5.56x45 NATO vs. .223

[ewheeley]

Hey guys. I know this question has probably been discussed constantly, and I don't want to sound noobish. I've tried calling a few people, but haven't been able to get through, so I'll post here.

Does anyone have experience or feedback on shooting 5.56 NATO milsurp ammo through a CZ 527 (or any similar rifle) chambered in .223. I've read everything everywhere, some saying it's okay, others condemning it. So, I figured I'd trust the opinions here. I just wanna check everything out before I pass on the chance to save myself some money.

 

[GlockCop]

The chambers are different. The NATO is loaded to higher pressures. The NATO will chamber in a .223 but it is awfully hard on the gun. You might check with the manufacturer to see if it is safe to use 5.56 in their rifle. Until I found out from the maufaturer I would not shoot any 5.56 in a rifle not specifically marked for it.

 

[Fyrtwuck]

Everything I've read says you're not supposed to shoot 5.56 in a .223.

I reload quite a bit and I load both 5.56 and .223 brass to the .223 specs in the reloading manual and I've never had any problems.

 

[aeropb]

.223 chambers are designed for .223 @ 55,000psi. 5.56 NATO runs about 62,000psi. Shoot .223 out of your gun unless CZ says its chambered for 5.56