5.56 in my AR-15?

[MMcfpd]

My AR-15 is a Colt Gov't. Carbine, model 6520, with the LE restriction on the magwell. The lower receiver is stamped .223 cal and that's what the manual says for ammunition. The barrel is marked 5.56 NATO.

So, can I use 5.56 ammo? Might the gun even like it a little bit better?

 

[blackhawk2000]

Yes you can use 5.56.

 

[SnakeEater]

So, can I use 5.56 ammo? Might the gun even like it a little bit better?

Yes, and yes. Although generally commercial .223 is of higher quality than surplus 5.56.

 

[MikeFF]

I asked Colt customer service this very question and was told that their ARs are good to go with both commercial .223 and surplus ammo 5.56.

 

[MMcfpd]

Great! Now the next question - where in the heck do you find the stuff? I've noticed a few online ammo dealers list some ammo as .223/5.56, and that hardly inspires confidence.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

The lower's markings have no bearing on the actual caliber in an AR15 receiver. The barrel does.

Having a 5.56 barrel, it won't matter to you which you shoot. Eventually you will also learn what is truly 5.56 and what is truly .223. But since it doesn't matter (for plinking anyways), shoot both. Unless you're shooting bad guys, but you'll need to do some research in the near future.

This place is excellent for AR15 prices (as well as AR15 info in general).

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=16&t=222888

Read this to learn more about .223 and 5.56.

http://www.ammo-oracle.com/body.htm

 

[MikeFF]

I try to find the cheapest stuff I can find to plink with and save the brass for my own home rolled good stuff.Natchez,midway any of those kind of places.

 

[10-Ring]

I have been taught they are interchangeable. I'm really a noob at all of this but I've been told its like .308 & the 7.62 nato round similarity

 

[MMcfpd]

I have been taught they are interchangeable.

I have read otherwise; that's why I asked.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

I have been taught they are interchangeable. I'm really a noob at all of this but I've been told its like .308 & the 7.62 nato round similarity

You know there is a difference between .308 and 7.62x51, right?

 

[44AMP]

According to my research

The difference in .223vs5.56 barrels has to do with the "throat" or "leade" of the rifling. 5.56mm has more, due to the need to take the tracer bullets used today, which are longer than ball ammo.

Firing current GI tracer ammo in a barrel made for the .223 sporter round can lead to higher than desired pressures.

 

[hagar]

They are NOT interchangeable. In Ar's you can shoot pretty much anything, but I almost blew up my Remington 223 VS on a hot day in AZ shooting 5.56. I had a primer and part of the head of the case blow out with 55 grain fmj 5.56 ammo.

 

[Zen21Tao]

No you can't use 5.56 ammo. Some may say you can, but I wouldn't chance it if I were you. Send all the 5.56 you have to me and I'll be glad to properly dispose of it for you.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

The difference in .223vs5.56 barrels has to do with the "throat" or "leade" of the rifling. 5.56mm has more, due to the need to take the tracer bullets used today, which are longer than ball ammo.

Firing current GI tracer ammo in a barrel made for the .223 sporter round can lead to higher than desired pressures.

It has nothing to do with tracers. It has to do with the chamber pressure differences between .223 and 5.56.

Read the ammo oracle link I posted above.

 

[gazpacho]

Ask your local gunshops if they can get some Winchester Q3131 or Q3131a. They come in Winchester's white box and are labelled "5.56mm 55 GR. Full Metal Jacket". This ammo is actually M193 surplus ammo.

 

[AlaskaErik]

If you want to see how various 5.56 brands perform, check out the Box O' Truth

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu8.htm

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu21.htm

 

[Full Clip]

I'd seen those B'OT demos before bu forgot how lousy the Wolf grouped. Very informative and one great guide to buying...