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What's the Difference between .223 and 5.56 Rounds

Jan 28, 2023

The .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO cartridges are very similar in terms of both their physical characteristics and their intended uses. Both cartridges use a .224 diameter bullet and have similar case dimensions. However, there are some key differences between the two that are important to understand.

One of the main differences between the .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO cartridges is the pressure at which they are loaded. The .223 Remington has a maximum pressure of around 55,000 psi, while the 5.56 NATO is loaded to a maximum pressure of around 62,000 psi. This means that 5.56 NATO ammunition is loaded to a higher pressure than .223 Remington ammunition, and as a result, it generates more recoil and higher muzzle velocity.

Another important difference between the two cartridges is the intended use. The .223 Remington was designed as a civilian cartridge for hunting and target shooting, while the 5.56 NATO was designed for military use. The military requirements for a cartridge are different than those for a civilian cartridge, as the military needs a cartridge that can be used in a variety of different roles and environments. As a result, the 5.56 NATO cartridge is designed to be more versatile and reliable than the .223 Remington.

Another important difference is that the 5.56 NATO round is more capable of penetrating body armor and harder targets than the .223 Remington, due to the increased pressure and velocity.

In terms of cost, the 5.56 NATO rounds are typically more expensive than the .223 Remington rounds, due to the increased cost of production and the fact that they are often used in military applications.

It's important to note that while the .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO cartridges are similar in many ways, they are not interchangeable. It is not safe to use 5.56 NATO ammunition in a firearm that is chambered for .223 Remington, as the increased pressure of the 5.56 NATO round can cause damage to the firearm or even cause it to malfunction.

In summary, while the .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO cartridges are similar in many ways, they are not interchangeable. The 5.56 NATO is loaded to a higher pressure than the .223 Remington, generates more recoil, and has higher muzzle velocity. It is also more capable of penetrating body armor and harder targets, but also more expensive. However, it was designed for military use and is more versatile and reliable than the .223 Remington which was designed for civilian use. Offering Free Basic Pistol Course.

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