[Master of Scholastics]

The latest issue of American Rifleman has an article comparing NATO 5.56 and .223. It says that while it's fine to shoot .223 in the NATO chamber, low pressure .223 ammo might not cycle properly. What constitutes low pressure?

Although I haven't gotten my XCR yet, I have purchased .223 ammo from various companies already because of rising ammo prices. I have bought Winchester Super X, Remington UMC, and American Eagle; bullets range from about 50gr-65gr, in FMJ, SPS, and JHP. Do you think I'll have any problems with any of these?
Thanks.

 

[smschulz]

I haven't had any problem with the 5 or 6 dif ones I have tried.

 

[SigsRule]

If you research this question on the other forums, the concensus seems to be that the only difference between the .223 and NATO chambers is some slight dimensional difference due to .223 usually being a tighter tolerance where the military chambers are a little looser. Everything I've read says they are both loaded to a similar pressure with the primary differences being in the measuring methods between cup and psi.

I suppose it is possible to get .223 reloads that might not be loaded to standard pressure but the range of adjustment on the XCR should be able to handle anything with enough omph to get the bullet out of the barrel.

 

[Master of Scholastics]

Thanks. I just wanted to be sure.

 

[TEXAS SOLFTAIL]

Most 5.56 NATO chambers are in AR-15 type weapons (stamped on barrel),they will shoot .223 rem.& 5.56 NATO bullets no problem. Most bolt rifles are chambered in .223 rem. (stamped on barrel) DO NOT SHOOT 5.56 NATO BULLETS out of these rifles because of the chamber difference (MAY CAUSE EXCESS CHAMBER PRESSURE).

 

[Guest]

I have NEVER had a function issue by shooting 223 in a 556 chamber.

 

[TEXAS SOLFTAIL]

You won't. The problem will be high chamber pressure if you shoot 5.56 NATO out of a .223 CHAMBER. www.ammo-oracle.com click on enter question #2 What is the differance between 5.56x45mm & .223 ammo