for 556 so you can shoot 556 no matter what the barrel says.... now i think thats dead wrong, if it could handle 556 it would say 556, am i wrong? my gun says 223? if this guy was wrong he definatly is giving info to people that could be potentially dangerous?
caliber question
- Thread starter nymike
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All S&W M&P15's will shoot 5.56 and .223. I didnt know that some were just labeled .223. all of them I have seen are labeled 5.56 and some are labeled 5.56/223 but if you have one that only says .223 I would ask. Did you purchase the rifle new? There have been threads in the past that have asked this question. But all Smith and Wesson M&P15's are chambered for 5.56. 
If yours is labeled .223 then you dont have a S&W Barrel, and I am back to the question. Did you purchase it new?
Look at this thread:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p15-rifle/209229-mp-15-5-56-223-only.html
If yours is labeled .223 then you dont have a S&W Barrel, and I am back to the question. Did you purchase it new?
Look at this thread:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p15-rifle/209229-mp-15-5-56-223-only.html
Last edited:
MichiganScott
Member
All S&W M&P15's will shoot 5.56 and .223. I didnt know that some were just labeled .223. all of them I have seen are labeled 5.56 and some are labeled 5.56/223 but if you have one that only says .223 I would ask. Did you purchase the rifle new? There have been threads in the past that have asked this question. But all Smith and Wesson M&P15's are chambered for 5.56.
If yours is labeled .223 then you dont have a S&W Barrel, and I am back to the question. Did you purchase it new?
I've never see a M&P in .223. If your barrel is truly marked .223, I'd bet the gun was bought used. S&W sold/sells lowers.
JaPes
Member
If your barrel is stamped .223, then I think you're being justifiably cautious. Did you purchase the rifle as a new complete factory rifle? If so, then I highly suggest calling S&W Customer service. Provide them your serial number, and they should be able to tell you what model M&P 15 you have. WIth the model number, you can find out for sure the chambering of your rifle.
I'm pretty confident that all M&P 15 rifles are chambered in 5.56.
If you purchased your rifle used, then it may be a little more difficult to determine. The rifle could have been built around a stripped M&P lower. The previous owner could have replaced the barrel.
I'm pretty confident that all M&P 15 rifles are chambered in 5.56.
If you purchased your rifle used, then it may be a little more difficult to determine. The rifle could have been built around a stripped M&P lower. The previous owner could have replaced the barrel.
been doing some research and i found this, this is the actual model i have and it says 223 only
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57905_757896_757896_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57905_757896_757896_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
Mustang5L5
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If that is the model you own, then it is .223 only.
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I'm glad to see this question
Though I have seen plenty saying how similar they are nobody has ever said if they were truly interchangeable. Apparently they are not.
Though I have seen plenty saying how similar they are nobody has ever said if they were truly interchangeable. Apparently they are not.
Maddmax
US Veteran
Good thing you did your research and found out you are right. Better to be safe than sorry.
I have one for you. I have a 181 series Mini-14 that says .223 stamped on the back of the reciever. I just found my old Mini manual along with some other old manuals while digging for re-loading info. In the owners manual,it says it will shoot 5.56 or.223. ??? I did call them and ask about it and they said mine was good for both and also asked how it was holding up along with it's serial number. Long story short,he said I got lucky and had one of the better ones and NOT to get rid of it.
JaPes
Member
Wow. I just learned something new. I didn't know of the .223 chambered M&P 15.
That's what I do.
That's what I do.
Maddmax
US Veteran
The reloading manual should have that info in it. Or look for manuals that do cover it. If I remember right (and I could be wrong),you might want to stay under 3200 fps. But do your research first. I'm "old school" and could be wrong. I'm sure some one will pop in with some better answers and help.
There also is a great re-loading section in this forum that would be more than happy to help you get on the right track.
Good luck and stay safe.
Maddmax
US Veteran
wow my apologies, that is one I have never seen...I do apologize. Yep .223 only, that is a rare bird!!
Not sure,but I think they "might" have been some of the really early models ???.
I use to look at the S&W AR site now and then while "shopping" around for new M&P handguns. I noticed just by chance,some of the M&P AR's listed as .223 on some models in the past and didn't think too much about it. Then a couple of AR members in here,pulled me over to the "dark side" and now I have the FULL BLOWN M&P addiction with no cure in sight. I love the smell of hot melinite...
woodghost
Member
You will need to remove the military crimp from the primer pocket though. RCBS, Hornady etc make a tool specifically designed to do this. Otherwise you are good to go!
a primer pocket reamer will remove the military crimp, I do it all the time.
Kurac the latest Hornady manual has 5.56 and .223 data in it. There is a small difference in max loads, but a difference none the less.
As long as you load your rounds to magazine length and follow .223 loading data you should be good to go.
Kurac the latest Hornady manual has 5.56 and .223 data in it. There is a small difference in max loads, but a difference none the less.
As long as you load your rounds to magazine length and follow .223 loading data you should be good to go.
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