Colt Bolt from Brownells (223 vs 5.56)

[amd5007]

I would return your order, but not for the caliber. There are much better deals on Colt products available. You can get the entire bcg from ratworx for $40 more or even order the bolt from Specialized armament for $60 less.

[skullworks]

.223 and 5.56 cases are identical...the difference is in the powder charges, 5.56 being hotter and in the chambers themselves...

Actually this is incorrect. The exterior dimensions of the brass are the same, but the thickness of the shoulder is not the same (5.56 NATO has a thicker shoulder). You are correct on the majority of difference being in the actual chamber dimensions though. This is a pretty good explanation: http://weaponsman.com/?p=604.

As to the initial question; there are no dimensional differences between the .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO AR-bolts - the difference is in the chamber and throat.

[davidjinks]

This!

The bolt is fine. There's ONE SPEC for a Colt Bolt.

Having talked to one of the Colt reps not to long ago I asked this same question. I was told they are the same across the board.

OP

I think it's listed as .223 because its a standard description across the board. Just my speculation though.

[3 AE]

Even though Brownells is a well regarded sponsor here, $170 for a Colt bolt assembly is pretty steep. amd5007 gave some good alternative sources. You might want to consider BCM bolts for $70.

[markm]

Even though Brownells is a well regarded sponsor here, $170 for a Colt bolt assembly is pretty steep. amd5007 gave some good alternative sources. You might want to consider BCM bolts for $70.

That is insanity. $170??

[gan1hck]

That is insanity. $170??

wish I had asked here first before buying.

[markm]

Return it. Brownells has a good return policy. Put the money right back on your CC.

[Iraqgunz]

A complete BCM bolt carrier is only 159.00 and there are a few Colt BCG's on Gunbroker for 175.00.

[gan1hck]

Brownell's seems to be such a good vendor....I wonder why their price on this item is so high?

[amd5007]

Brownell's seems to be such a good vendor....I wonder why their price on this item is so high?

It seems to me that their prices were based on market value from years ago before Colt offered their products through other vendors or via their website. In which case, Brownells was the only retailer selling the majority of Colt items and charging a premium. I guess they never reevaluated their pricing in the current market.

In my own experience, several years ago when I was building more 1911s, Brownells was the only place to source Colt parts at a reasonable price. Now even Midway sells Colt parts.