Can all 5.56 rifles shoot 223?
The short answer is no, not all 5.56 rifles can shoot 223 Remington. While the 5.56x45mm NATO and 223 Remington cartridges share similar dimensions, there are differences that make it important to specify the correct cartridge when using a 5.56 rifle. In this article, we’ll dive into the details and explore the relationship between 5.56 and 223 rifles.
What’s the difference between 5.56 and 223?
Before we dive into the compatibility issue, let’s briefly discuss the difference between 5.56x45mm NATO and 223 Remington cartridges. Both are intermediate cartridges designed for military and civilian use, but they have distinct differences:
| Cartridge | Bullet diameter (in) | Case length (mm) | Twist rate (in) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.56x45mm NATO | 0.224 | 44.7 | 1:9" or 1:7" | Military use, designed for AK-47 and AR-15 platforms |
| 223 Remington | 0.224 | 40.6 | 1:12" | Civilian use, designed for bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles |
As you can see, both cartridges share the same bullet diameter and nominal twist rate, but the case length and actual twist rate differ. These differences have significant implications on the rifles’ performance and compatibility.
Why can’t all 5.56 rifles shoot 223?
The main reasons why not all 5.56 rifles can shoot 223 cartridges are:
• Case length difference: The 5.56 NATO case is slightly longer than the 223 Remington case. If a rifle is designed to fire 5.56 NATO, it may not chamber properly or extract cleanly with 223 Remington cartridges, potentially causing feeding issues, misfires, or damage to the rifle.
• Twist rate differences: The 1:9" or 1:7" twist rates commonly found in 5.56 NATO rifles are designed to stabilize heavier, more aerodynamic bullets, such as those used in the 5.56 M193 and M855 rounds. The 1:12" twist rate typically used in 223 Remington rifles is better suited for lighter, less aerodynamic bullets. Firing 223 cartridges in a 5.56 rifle with a higher twist rate may result in keyholing or inconsistent accuracy.
• Barrel profile and chambering: 5.56 NATO rifles often have a thicker barrel profile and more pronounced chambering to accommodate the heavier 5.56 cartridge. 223 Remington rifles, on the other hand, typically have a thinner barrel and less aggressive chambering, designed specifically for the 223 cartridge.
Can all 5.56 rifles shoot 223 Remington safely?
In most cases, it’s not recommended to shoot 223 Remington cartridges in a 5.56 NATO rifle, as the potential for issues listed above can lead to accuracy problems, jamming, or even damage to the rifle. However, some modern 5.56 NATO rifles, designed for civilian use, may be specifically chambered to accommodate 223 Remington cartridges and may not experience compatibility issues.
Important considerations
When considering using 5.56 rifles to shoot 223 Remington cartridges:
• Always check your rifle’s specifications: Ensure your rifle is specifically designed or chambered to accept 223 Remington cartridges. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations and any warning labels.
• Be aware of potential accuracy issues: Even if your 5.56 rifle is chambered for 223, there may be accuracy compromises due to differences in barrel profile, chambering, or twist rate.
• Load selection: When using 223 Remington cartridges in a 5.56 rifle, use light to medium weight loads to minimize the risk of keyholing or accuracy issues.
• Action and bolt face: Verify the action and bolt face are compatible with the 223 cartridge to prevent issues with chambering, extraction, or feeding.
Conclusion
While 5.56x45mm NATO and 223 Remington cartridges share some similarities, not all 5.56 rifles can shoot 223. The differences in case length, twist rate, and barrel profile/chambering make it important to specify the correct cartridge for your rifle. Before attempting to use 223 Remington cartridges in a 5.56 NATO rifle, ensure your rifle is specifically designed or chambered for the 223 cartridge and take necessary precautions to avoid accuracy issues. Always prioritize rifle safety and manufacturer recommendations when selecting and using cartridges.
