Prolly someone else has already clarified this, but 223 is not NATO 7.62, it is NATO 5.56.
223 is not NATO 7.62, it is NATO 5.56.
Technically, the .223 is not a NATO 5.56. The differences are in the “ledde” in the chamber and there is more wall thickness in the .5.56. Externally they are the same and will interchange although some firearm manufacturers don’t approve of it.
http://www.humanevents.com/2011/02/15/223-remington-vs-556-nato-what-you-dont-know-could-hurt-you/
At the ranges involved in this shooting, I believe a .22 rimfire would have done the same job.
In diameter virtually the same as a .22 cal.
It’s the much larger charge of powder, weight & shape of round, and velocity that make the .223 or 556 far more lethal than the 22LR.
You are correct. I do know the difference, 22 years in uniform, but just wasn’t thinking.