5.56 / .223 bolt action?

[Nagant]

I'm probably posting a question that has been covered elsewhere, but I couldn't find it when I searched, so here goes:

Now, I know that there are bolt action rifles in .223 caliber. I've heard all kinds of different views/opinions/facts on the interchangeable nature of .223 and 5.56. Assuming there is a difference, and that rifles chambered for 5.56 can shoot .223, but those chambered for .223 shouldn't be used to shoot 5.56 (this is just what i've been told/read), are there bolt action rifles readily available on the commercial market that will shoot both the 5.56 and .223? Thanks

 

[brentn]

Good question. I have never seen a .223 bolt action rifle before.

I can only imagine that this is the case because the 5.56 round was always designed to be used in an autoloading rifle... Just an idea so if I'm completley wrong on this one don't put me up in the tree and hang me.

 

[chris in va]

My first knee-jerk reaction was to say the CZ, but I can't seem to verify if it will take 5.56 as well.

 

[ugaarguy]

Additionally, you'll need to look at barrel twist. Most of the .223 bolt guns out there are 1:12 twist, chosen for the lighter weight & lighter construction varmint rounds. Off the top of my head I know the Savage 10 FP and Remington 700 PSS in .223 both use the faster 1:9 twist for stabilizing the heavier rounds likely to be used in long range target shooting or counter sniper applications. With a 1:12 you're generally limited to 55 grain and lighter projectiles; with 1:9 you're generally limited to 69 grain and lighter bullets. There are of course exceptions that will fire heavier bullets, but you won't know for sure. I'd imagine that either of those rifles would run 5.56 ammo just fine given their intended role. However, always check with the manufacturer just to be sure.

Temperature, altitude, and humidity will also play a role. In the relatively low altitude, almost always warm & humid conditions of Georgia my Colt SP1 (1:12) will shoot the old Remington 62gr BTHP Match loading very well. I never tried it in the dry air & high altitude of Idaho while I was there. I suspect that on colder days up there it wouldn't do so well.

 

[mp510]

Off the top of my head I know the Savage 10 FP and Remington 700 PSS in .223 both use the faster 1:9 twist for stabilizing the heavier rounds likely to be used in long range target shooting or counter sniper applications

I believe the Steyr Scout also has a 1:9 barrel.

 

[Greenspartan117]

The Tikka for the .223 has either a 1-8" or a 1-12" twist rate I was looking at it to see what the rate is for their .308, oh this is for the T3 lite stainless

 

[BattleChimp Potemkin]

Anyone make a chamber reamer for 5.56? Bolt action should handle the slightly higher pressure of a NATO round, plus with it appropriately cahmbered, you would have an awesome SHTF rifle. Durable, accurate, easy to use, and you can use an AR mag as a ammunition bowzer. Now you all have me onto something. To the interweb!

 

[rangerruck]

I have a cz bolt action, and it shoots both extremely well. I would say that at one time, your worry may have had some merit, but I believe that most rifle mfgrs, know that people will shoot will shoot both, and they make their rifles strong enough to handle both. I especially believe this with mfgrs that make rifles with mauser type actions, such as cz and ruger.

 

[andyjason]

you can get a 223 wylde reamer.