What is International .223?

[three-five-seven]

In the latest 2010 Smith catalog an M&P rifle Product code #811010 also known as M&P 15I is listed as being chambered in :International .223 Remington. Does anyone out here know what this caliber is? I am unable to get info during the day due to my job otherwise I would check with Smith & Wesson. I am just curious.

 

[BritDan]

Just a guess, but I'd think it is chambered in actual .223 not 5.56 - there is a difference - slight, but nonetheless there is one.

Not entirely sure why they would do this - could it be a compliance type issue in certain states or something?

 

[three-five-seven]

International .223

Thanks BritDan. I know where you are going with that. In one of their older catalogs the Bushmaster company says that for all or some of their models they have what is called a "hybrid chamber" that would allow the use of both 5.56 NATO and commercial .223 ammo. A recent catalog from Forster/Bonanza explains the difference between 5.56 and .223 Remington. There is a difference. There is also a difference between 7.62NATO and .308 Winchester. They explain it well. The headspacing is different and the cartridges have their differences. Years ago I fired M80 ball in my Rem788 and had a bit trouble closing the bolt. It was also a bit hotter than commercial and extracted a little stiffer. I am wondering if Remington has a "hybrid chamber" in their newer bolt rifles as a Federal Lake City chambered with no problem in my Model 7 Predator. Thanks for replying. If I can get the answer from Smith I will publicize it. I know many persons will disagree and say these cartridges have no differences but I will contest that. Its all part of being safe and properly informed. And its the hobby. I also understand that commercial 223 can be safely and properly chambered in a NATO chamber. Anyway thanks .

 

[BritDan]

Thats right 357....223 can be safely fired out of a 5.56, but not recommended the other way around. Which makes it odd why Smith would make a dedicated 223...maybe one other thing it could be would be accurized for match grade 223 ammo... but I don't see it in this kind of rifle. Let us know if you find out the official word!

 

[Combat_Diver]

For some countries like Italy, military calibers are restircted. Hence the .223 Remington chamber. It is also why Colt chambered some AR15 in .222 Remington for the international market.

CD

 

[three-five-seven]

Answer to International 223

Combat Diver you are probably correct . The rifle is called the M&P 15I (International). I have not contacted Smith but I feel certain your answer is correct. I have feeling you may have checked with them. Yes some countries do not allow military calibers to be owned by private citizens. Thank you for the response.