So my rifle is suited for both, this isn't a 'will a 5.56 blow up my .223 chamber' question.

 

If I can stock ammo, one or the other or both, is there any justification to buy one over the other?

 

LGS never has 5.56 but sometimes has .223 (one box for you sir!). From what I gather, the 556 has a slightly larger kick, but does that justify the hunt for them? What say you?

I'm not sniping enemies at long distance or hunting Moose, just plinking and possible HD.

5.56 is a hotter round...that's it as far as I know.

 

.223 sounds like it's fine for your needs.

There are subtle dimensional difference that you won't see of you don't reload. Just make sure the rifle is chambered for 5.56 to use it. If you reload, and shoot both for a brass stock, just make sure you full length size and trim. Your due set is .223

 

As for metric size, it's to make NATO happy. 5.56 is also loaded to higher pressures which you can replicate if you reload.

Point being...I don't see any need to 'chase' 5.56 ammo.

 

 

One thing I did read though was something about the NATO round having a 'less sensitive' primer that's suitable for use in full auto.

Are there specific brands of 5.56 or .223 that you folks would recommend a person new to the AR platform should stick to? And what grain? (Just for plinking)

Are there specific brands of 5.56 or .223 that you folks would recommend a person new to the AR platform should stick to? And what grain? (Just for plinking)

 

Right now...anything you can find for a price that won't sneak into your bed after you fall asleep and rape you.

This page has a ton of info on this subject

http://www.ar15.com/ammo/

Here is a good article discussing the differences between .223 and 5.5.6: http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/5-56-vs-223/

I personally like brass 55gr rounds compare to steel cartridges.

Right now...anything you can find for a price that won't sneak into your bed after you fall asleep and rape you.

 

Yeah well what is that price? Coming from someone who has never had to buy 5.56/.223 ammo before I have no clue what a "today's decent price is" ya know? Like for me, I'm not buying any 9mm over $0.42/rd. Handgun ammo comes in boxes of 50, but I've noticed that 5.56/.223 ammo comes in boxes of 20?

 

Wow smile that link has way more info than you need to know but good to have otherwise. Thanks.

 

And thanks to

Teufelhunden for that ar15.com link

Yep, .223/5.56 comes in boxes of 20 usually. To be honest, I'm not really sure what a good price is right now. I haven't bought any since the craziness. Before it, a good price was $.30/rd or less. Now it appears to be about $.60/rd. I'd say anything $.55/rd or less would be excellent, but like I said, I'm really not sure.

Yeah well what is that price? Coming from someone who has never had to buy 5.56/.223 ammo before I have no clue what a "today's decent price is" ya know? Like for me, I'm not buying any 9mm over $0.42/rd. Handgun ammo comes in boxes of 50, but I've noticed that 5.56/.223 ammo comes in boxes of 20?

 

Wow smile that link has way more info than you need to know but good to have otherwise. Thanks.

 

And thanks to

Teufelhunden for that ar15.com link

 

I paid $12 per box of 20 .223 brass rounds recently (a full case of 1000). Somebody on another forum poo-poo'd me because he paid $9 in Colorado. Great. I can buy a pack of smokes for a dollar in Manilla, but I'm not in Manilla.

 

The 5.56 should be in the same ballpark if you can find any.

Good to know thanks fellas!

$10 for brass is good right now. $12 is ok.

I'll buy if its brass & under $10 & no $9.99 is a no go.