Some AR-15 questions for ya.

[PALADIN85020]

I've already formulated my opinions on these points, but I'd be interested to know what those of you with AR-15 pattern rifles think on these issues.

1. Is it safe to fire 5.56mm NATO ammo in a .223 chamber?

2. What is considered the "best" 30-round magazine for reliability and long-term loaded storage? Those of you in capacity-restrictive states can, of course, only guess on this...

Just interested to get some opinions or facts on these two issues.

Thanks,
John

 

[pace40]

Without admitting I actually own an AR pattern rifle....

1) NO
2) PMAGs

 

[LVSteve]

1. Is it safe to fire 5.56mm NATO ammo in a .223 chamber?

NO! 5.56 operates at a higher pressure than .223 and a true .223 chamber is too tight for the pressures involved.

MOST commercial ARs these days have a chamber that is somewhere between a true .223 and a true 5.56x45 NATO in specs. The Wylde chamber is the most popular as allows safe use of 5.56 ammo while (mostly) preserving the accuracy of .223 loads.

 

[Alpo]

I don't own an AR, but according to Ruger, the answer to question 1 is NO.

They say I can safely fire 5.56 in my Mini 14 because it is a 5.56 chamber, but my #1 is a .223 chamber, and it is NOT safe.

 

[Bkreutz]

1. The .223 vs 5.56 is an old (unresolved) discussion. My AR is chambered for 5.56 so apparently I can shoot either.
2. The ones that are filled with ammo.

 

[tlay]

Not safe to fire 5.56 in a 223 chamber especially military grade. I like P-mags the best. They come with the cover to keep out dirt. Like any AR mag if you are going to store them loaded for a period of time just down load them by 2.
223 is supposed to be more accurate but I have had a couple of 5.56 chambers that shot just as well. Just depends who made the barrel and ammo.

 

[model70hunter]

Any rifle marked .223 REM is only good with .223.

Any AR marked 5.56 is good to go with either.

Mini 14's; there is one exception, only a few were made, READ
THE CALIBER on the BBL! Ruger made a .223 target for .223 only. All other Mini 14's can use either per Ruger.

I usually drop the round count by 2 as mentioned above. Does not seem to hurt.

My uncle gave me his High Standard Sport King, he kept it fully loaded at all times since 1950, it does not cause any issues.

 

[4506517]

#1: You can fire .223 in a 5.56 chamber, but not vice versa. Pressure issues as mentioned.

#2: There are many reliable magazines out there. P-Mags are just one. Personally, with the correct followers, and high quality magazine should be perfectly fine. I prefer USGI or steel magazines based on the USGI design. YMMV.

 

[Arik]

From what ive read the 223/556 applies to old ARs. In the last 15 years it doesnt make a difference unless you have a custom rifle. My Colt say "223 Sporter" but has a 556 chamber.

Pmags

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[mc5aw]

John ... Agree with everyone's posts. P-Mags are top notch, as are Colt pre-ban mags.

 

[rimfired]

1. No, unless the BBL is specifically stamped for both.
2. The ones that work with your rifle.

 

[mkk41]

The answer is a definite MAYBE!

Ruger Mini-14s are marked .223 Rem on the barrel , but on pg.2 of the owners manual it clearly states that it is safe to use any .223 Rem commercial or 5.56 NATO military ammunition.

Some manufacturer's use a 5.56 NATO or ,223 Wylde chamber , yet mark their barrels .223 Rem.

WHEN IN DOUBT , CHECK WITH THE FIREARMS MANUFACTURER!!!

 

[Harrison]

#1 No - maybe. If the .223 chamber is minimum spec, than NO. If it is on the large side of spec and the 5.56 ammo is on the mild side, maybe. If the 5.56, is true NATO spec it is loaded to higher pressure than .223, that and bullet profile say NO.
#2 I have had real good luck with Magpul Pmags. If you want to be certain sure, replace your mag springs with chrome silicone springs. I do not like USGI mags. Some are OK and some are just plain awful. The military buy low bid.

 

[jaykellogg]

I have had real good luck with pmags. The newer ones do not come with the covers. The cover depresses the top round just a bit and takes the pressure off the lips. You can buy the covers separate in a 3 pack I believe. I wouldn't leave them loaded without the covers.

 

[Jswiney9]

1. no, to put it simply.

2. Depends on your firearm, they all like different things. There ARE some to stay away from based on my experience. Thermold, promag...

 

[PALADIN85020]

Definitive answer to question #1: by test

Here's the most exhaustive test of the "5.56 in a .223 chamber" situation I've seen. This is worth a detailed look. The answer may surprise you. Comments welcome.

John

http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/5-56-vs-223/

 

[jaykellogg]

Funny video on pmags

Hitler Reacts to Brownell's Pmag Backorder Problem - YouTube

 

[boykinlp]

1. No

2. Lancer Systems L5 AWM 30rd .223/5.56 Magazine Smoke These magazines are great. They are the best of both worlds. They are a polymer magazine with steel feed lips and the translucent smoke design lets you see how many rounds you have left in the magazine much better than the windowed Pmags.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Well now, the .223 vs. 5.56 has been covered so I'll toss in the old two cents worth on mags. Used GI thirty rounders for three gun for years with no problems, only loaded 28 rounds for reliability. For any real life use (I hope not!) I prefer 20 round mags also loaded down two rounds and have had good luck with Colt and with Brownells twenty rounders.

 

[jkc]

As to the question of 5.56mm in .223 chambers, I was, until recently, a firm adherent to the conventional wisdom that .223 in 5.56mm chambers is OK, the reverse, not. I have a now little used Remington Model Seven carbine (bolt action --- no cycling issues...). I though it would be "nice" if this petite rifle could safely fire comparatively cheap military 5.56mm, as well as .223 ammo, and asked Remington, who advised against it.

I dismantled the gun, removed the scope and mounts, and took it Accuracy Speaks Gunsmithing, at my nearby Rio Salado Sportsmen's Club range, intending to leave it for rechambering to a Wylde spec chamber. As luck would have it, Derrick Martin, noted high-power shooter and gunsmith/manufacturer of AR parts, was pinch hitting for, Marty, the new owner of the gunsmithing business. Derrick has worked on my guns for the last 30 years, +/-, and has never disappointed, in workmanship, or advice.

In this case, he politely refused my request, to my surprise, saying, "I'll take your money, if you insist, but it's not necessary. Lots of people are shooting mil-spec .5.56 ammo in .223 guns, and nobody's blowing them up..." Or something similar --- I'm paraphrasing, more or less...

This, from a guy who wins matches with guns he's built for himself, and sees lots of everyone elses problems. If he says this is a non-issue, I regard it as "case closed".