Differences between AR15 5.56 and 223 ( not sure where decimal point goes) Cont from P&N thread

[DaaQ]

OK, so I bought 2 AR15s, A Colt ( mine) and a Ruger (wife's)

Both listed as 5.56 and 22.3 (again not sure of the decimal point)

Both are Stamped as 5.56 guns, or barrels if you will.

Thank you to @Bitek for the extra info. It makes sense.

I am not a hunter, I do live in a rural area. Bought them several years ago.

So the short version is both of my ARs are stamped as 5.56 and the box said they were capable fo 5.56 or 223. ( again forgive me of the decimal point never double checked).

 

[BoomerD]

OK, so I bought 2 AR15s, A Colt ( mine) and a Ruger (wife's)

Both listed as 5.56 and 22.3 (again not sure of the decimal point)

Both are Stamped as 5.56 guns, or barrels if you will.

Thank you to @Bitek for the extra info. It makes sense.

I am not a hunter, I do live in a rural area. Bought them several years ago.

So the short version is both of my ARs are stamped as 5.56 and the box said they were capable fo 5.56 or 223. ( again forgive me of the decimal point never double checked).

.223

Some good reading for you here:

.223 vs 5.56: Comprehensive Caliber Comparison by Ammo.com

.223 vs 5.56 NATO has always been an issue among shooters. Is it safe to shoot 223 Remington in a 5.56 NATO rifle and vice versa? Our Ammo.com experts explain.

ammo.com

 

[Bitek]

OK, so I bought 2 AR15s, A Colt ( mine) and a Ruger (wife's)

Both listed as 5.56 and 22.3 (again not sure of the decimal point)

Both are Stamped as 5.56 guns, or barrels if you will.

Thank you to @Bitek for the extra info. It makes sense.

I am not a hunter, I do live in a rural area. Bought them several years ago.

So the short version is both of my ARs are stamped as 5.56 and the box said they were capable fo 5.56 or 223. ( again forgive me of the decimal point never double checked).

That makes sense. Basically, as it's a 5.56 chamber, it can shoot both. You are good to go with whichever ammo you pick up, and you'll likely not notice a difference in your usage.
Doesn't need to be any more complicated than that

I use mine for plinking, and I have both types of ammo and it's fine

 

[Bitek]

.223 is in inches
5.56 is mm.

Overall same diameter fwiw.

I even have a bolt conversion kit for my 5.56 that allows me to shoot .22lr in the same AR.

 

[IBMJunkman]

A 5.56 can also shoot .223. A .223 should not be used with 5.56 shells. Unless it is a .223 Wylde which can handle 5.56.

 

[DaaQ]

Thanks guys, learned something today after wracking my brain over why the RF signal to this house was effed.

 

[DaaQ]

BTW both very good reading materials that you both posted.

 

[brianmanahan]

posting in a madoka thre- oh wait

 

[BoomerD]

posting in a madoka thre- oh wait

Maybe you should compose a thought provoking pome about it...

 

[uclaLabrat]

I still dont understand why higher powder load and higher chamber pressures for 5.56 leads to slower bullet velocity yet flatter trajectory.

Explain like im 5.

 

[TheVrolok]

This comment is not intended to reflect specifically on the OP, only to serve as example, but rather to be a generalized comment.

It strikes me as odd that it's not unreasonable or entirely uncommon in this country to go out and buy and keep for years a weapon designed to kill without having fundamental understanding of some of the basics.

Cars, second ammendment, etc. Etc. Sure. Just an odd reflection of our society.

 

[deadlyapp]

This comment is not intended to reflect specifically on the OP, only to serve as example, but rather to be a generalized comment.

It strikes me as odd that it's not unreasonable or entirely uncommon in this country to go out and buy and keep for years a weapon designed to kill without having fundamental understanding of some of the basics.

Cars, second ammendment, etc. Etc. Sure. Just an odd reflection of our society.

I think this is one of those things that is just a passed down understanding but most don't care about the technical aspects of why (other than those who build their own AR / gunsmiths).

As you say, there are tons of things like this. Generally I find that it's those who don't have a scientific view of questioning the "why" which I would guess is across the world not just the US.

 

[Fenixgoon]

This comment is not intended to reflect specifically on the OP, only to serve as example, but rather to be a generalized comment.

It strikes me as odd that it's not unreasonable or entirely uncommon in this country to go out and buy and keep for years a weapon designed to kill without having fundamental understanding of some of the basics.

Cars, second ammendment, etc. Etc. Sure. Just an odd reflection of our society.

you could say that about any piece of technology though, whether those items are designed to kill or serve more practical purposes.

how many people actually can describe how computer components work, including their cell phones? or understand how a combustion engine works? or how a plane flies (not even the engine, but just the physics of creating lift)?

it's simply a byproduct of technological advancement - most people will not know/understand, at the most fundamental level, how things work. but they can use them, and understand when those devices aren't doing what they, the user, intend.

knowing the technical differences between 5.56 and .223 is unnecessary for 1) using 2) maintaining the firearm.

 

[TheVrolok]

I think this is one of those things that is just a passed down understanding but most don't care about the technical aspects of why (other than those who build their own AR / gunsmiths).

As you say, there are tons of things like this. Generally I find that it's those who don't have a scientific view of questioning the "why" which I would guess is across the world not just the US.

I totally agree and that's why people don't bat an eye at questions in this context, but taking a step back you (I) look at it, "Man, we can go out and buy weapons designed to kill people with very superficial checks and balances, and own them for years, without even a basic understanding of 'why does the manual say 5.56 or .223.'"

Again, this is not to admonish the OP, I hear stuff like this all the time from many gun owners from all walks of life. It's just... something?

 

[TheVrolok]

you could say that about any piece of technology though, whether those items are designed to kill or serve more practical purposes.

how many people actually can describe how computer components work, including their cell phones? or understand how a combustion engine works? or how a plane flies (not even the engine, but just the physics of creating lift)?

it's simply a byproduct of technological advancement - most people will not know/understand, at the most fundamental level, how things work. but they can use them, and understand when those devices aren't doing what they, the user, intend.

knowing the technical differences between 5.56 and .223 is unnecessary for 1) using 2) maintaining the firearm.

Of course, I would just argue that a firearm fundamentally designed to kill should probably be treated differently than a computer or cell phone when it comes to understanding operation. I just don't see those as necessarily reasonable analogies. One could make the car/driver's license argument, but as I suggested earlier, then it becomes an argument about the second ammendment.

Moreover, I think the fact that we cavalierly just compare understanding the operation of firearms to cell phones is demonstrative of my point regarding our cultural relationship with guns.

The 5.56 vs 223 is just a conversation starter, not practically a big deal although I would say it could lead to an easy confusion of "oh 556 and 223 are interchangeable."

 

[brianmanahan]

Maybe you should compose a thought provoking pome about it...

99 glocks on madoka's wall
99 glocks on his wall
take one down, pass it around
98 glocks on madoka's wall

i wish his pictures from this thread were still around, he had over 200 guns by the end

Gun nuts - I need your advice

About to purchase my first handgun. I liked shooting my friend's Sig P226 .40, so I figured I'd get that one. How is it as a beginner gun? It's $960 at Turner's and comes with night sights. Does this sound like a good price? I figured I'd get it and confirm I like it at the range...

forums.anandtech.com

 

[Bitek]

I still dont understand why higher powder load and higher chamber pressures for 5.56 leads to slower bullet velocity yet flatter trajectory.

Explain like im 5.

Here is a more well written article than the sportsman's warehouse link.
https://tractoptics.com/blog/5-56-vs-223/#:~:text=The biggest difference in the,most off-the-shelf .

Generally, the 5.56 is a slightly heavier bullet, but with more powder. They tend to hold onto velocity longer, are more resistant to wind deflection, and deliver more impact energy at longer ranges.

Differences in the way the bullets first contact the rifling have differences to long range accuracy. .223 has an advantage (in a suitable rifle)

"The 5.56 was initially intended to be shot from a select-fire semi auto/auto combat rifle and to have an effective range of 500 yards. When shooting further distances, the .223 is considered the more accurate of the two. Most .223-specific rifles are built on a bolt action chassis.

Originally the .223 was built as a lighter, more precise round while the 5.56 was envisioned as its beefier upgrade."

 

[DaaQ]

This comment is not intended to reflect specifically on the OP, only to serve as example, but rather to be a generalized comment.

It strikes me as odd that it's not unreasonable or entirely uncommon in this country to go out and buy and keep for years a weapon designed to kill without having fundamental understanding of some of the basics.

Cars, second ammendment, etc. Etc. Sure. Just an odd reflection of our society.

The question came up in a different thread, where someone stated the guns the ppl in the picture were holding were 5.56 guns. (to paraphrase and shorten)

I asked how they could tell just by the photo is all. I know mine is stamped 5.56 and it said it could shoot 5.56 and .223 ammunition.

Which is where the whole ammo type off topic started, so I made thread here and learned something new. Which is a 5.56 barrel can shoot .223 ammo, but vice versa is not recommended or downright a big NO NO.

I mainly purchased them before the 2016 election, because 1. I had the extra money at the time and 2. If Clinton had won the election, the value was likely to increase substantially, my basing it off of when Obama was elected. 3. I was surprised how inexpensive they were at the time.

But this has all started because I asked the question of HOW & WHY.

I just wondered how they ID'd the ammo guns in a photo were using, since the AR platform uses multiple types.

 

[deadlyapp]

The question came up in a different thread, where someone stated the guns the ppl in the picture were holding were 5.56 guns. (to paraphrase and shorten)

I asked how they could tell just by the photo is all. I know mine is stamped 5.56 and it said it could shoot 5.56 and .223 ammunition.

Which is where the whole ammo type off topic started, so I made thread here and learned something new. Which is a 5.56 barrel can shoot .223 ammo, but vice versa is not recommended or downright a big NO NO.

I mainly purchased them before the 2016 election, because 1. I had the extra money at the time and 2. If Clinton had won the election, the value was likely to increase substantially, my basing it off of when Obama was elected. 3. I was surprised how inexpensive they were at the time.

But this has all started because I asked the question of HOW & WHY.

I just wondered how they ID'd the ammo guns in a photo were using, since the AR platform uses multiple types.

My guess is they didn't, they just assumed by scary black rifle it was 5.56 (since probably 95% are chambered 5.56). Even lowers these days are stamped multi-cal and there is no easy way to tell if chambered in .22LR, 300BLK, or even .308 without examining the barrel, bolt, and magazine.

I don't think I've seen a single AR platform chambered in .223 specifically, other than possibly very specific varmint guns (usually heavier barrel, longer, different twist rate)

 

[DaaQ]

My guess is they didn't, they just assumed by scary black rifle it was 5.56 (since probably 95% are chambered 5.56). Even lowers these days are stamped multi-cal and there is no easy way to tell if chambered in .22LR, 300BLK, or even .308 without examining the barrel, bolt, and magazine.

I don't think I've seen a single AR platform chambered in .223 specifically, other than possibly very specific varmint guns (usually heavier barrel, longer, different twist rate)

Wow that reply failed to post and then the site seemed to go down didn't realize it made it though. it was even still in the post preview pane.

 

[Mai72]

OK, so I bought 2 AR15s, A Colt ( mine) and a Ruger (wife's)

Both listed as 5.56 and 22.3 (again not sure of the decimal point)

Both are Stamped as 5.56 guns, or barrels if you will.

Thank you to @Bitek for the extra info. It makes sense.

I am not a hunter, I do live in a rural area. Bought them several years ago.

So the short version is both of my ARs are stamped as 5.56 and the box said they were capable fo 5.56 or 223. ( again forgive me of the decimal point never double checked).

Damn. Where do you live? You ain't buying an AR15 in NJ.

 

[DaaQ]

Damn. Where do you live? You ain't buying an AR15 in NJ.

Live in KY bought in TN.

EDIT: This was like 2016 during summer.

EDIT EDIT: If you pawn one, you have to go through the whole background check again to get it out. Just saying.

 

[uclaLabrat]

Here is a more well written article than the sportsman's warehouse link.
https://tractoptics.com/blog/5-56-vs-223/#:~:text=The biggest difference in the,most off-the-shelf .

Generally, the 5.56 is a slightly heavier bullet, but with more powder. They tend to hold onto velocity longer, are more resistant to wind deflection, and deliver more impact energy at longer ranges.

Differences in the way the bullets first contact the rifling have differences to long range accuracy. .223 has an advantage (in a suitable rifle)

"The 5.56 was initially intended to be shot from a select-fire semi auto/auto combat rifle and to have an effective range of 500 yards. When shooting further distances, the .223 is considered the more accurate of the two. Most .223-specific rifles are built on a bolt action chassis.

Originally the .223 was built as a lighter, more precise round while the 5.56 was envisioned as its beefier upgrade."

Thanks, will read later. Original post (from other thread) descfibed both cases being 50 gr bullet so i assumed weight was essentially constant.

 

[Bitek]

Yep, this is a really good explanation OP. But for average shooter imo, both rounds are somewhat the same. So just get whatever is cheaper

That's my policy really

Not really a 5.56 reloader, or a precision rifle shooter, and I'm sure off on some facts.

I just go with what works well and cheap enough for long distance paper puncher.

 

[Bitek]

Thanks, will read later. Original post (from other thread) descfibed both cases being 50 gr bullet so i assumed weight was essentially constant.

It could have been written better.

I'm sure you can rabbit hole through the Internet on 5.56 v .223 debates.