Can a 5.56x45NATO be fired in a rifle chambered for .223remington?

[jhjimbo]

Can a 5.56x45NATO be fired in a rifle chambered for .223remington?

[jhjimbo]

I have heard it is not safe to fire a 5.56x45NATO in a rifle chambered for .223remington. Has anyone had any experience with doing so?

[DesertWalker]

Well I have always heard that you can safely fire 5.56 and .223 amo in a rifle that is chambered in in 5.56, but not to fire 5.56 rounds in a rifle that is chambered in .223. The pressure that the 5.56 round creats in the .233 chamber is to high and can cause damage.

[small game sportsman]

I wouldn't, it just doesn't sound safe to me

[hfedder40]

If Your gun doesnt say that its chammbered in 223 remington do not fire anything other than a 223 remington out of it u shuld think about reloading instead of buying that cheap miltary surplus ammo it is a good way to blow up your barrel cause of the pressure difference

[Amflyer]

5.56 NATO chambers are cut to s a slightly different tolerance than a 223 Remington. This difference can lead to high pressure in a 5.56 in a 223 chamber scenario. Some weapons, especially AR's, will have a Wylde chamber configuration in which either may be used. If your rifle is marked 5.56/.223 Rem, it is safe to use either. If it is marked 5.56, you can use 223 or 5.56. If it is marked 223 Remington, stay away from the NATO loadings or you may damage your rifle.

This is a common question, and as such has a lot of conjecture and "buddy stories" floating around. Best to stick to the ammo the rifle was made for, to be safe.

[Treestand]

Only Shoot Ammo that is Marked on your Rifle Barrel.
Be Safe...Shoot Safe.....Stay Safe.

[Jim in Mo]

jhj,
You can fire .223 in a 5.56 chambered rifle but you shouldn't fire 5.56 ammo in a rifle chambered for .223

[Edward J. Palumbo]

Treestand and Jim,
I hope the New Year is off to a fine start for you, and wish you a great year ahead.
Ed

[erikgilbert]

These guys are right. do your homework. 5.56 can handle both. .223 can't