5.56

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Contraindicated

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I am sure this a well worn thread. I bought a Bushmaster. I desire 5.56 but it seems difficult to purchase in at least the AZ area. To comply with warranty requirements, I am only suppose to use approved ammo. There is much debate on the web on what is the difference between 5.56 v. .223. I have used the approved .223 remington, FMJ. In fact, the hollow point is supposed to have improved trajectory. And is an effective defense round? Does anybody know where I can purchase approved ammo (e.g, Wolf, Winchester, Federal)?
 
.223 ammo will work fine in a gun marked 5.56mm.

The problem is when you try to use 5.56mm ammo in a gun marked .223. The 5.56NATO ammo has a slightly thicker base which may prevent the bolt from locking in a gun chambered for .223 Remington ammo.
 
Marked 5.56

The rifle is marked for 5.56 or 223. I went some gun stores and they said unless you are a military type - the 223 is fine. I think I want more than fine from my AR-15. Is there such a difference in performance. I could buy in bulk from a Guatamala vendor but I do understand the shortages caused by the ongoing wars. And, is Federal, Winchester, or Wolf experiencing shortages because of the drain from overseas?
 
The problem is when you try to use 5.56mm ammo in a gun marked .223. The 5.56NATO ammo has a slightly thicker base which may prevent the bolt from locking in a gun chambered for .223 Remington ammo.
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:banghead:


This is how bad info gets blown completely out of proportion.

223 and 5.56 brass are the same. There is no thick base or any other difference. There are differences between different manufacturers effecting the inside case capacity.
5.56 ammo IS loaded to higher pressures.http://www.ammo-oracle.com/body.htm


There is lots of surplus ammo out there. Just do a Google for "surplus 223".
 
i never had any dificulty getting the 5.56, Lone Wolf has it in stock most of the times... don't remember when i couldn't find any...
and just last week i purchesed some ADCOM Manufacturing Ltd. 5.56x45mm Ball M855 :cool:
 
5.56 also creates a chamber pressure of 52,000psi when fired, while .223 is some where around the 42,000psi mark. if yo have a bushmaster don't worry .223 or 5.56 will both work perfectly. i use umc 55gr .223, and m855 62gr green tip in my rifle all the time, no issues no problems.
 
I have read in countless places that the 5.56 shouldn't be fired in the 223 chamber but you can do the reverse. Why would people say that if it wasn't true?
 
Why would people say that if it wasn't true?
Click to expand...

We would have to close down the Internet if thatwas the case.......:evil:



As recommeded, the Ammo Oracle is the best place to learn all you need to know about .223/5.56
 
Yes, there are countless urban/rural legends out there regarding AR15's not to mention just about any firearm in use. Lots of people's firearm knowledge is acquired by word of mouth and once someone believes a myth, it gets spread around like gospel so you here it everywhere. Just watch a person buying an auto pistol or AR15 at a big gun store. The salesman will be giving all sorts of screwed up advice about the gun and the magazines. Sometimes, you just have to take all that stuff with a grain of salt and find out for yourself. Sites like this are great since you can avoid some of those mythical pitfalls by hearing advice/comments/opinions from everyone and can sort it out.
 
As recommeded, the Ammo Oracle is the best place to learn all you need to know about .223/5.56
Click to expand...

hey ! or maybe it would be a good i dea for a owner of a new gun or any gun new or old to read the ummmm????? oh yeah HIS OWNERS MANUAL!:what: there is a thought, all bushmasters come with them from the factory and will outline almost everything that is needed to know about the differences.
 
Thanks, Mr White, I found that link very helpful. (Took me a while to read it all but well worth it).
 
For instate sellers, you can try J&G Sales. Otherwise, places like AIM surplus and Ammunitionstore.com will be glad to do business with you. Your BM is 5.56, so you can shoot either type of ammo.
 
Hey, thanks for the link to the Ammo Oracle. Never saw that before; wealth of info there.
 
I think this was an issue, maybe 30 or even 20 years ago, but ars are made to handle 556 so they can easy do 223. modern made 223 rifles, if they are made halfway decent, should be able to handle 556 as well. I have a cz in 223, and have no worries about shooting 556 through it.
 
Response to Possum and the Owner Manual

BUSHMASTER PERSONNEL HAVE USED THE FOLLOWING AMMUNITIONS in various calibers for testing
at the factory, and found they will cycle without malfunction and have not caused damage or problems:
PMC / SPEER / REMINGTON / WINCHESTER / WOLF / SELLIER & BELLOT
AMERICAN EAGLE (Federal Manufactured) / M.E.N. (German Manufacture)
IF IN THE FUTURE, ANY NEW INFORMATION OR INSTANCES RELATING
TO AMMUNITION PROBLEMS ARISE, BUSHMASTER WILL UPDATE THIS
ADVISORY ON OUR WEBSITE (WWW.BUSHMASTER.COM).

Notably, purchasing the requisite specificied ammo outlined by BM in bulk for cost saving appears to be the issue rather than expensively in 20 round boxes at your local friendly gun vendors. Furthermore, I have found it difficult to purchase ammo from the above mentioned vendors in a reasonable amount of time, especially since there are several TO's going on at present. Complicating the matter, I believe liberals are about to control congress :what: that may put a paranoid, undue demand on existing supplies. Using reloads or other non-designated ammo manufactures may invalidate the warranty should it damage the weapon.
 
winchester has there 5.56 that goes on sale every spring it seems like at least and sometimes twice a year, at the Bass Pro shop, and they have a really good deal on it. Just keep a look out for it, especially if there is a Bass Pro Shop around you.

That isn't the part of the owners manual i was refering to, but at least you have one.:)
 
I recently picked-up a 500 round case of 5.56 M193 at a Gander Mountain here in Houston. I'll use it in my AR-15 and M4A3.

Tex
 
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