The 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington are two of the most common types of ammunition used in modern rifles. While they may appear to be very similar, there are some key differences between the two.
The first and most obvious difference is the chamber pressure. The 5.56 NATO has a higher chamber pressure than the .223 Remington, which means that the two cartridges are not interchangeable. If you fire a 5.56 NATO round in a rifle chambered for .223 Remington, you risk damaging the rifle and injuring yourself.
Another difference between the two cartridges is the length of the chamber throat. The 5.56 NATO has a longer throat than the .223 Remington, which allows it to handle longer bullets without compressing the powder charge. This can improve the accuracy and consistency of the rounds.
Additionally, the military specification for 5.56 NATO ammo requires a thicker case wall than that of the .223 Remington, which can make the 5.56 NATO round slightly heavier and more durable.
Finally, the two cartridges have different pressure curves, which can affect the cycling of semi-automatic firearms. The 5.56 NATO generates more gas pressure than the .223 Remington, which can cause increased wear and tear on the firearm.
In summary, while the 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington may appear to be similar cartridges, there are some key differences between the two. It is important to use the correct ammunition for your rifle to ensure reliable performance and avoid potential safety hazards.
