Differences between 5.56 and .223

[huklbrry]

I am relatively new to the AR world and little confused about ammuntion descriptions. Is the M193 a .223 and the M855 a 5.56? What are the differences between the two cartridges and in your honest opinions the pros and cons of each. Thank you in advance for your replies.

[DRich]

I am relatively new to the AR world and little confused about ammuntion descriptions. Is the M193 a .223 and the M855 a 5.56? What are the differences between the two cartridges and in your honest opinions the pros and cons of each. Thank you in advance for your replies.

.223 and 5.56x45 cartridges are dimensionally identical. However, 5.56x45 is usually loaded to higher pressures than .223 and the chambers for these two calibers are different. 5.56x45 chambers are a bit more generous than .223 chambers.

M193 and M855 are both 5.56x45.

If you read the "stickies" in the Terminal Ballistics forum here, you'll get a lot of info on the performance of these and other .223/5.56 cartridges.

[huklbrry]

Thanks again Drich

[Iraqgunz]

Also the M193 round is a 55gr. and the M855 is 62gr. with a tungsten steel penetrator.


I am relatively new to the AR world and little confused about ammuntion descriptions. Is the M193 a .223 and the M855 a 5.56? What are the differences between the two cartridges and in your honest opinions the pros and cons of each. Thank you in advance for your replies.