7/27/2019 Whats the difference between .223 and 5.56 or are they the same cartridge

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Whats the difference between .223 and 5.56 or are they the same cartridge?The simple answer is: No. They are notthe same cartridge. In an even more simplisticsense, one couldstate that the .223 is the civilian version of the 5.56 NATO militarycartridge. The trouble is, thatis precisely where the trouble and confusion begins. Withoutspending considerable time going through the technicalities involved, the average shooteronly needs to recognize the following:

1.) While virtually identical visually, there are case tolerance differences between the twocartridges.

2.) The reason for these tolerance differences stems from the fact that 5.56 NATOgenerates higher pressures than the .223 Remington cartridge.

3.) There are differences in the chambers of specific weapons which accommodate thedifferences in the cartridges. For instance, a rifle chambered for 5.56 NATO will work wellwith eitherthe .223 or the 5.56. However, a rifle chambered for .223 will onlywork safely

with .223 since the chamber is smaller and, therefore, will create dangerously highpressures with the higher pressured 5.56 NATO cartridge.

I call your attention to the fact that Winchester markets both .223 Remington and 5.56mm(NATO) cartridges in their USA (white box) brand; with the difference in performance specshintingat the differences between the two cartridges. If youre interested in a few moretechnical details, Winchester has the following News & Press Release from 2001 on theirwebsite - http://www.winchester.com/lawenforcement/news/newsview.aspx?storyid=11

In short, dont everlet someone convince you that the .223 and the 5.56 are the samecartridge; I dont care how much experience/expertise they claim or what Tech Manual theypoint to. In fact, a considerable number will come out of the woodwork, claiming to have

spent X number of years in the military and theirAR-15/M-16 fires either just fine. All welland good, but... First, the militarydoes not issue .223 Remington; they issue 5.56NATO. Second, militaryissued weapons are chambered in 5.56 NATO. However, not allofthe AR-15 variations now available on the civilian market are so chambered; variouschambers include .223, 5.56 NATO, and, now, the .223 Wylde. Third, not all models, modelyears, metallurgy, and manufacturers specs are created equal. Neither is the use/abuse anygiven weapon has endured.

Agree or disagree, thats the way I see it and what credible sources have demonstratedbased on my research. Im not here to debate it and Im not going to argue aboutanyonespersonalexperience with theirweapon(s). If the weapon says it is chambered in.223, thatspreciselywhat I feed it. Now that Ive said my piece on the topic, what you

choose to believe and do is yourproblem.