Can You Shoot .223 Out of a 5.56 Barrel? Explained

TLDR: can you shoot 556 out of a 223 rifle?

Yes, you can safely shoot .223 Remington ammunition out of a 5.56 NATO barrel. The 5.56 chamber is designed to handle higher pressures, making it compatible with .223 rounds.

Understanding .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO

Origins and Design

The .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO cartridges are often used interchangeably, but they were designed for different purposes. The pressure differences between cartridges make them distinct from one another. The .223 Remington was developed in the 1960s as a civilian cartridge, while the 5.56 NATO was created for military use. Despite their similarities, they have distinct differences in pressure, chamber dimensions, and performance.

Key Differences

• Chamber Pressure: 5.56 NATO operates at higher pressures (62,000 PSI) compared to .223 Remington (55,000 PSI).
• Throat Length: The 5.56 chamber has a longer leade (throat), allowing for higher-pressure rounds.
• Accuracy: .223 Remington is often more accurate in dedicated .223 chambers due to tighter tolerances.

Why can you shoot 223 out of 556 safely?

The chamber specifications vary between the two, with the 5.56 chamber designed to handle higher pressures, making it compatible with the lower-pressure .223 rounds. However, the reverse is not true—firing 5.56 NATO in a .223 chamber can be dangerous due to the higher pressure levels.

Practical Applications

• Training: Use .223 Remington for cost-effective training sessions.
• Hunting: Both cartridges are suitable for small game, but 5.56 may offer better performance at longer ranges.
• Home Defense: 5.56 NATO is often preferred for its higher energy and stopping power.

Check Out Apex Ordnance’s 5.56 Ammunition

At Apex Ordnance, we specialize in high-quality 5.56 NATO ammunition. Our veteran-owned business is committed to providing reliable and accurate ammunition for all your shooting needs. Whether you’re training, hunting, or preparing for defense, our products are designed to perform.

.223 vs 5.56 Ballistics and Performance

Pressure and Velocity

Chamber Dimensions

Uses for .223 and 5.56

.223 Remington Applications

• Target Shooting: Affordable and accurate for range use.
• Varmint Hunting: Effective for small game and pests.
• Training: Lower recoil and cost make it ideal for practice.

5.56 NATO Applications

• Tactical Use: Preferred for military and law enforcement.
• Home Defense: Higher energy and stopping power.
• Long-Range Shooting: Better performance at extended ranges.

For more information on the differences between .223 and 5.56, check out our .223 vs 5.56 comparison for hunting.

Pros and Cons of Each Cartridge

Advantages of .223 Remington

• Lower cost and wider availability.
• Lighter recoil for faster follow-up shots.
• Excellent accuracy in dedicated .223 chambers.

Advantages of 5.56 NATO

• Higher energy and stopping power.
• Better performance in tactical scenarios.
• Compatible with a wider range of firearms.

FAQ: .223 vs 5.56 Ammunition

• Can you shoot .223 out of a 5.56 barrel?

  Yes, you can safely shoot .223 Remington ammunition out of a 5.56 NATO barrel. The 5.56 chamber is designed to handle higher pressures, making it compatible with .223 rounds.

• What is the difference between .223 and 5.56 ammunition?

  The main differences are chamber pressure and throat length. 5.56 NATO operates at higher pressures and has a longer throat, while .223 Remington has lower pressure and a shorter throat.

• Is it safe to shoot 5.56 in a .223 chamber?

  No, firing 5.56 NATO ammunition in a .223 Remington chamber can be dangerous due to higher pressure levels, which may cause excessive wear or damage to the firearm.

• What are the pressure differences between .223 and 5.56?

  5.56 NATO operates at approximately 62,000 PSI, while .223 Remington operates at around 55,000 PSI. This difference makes 5.56 unsuitable for .223 chambers.

• Can I use .223 Wylde for both .223 and 5.56?

  Yes, the .223 Wylde chamber is designed to safely and accurately fire both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition.

• What is the effective range of .223 vs 5.56?

  Both cartridges have similar effective ranges, typically around 300-500 yards, depending on the specific load and barrel length.

• Which is better for hunting: .223 or 5.56?

  Both are suitable for varmint and small game hunting. However, 5.56 NATO may offer slightly better performance due to its higher pressure and energy.

• What are the best uses for .223 and 5.56 ammunition?

  .223 is ideal for target shooting and training due to its lower cost, while 5.56 is better suited for tactical and defensive applications.

• Can I reload .223 and 5.56 brass interchangeably?

  While the brass is similar, 5.56 cases are often thicker and may require different reloading practices. Always check case dimensions and pressure ratings.

• What is the cost difference between .223 and 5.56?

  .223 Remington is generally cheaper than 5.56 NATO, making it a more economical choice for high-volume shooters.