223 and 5.56

[rebal69972]

This may sound stupid but I really don't know. What's the defferance between 223 and 5.56? I was at the gunshop looking to buy an at 15 and when I said I wanted to buy an ar in 223,556 and the guy looked at me like I was stupid now I thought they where basicly the same round. Am I wrong? I was also wondering for yotes is 223 or 7.62x39 better for hunting and long range shooting?

Thank you for Any input

[sebek556]

can not use 223 for big game hunting.. with that being said on to the fun of the 5.56 vs .223
5.56 and 223 have are the same size, where the change between the two is the pressure generated when fired, part of this due to the fact that 5.56 handle heavier bullets than .223
a .223 round has more velocity than the 5.56 (also could be due to the bullet being lighter) so most .223 rifles has less rifling than a 5.56
My understanding(and just my understanding not fact) is you can shoot .223 out of a 5.56x45 but not the other way around. I am sure that there are others on this site which will be more helpful. 

[Gutpile]

I dont remember the reason but like Sebek said. You can shoot .223 and 5.56 out of a 5.56 chamber but should not shoot 5.56 out of a .223 chamber.

[KillBilly]

.223 and 5.56 are both .224 caliber and not legal for big game. "Big game, except cougar, must be hunted with a minimum of 24 caliber (6mm) centerfire rifle. Cougar may be hunted with 22 caliber centerfire rifle. Rimfire rifles are not legal for big game."

[JimmyHoffa]

External cartridge dimensions are identical.  5.56 usually is loaded hotter and with less powder (ball) so the case has thicker brass.  The guns that are labeled as 5.56 are usually stronger and have the throat reamed deeper to account for the additional pressure so the bullet has more jump to the lands.  .223 is basically a light loading of 5.56, and using 5.56 in a .223 could damage the gun. 

[halflife65]

I think Rock River Arms has something called a Wylde barrel that will handle both...

[rebal69972]

Thanks guys I think I will buy an ar in 5.56. I was just going to hunt yotes and bobby's with it. I hunt big game with a bow. I didn't understand why he was looking at me like that and wouldnt explain it to me. So I'm also looking for a new gunshop

[carpsniperg2]

Yes there is a few that makers that use the wylde. I understand that all of them will run threw that gun just fine by what I have read on a few sites. The guys have you pointed in the right direction

[FC]

The Wylde chamber is a great way to go, that said a lot of guys do fire 5.56 through their .223 without any issues. I've shot a bit of 5.56 through my .223 AR without issue.

[scudmaster]

As most have said, 5.56 is higher pressure and there are small differences in the throat of the chamber (the space between the end of the casing the the start of the rifling).  You can shoot any .223 in a 5.56 chamber.  Shooting 5.56 in a .223 can be dangerous over time with fatigue from overpressure. as a general rule 223 chambers are more accurate but that is relative. A good 5.56 gun (as most are now) can beat a .223. 
   

[Bofire]

Go down to Nisqually, Mounts Road exit, go down to the valley stop at the first two story building on the left. Olympic Arms. The guy in front will explain everything nicely.
Carl

[grundy53]

how is the accuracy affected shooting shooting .223 through a 5.56 as opposed to just using 5.56 ammo?

[pianoman9701]

There was a guy in Portland like that - real condescending a-hole. I buy my guns elsewhere now.

[scudmaster]

There was a guy in Portland like that - real condescending a-hole. I buy my guns elsewhere now.

Yeah that!!!

[scudmaster]

how is the accuracy affected shooting shooting .223 through a 5.56 as opposed to just using 5.56 ammo?

As with any gun, depends what it likes.  Often higher pressure leads to more inconsistency of barrel harmonics. so some 5.56 will like lower .223 pressure better, but some will be the opposite.  Clear as mud right?