school me on .223 vs 5.56

[Hunter991]

I just picked up a Sport 2. I understand it can shot both and understand that the size of the brass is slightly different. But any advantage of one over the other for just shooting targets, HD, etc... any problems running one or the other. I have been buying 5.56 ammo but ran into some good deals on .223.

Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. I am more of a handgunner who got the itch to get a AR.

 

[PeglegJones]

Manual says .223.

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[Westie1]

Sport2 can be used with either the 5.56 or 223Rem. In theory, the 556 will be slightly faster as it is spec'd at a higher pressure. For normal usage, use what ever is cheaper and meets your needs.

BTW, the manual doesn't state it is 223.

 

[Fishinfool]

The Sport 2 will chamber and fire either round, as per S&W. .223 / 5.56 cases are basically the same in that reloading dies will reload either. The difference comes in slightly higher pressure in 5.56 ammo, and the bullet length / free bore interface between rifles chambered for either as compared to those chambered for just .223. If you reload, .223 brass is actually nicer, as you don't have a primer crimp to remove. Your rifle will work fine with .223 ammo.

Larry

 

[Hunter991]

Thank you. Really appreciate that. I now have 500 rounds of each. Glad i didn't waste money here on a round that would be a problem.

And sorry for the dumb question, as i stated, i am new to the AR platform, but hopefully NOT for long.

 

[Pisgah]

Manual says .223.

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In fact, it specifically states they can be used interchangeably.

 

[PeglegJones]

Depends on the model of Sport II. You have to look at what is stamped on the barrel. If it says 223 REM you cannot use 5.56 NATO.

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[Hunter991]

the one i bought says .223 /Nato 5.56 on the online form. I believe all sport 2 models are either. Wasn't aware they made the sport 2 in just .223.

 

[cyphertext]

Depends on the model of Sport II. You have to look at what is stamped on the barrel. If it says 223 REM you cannot use 5.56 NATO.

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No, it does not depend on the model of Sport II... they are 5.56.

To my knowledge, S&W only produced one M&P 15 rifle that was chambered in .223... the M&P 15I, and it was made for international markets that don't allow citizens to own calibers used by the military.

 

[Engineer1911]

Keeping things simple

Let's keep it simple. For a modern, quality built firearm the difference between .223 and 5.56 ammo is very similar to 12 eggs versus a dozen eggs.

For eggs, there are all kinds of fine points to evaluate, but do you want eggs or not? If yes, how many?

If the action closes and goes into full battery without rifling marks on the bullet, you, the ammo, and the firearm are safe. Several years ago I loaded a couple hundred rounds of 223/5.56 ammo to an COL = 2.260" with a 50 gr Hornady soft point bullet. It was intended for a bolt gun. The Hornady manual lists COL = 2.200" . They would chamber, but the bolt was tight. For 5 rounds I had 2 blown primers in the bolt gun, but the ammo worked great in my AR 15.

 

[Kodiakco]

5.56 vs .223 – What You Know May Be Wrong



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