I need a lesson in .223 and 5.56 NATO ammo.......

[Mus408]

From what I hear...the NATO 5.56 ammo is loaded to higher pressure than the .223,so does that always
equal to higher FPS for all the 5.56 ammo,compared to all factory loaded .223?
But then I see an ad for American Eagle .223 Rem. listing 55 gr. ammo at 3240 FPS and then
Federal 5.56 XM193, 55 gr. ammo at 3165 FPS.
I know from shooting my Mini 14,yesterday, the XM193 had a bit more recoil and blast,than the PMC .223 I used also. The PMC gave me a few FTE problems too,maybe not hot enough to always work the action fully.
What's the story on .223 and 5.56 ammo.
Maybe various .223 and 5.56 rifles have different strength recoil springs?

I know that you should only use 5.56 in guns specified for it's use and not in .223 only weapons,with the Ranch rifle listed as .223 and .5.56.

 

[blairsville-dave]

Not sure what lesson your looking for, but my tactical mini 14 doesn't care if I'm shooting .223 or 5.56. Everytime I pull the trigger it goes bang and loads again till the mag. is empty. Dave

 

[Ruger36]

The 5.56 has a slightly longer throat the 2.23 shoots fine in them but accuracy might not be as good

 

[Mus408]

Well it might just be I got some not so good PMC ammo.
I just ordered more of the Fed XM193.

 

[Busterswoodshop]

Here is a good article that explains it pretty well.

http://www.gundigest.com/223-vs-5-56

 

[Mus408]

Thanks,Buster...great article!