.223 vs 5.56

[jp0319]

Ok question, I know I can fire 5.56 and .223 in a rifle rated for 5.56. If I use .223 for training and general practice am I giving up anything, is there a downfall?

[TomMcC]

approx. 200 fps, and a little recoil. That's all I can think of.

[BillBond]

If I use .223 for training and general practice am I giving up anything, is there a downfall?

Not really, but I have seen one or two guns that did not like mild .223 but ran fine on 5.56.
So as long as your gun runs good on both, you might be able to save a little money.

:cool:

[goodoleboy]

I run .223 in my 6920 without a hitch despite the lower pressures. My 6920 has the factory 16.1" bbl and carbine-length gas system which allows pressure levels to build up more than if it were a SBR (which may or may not make any difference). As long as your rifle cycles properly, you're saving money shooting .223.

My only advice is if you use yours for self-defense, remember that the point of impact may differ if you practice with the same grain projectiles in .223 and keep it loaded for defense with 5.56mm.

[jp0319]

Thanks all, I'll probibly order the .223 and see how it runs if it is GTG i'll stick with it much cheaper.

[Safetyhit]

I run .223 in my 6920 without a hitch despite the lower pressures. My 6920 has the factory 16.1" bbl and carbine-length gas system which allows pressure levels to build up more than if it were a SBR (which may or may not make any difference). As long as your rifle cycles properly, you're saving money shooting .223.

My only advice is if you use yours for self-defense, remember that the point of impact may differ if you practice with the same grain projectiles in .223 and keep it loaded for defense with 5.56mm.


Good post.

[Safetyhit]

Thanks all, I'll probibly order the .223 and see how it runs if it is GTG i'll stick with it much cheaper.


Yes, but always have some good 5.56, preferably 5.56 TAP, handy if possible.

[dcs12345]

Just check you point of impact, but I can't think of any other problems

[markm]

Just check you point of impact, but I can't think of any other problems

POI will indeed be different. For practice, it may not be an issue. I'm a HUGE fan of practice with mild ammo. It can extend the life of the components running on the carbean gas system.

[jp0319]

Ok instead of starting another thread I will ask my additional ammo question. I am running a 16" barrel with 1:7 twist, what bullet weight will have the best accuracy 55 or 62?

[Alaskapopo]

Ok instead of starting another thread I will ask my additional ammo question. I am running a 16" barrel with 1:7 twist, what bullet weight will have the best accuracy 55 or 62?

Shoot them and find out. Not enough of a difference between those two bullets. However if you want to shoot heavy bullets (75 grains and up) then you need a 1/7 twist (which you have) or a 1/8.
Pat