.223 and 5.56

[sandpacker21]

Im new when it comes to reloading the .223 or 5.56. My question is what is the difference? As far as I can tell they both use brass that the measurements are the same.... They use the same diameter bullets with the sectional density being a small bit different.. According to my Hornady book. The only real differince I can see is the 5.56 is loaded a little hotter.... Can anyone help me out?????? Is the brass actully stamped .223 or 5.56 ?

[jmart]

They are the same, don't sweat it. Lake City (LC) brass is marked with LC and year (LC 07), with a NATO cross opposite, but no cartridge designator.

NATO 5.56 typically has the primer crimped, so when you reload these you'll have to either swage or ream the crimp out.

LC brass is good, Winchester is good. Remington is decent. Be careful with Federal, it is soft.

Most cases run 92-95 grains. Some cases are heavier (PMP, PMC IIRC), so segregate those and download a grain or more just to be safe. I keep those segregated and have yet to shoot many of them, but when I get around to it, I'll download them.

[chadbag]

Im new when it comes to reloading the .223 or 5.56. My question is what is the difference? As far as I can tell they both use brass that the measurements are the same.... They use the same diameter bullets with the sectional density being a small bit different.. According to my Hornady book. The only real differince I can see is the 5.56 is loaded a little hotter.... Can anyone help me out?????? Is the brass actully stamped .223 or 5.56 ?

The differences are not in the brass, but in the load (pressures generated etc) and in the chambers used in the guns that shoot 5.56.

[markm]

Im new when it comes to reloading the .223 or 5.56. My question is what is the difference?

Forget about all that. Just decide what you want to accomplish with your load. Accuracy? Velocity? Low cost practice ammo?

Then go from there.

[jaydoc1]

Forget about all that. Just decide what you want to accomplish with your load. Accuracy? Velocity? Low cost practice ammo?

Then go from there.

I'd like to bite on that. What are your ammunition preferences for each of your above categories (accuracy, velocity, cost)?. Really my M4 is a plinker, varminter, and target shooter so accuracy rules for me. Personal defense for me is a 12 gauge and buckshot

What would be your load of choice if going after javelinas and coyotes?

[markm]

I have no idea for that. I'm sure others will have their pet loads. I don't hunt, other than dove every once in a while.

My load is for accurate target shooting.

[nightw50]

My coyote load is 60 gr. Hornady hollow point with 26 gr. IMR 4895. Works great in my S&W MP15A 1/9". I'm sure others will have their favorite but this is the one I like.

[jaydoc1]

My coyote load is 60 gr. Hornady hollow point with 26 gr. IMR 4895. Works great in my S&W MP15A 1/9". I'm sure others will have their favorite but this is the one I like.

Thanks. Should work well in my 15T too, then.