Difference between 5.56 mm and 223
The 5.56 mm and 223 Remington are two popular ammunition calibers that are often used in firearms for hunting, target shooting, and self-defense. Despite their similarities, there are several key differences between the two that are important to understand for anyone interested in firearms and ammunition.
Firstly, the 5.56 mm is a metric caliber, while the 223 Remington is an English caliber. The 5.56 mm is a NATO standard cartridge, developed in the 1950s for use in the Belgian FN FAL rifle. On the other hand, the 223 Remington is a commercial cartridge developed by Remington Arms Company in the 1950s, based on the 222 Remington cartridge.
One of the most significant differences between the two is their case capacity. The 5.56 mm case is longer and larger than the 223 Remington case. This difference in case capacity allows the 5.56 mm to hold more powder and, consequently, more energy. The 5.56 mm cartridge typically has a bullet weight of 55 grains, while the 223 Remington has a bullet weight of 55 to 60 grains. The higher velocity and energy of the 5.56 mm cartridge make it more suitable for military and law enforcement applications.
Another difference between the two is the bullet design. The 5.56 mm bullet is designed to be more aerodynamic, with a pointed nose and a boat-tail design. This design allows the bullet to achieve higher velocities and better accuracy over longer distances. The 223 Remington bullet, while also designed to be aerodynamic, has a slightly less pointed nose and a boat-tail design that is less pronounced.
The 5.56 mm cartridge is also known for its increased recoil compared to the 223 Remington. This is due to the higher velocity and energy of the 5.56 mm cartridge. For shooters who are sensitive to recoil, the 223 Remington may be a more comfortable option.
In terms of availability, the 5.56 mm cartridge is more commonly used in military and law enforcement applications, while the 223 Remington is more popular among civilian shooters. This is because the 5.56 mm cartridge is often subject to stricter regulations and restrictions compared to the 223 Remington.
In conclusion, the 5.56 mm and 223 Remington are two distinct ammunition calibers with their own unique characteristics. While both calibers are capable of delivering effective performance for hunting, target shooting, and self-defense, the 5.56 mm offers higher velocity, energy, and accuracy, making it a better choice for certain applications. However, the 223 Remington remains a popular choice among civilian shooters due to its ease of availability and comfort in handling.
