Question: Is 5.56 the same(interchangeable) as .223 ammo. The Russian stuff can be had for 24 cents/round.
Absolutely not! 5.56 has higher pressure and is unsafe in rifles chambered for .223 even though it looks like it fits. You can, however, shoot .223 out of a rifle chambered for 5.56. If you are buying a new gun get 5.56.
Absolutely not! 5.56 has higher pressure and is unsafe in rifles chambered for .223 even though it looks like it fits. You can, however, shoot .223 out of a rifle chambered for 5.56. If you are buying a new gun get 5.56.
No. You can shoot .223 in a 5.56 chamber but not the other way.
https://thesportsmansshop.com/223-vs-5-56mm-ammo-comparison/
Also, what is the jacketing of the Russian stuff you're looking at? There is some debate about steel.
If it has a 223 WYLDE CHAMBER like a Rock River it can shoot either one.
The 5.56 chamber will shoot .223 Just fine but not the other way around.
People already told you 5.56 isn’t safe for a .223, but I recall reading something about Ruger Mini-14’s being engineered to take 5.56, but being labeled 223. I just googled it, and only the Mini-14 target is not cleared for 5.56. Everything else is good irrespective of the markings.
“The Russian stuff can be had for 24 cents/round.”
the russian stuff is usually steel-cased, which is REALLY rough on firearms ... i wouldn’t shoot it in any decent firearm ...
dont use 556 in a 223 the pressure is much higher than the 223 gun is designed for , but you can put 223 in a 556 gun no problem,,,,,,,, to find ammo try ammoseek.com
The problem with Russian ammo is its steel case rather than brass causing a poor seal with the chamber face due to different expansion characteristics. It causes a carbon build up eventually leading to FTE problems. The rifle has to be taken down and using a chamber brush on a drill and your favorite carbon solvent scrub/polish the chamber clean
The work around is to use a brass cartridge every 3-4th round. The brass will expand correctly and take the carbon out.