Thread: 5.56 vs .223

Say I got an AR in 5.56, would it be ok to run .223 through it? How about reloading, do you use .223 dies but use milsurp brass? Or are there 5.56 dies?

Is it not worth worrying about much like the 7.62 vs .308?

Thanks for any info.

Get one with a Wyld chamber. Will shoot both.

The 223 is the same as the 5.56x45 it is just the civlian name vers mil
The chamber will be 5.56 nato in most semi this allows for mud dirt grime etc in a combat weapon
the chamber will be tighter in a 223 bolt action
as for reloading there should be no problem in using 223 dies but you might have to get a small base sizing die

5.56 has a longer freebore. 223 runs fine in 5.56 chambers and sizing with 223 dies isnt an issue. Dont run genuine 5.56 milsurp in a 223 as the freebore length may spike chamber presures.

*sigh* I miss my steyr Rudy..

Be carefull when reloading Miltary brass........ it is often Berdan Primed and wll break your decapping pin. i.e. two flash holes instead of one for Boxer
primed

Most AR's are either chambered 5.56 NATO or .223 Wylde. As was said, the difference in free bore can cause issues in a "true" .223 chamber.