[aristeides]

If the Police knew it was a 5.45 x 39MM round and not an actual .223 this could explain the story.

Are 5.45 x 39MM rounds available in this country?

Does this mean the perps were trained abroad, like in Afghanistan?

[Godebert]

Are 5.45 x 39MM rounds available in this country?

Yes....a case of 1,000 rounds runs about $99.

[El Gato]

Are 5.45 x 39MM rounds available in this country?

Most certainly. From various sources, including Russian ammunition factories, plus Czech ones and those of some other former Soviet block countries.