.223 Remington vs. 5.56 NATO: What You Don’t Know Could Hurt You

[KillShot]

Is firing a 5.56 NATO cartridge in your .223 Remington chambered AR15 dangerous? Or do Internet forum-ninjas and ammunition companies selling you commercial ammo instead of surplus overstate the dangers? Believe it or not, a real danger exists, and some gun owners who think they are doing the right thing may not be safe.


Read More - Human Events

 

[honeybee]

When a rifle comes in and it is unknown what the specs are I have to cast the chamber and use a micrometer to determine which exact cartridge it is machined for.

 

[Airic]

From the article: "Here’s the bottom line. If you want to follow the safest possible course, always shoot .223 Remington ammunition."

What if dealers are listing the ammo as both?

.223 (5.56)

I'm going with whats written on the box.

 

[ldp4570]

Even though some folks will turn their nose up at them, its why I like my Mini-14. They were designed to shoot both, granted they are not the most accurate rifle out there, they do however work.

 

[DoctorJJ]

Wylde chamber, FTW!

 

[Kid Colt]

I know a guy who shot 5.56 in his .223 ranch rifle and had a kaboom from it. No injury but it sealed the deal in my mind not to attempt it.

 

[Mitch Rapp]

Wylde chamber, FTW!

Exactly!

 

[dennishoddy]

I have the Remington R-15 made by Bushmaster. The barrel is stamped .223.
Having read that Bushmaster chambers every rifle they build for 5.56, I emailed Bushmaster, and asked why the barrel is stamped .223. Bushmaster rep said that remmy does that to satisfy their Lawyers. He said 5.56 would be safe to shoot in the R-15. I still have the email.
Never the less, I only shoot .223 in it.

 

[dustingaunder]

I know a guy who shot 5.56 in his .223 ranch rifle and had a kaboom from it. No injury but it sealed the deal in my mind not to attempt it.

The mini-14 was made to fire 5.56. I assume that's what you mean by ranch rifle.