Whats up NJ............. I might sound like a noob but i bought an elite operator 2. The case says .223 but the rifle says 5.56.....? Can you use a .223 in a 5.56 or is something F@CKED UP? let me know Thanks

You can use .223 in a rifle designed for 5.56. But not the other way around, a 5.56 cartridge creates more pressure in the chamber than .223.

 

You are good to go with either round.

If it says 5.56 it's chambered for both. You can safely fire both .223 and 5.56 in it. If it said .223, you could only fire .223 safely.

Thanx guys its kinda like 357 and 38.... anybody have any suggestions on ammo?

Natchez has Federal .223 - 1000 rounds for $299.50.

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=faae223bk&src=tpSlrByr2

 

PMC .223 is $289.50 for 1000 rounds also (50 boxes):

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=PM223A&src=tpCtgAm

 

Or if you want to shoot the cheap stuff...

Brown Bear .223 1000 rounds for $219.27 (or $208.31 if you're a buyer's club member):

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/1000-rds-55-gr-fmjbt-223-556x45-mm-ammo.aspx?a=515028&bi=156559

Thanx guys its kinda like 357 and 38

 

 

Not exactly. The exterior case dimensions are identical, the difference is that military brass (5.56x45) is thicker, thus reducing powder capacity and raising chamber pressure. However, even this isn't clearcut as SAAMI and NATO measure pressure using piezoelectric transducers located at different spots - thus causing an indicated pressure differential even with identical loads.

 

The other difference between the two are the chamber dimensions. The 5.56 has a longer leade - the distance from the case mouth to where the bullet engages the rifling.

 

OK to shoot .223 in 5.56 chambered guns. To err on the side of caution you probably shouldn't shoot 5.56 in guns chambered strictly for .223.

 

I was surprised to see that RRA was using a 5.56 chamber on your gun. There is a third option (other than 5.56 or .223) called the Wylde chamber, which is kind of a compromise between the two and will handle either. RRA uses this (or used to) on some of their rifles. I have a RRA Varmint with a Wylde chamber that is a three-quarter MOA gun.

 

Enjoy.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

5.56 FTW!!! i picked up the same rifle in december, LOVE IT! 5.56 chambered rifles can shoot .223, since the 5.56 is ever so slight bigger, more tight fit in the chamber... The other way around is not so true, .223 barrels will be slightly smaller then a 5.56 chamber barrel. Like bob said error with caution.

 

If your looking for ammo, check out federal xm193 5.56. You can even sell the salt lake city brass cartridges when there spent, i hear its some of the best brass out there unlike federals normal line of ammo.

 

When you see rifles advertised in 5.56 and .223 its a 5.56 barrel, not sure where u bought this from but there website advertises the barrel as 5.56 nato & .223, not specifically one or the other.