Ask the Community
Get answers from fellow firearm enthusiasts and share your knowledge with the community.
DTI AR-15 rifles are chambered in 5.56X45 NATO, so both 5.56 and .223 Remington ammunition is safe to use in them. 5.56 ammunition typically has more velocity and higher chamber pressures than .223 ammunition. This potentially higher chamber pressure and size differences in the leade (throat) of the two weapons are reasons it is dangerous to use 5.56 ammunition in a weapon chambered only for .223 Remington. The selection of 5.56 ammo is a bit more limited, though recent military activities and developments have increased available options. Not long ago, almost all 5.56 ammunition was loaded with "ball" ammunition/FMJ (full metal jacket). There are now a few different manufacturers that produce 5.56 ammo with "open tip match" or expanding bullets. Ammunition in .223 is also fine to use in your AR-15 and the available ammunition options are much greater in this caliber. From FMJ to expanding solids to various hollow point designs, a perfect option for just about any shooting applic
Here is a great article that covers it http://blog.del-ton.com/2012/05/feeding-your-ar-15.html
The Delton will do just fine. The ammunition will be key. Top pick for deer are https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/85839/Fiocchi+Rifle+Ammo+Extremma+223+Rem%2F5.56+NATO+V-Max+50GR+200 & https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/656_2081_10000601/products_id/59189/Federal%20F223FS1%20Fusion%2020RD%2062gr%20223%20Remington/ & https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/656_2081_10000601/products_id/712012548/BAR%205.56%2062GR%20TSX%20BT%20VOR-TX%2020/10/ & https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/656_2081_10000601/products_id/11122/Federal%20P223Q%20Vital-Shok%20Nosler%20Partition%2020RD%2060gr%20223%20Remington/
while the .223 and 5.56 will kill deer they are far from a ideal caliber for that task. They are also illegal for use on deer in many states so check your state/local game laws 1st
The biggest problem when using the .223/5.56 for big game is bullet placement and performance. My choice for .223 ammo is Barnes. You must first determine if it is legal to use your .223 for deer hunting then learn to kill the animal. Study diagrams and get targets that show the vital organs of the deer and practice putting your bullet in the lungs or heart to kill them. The .223 does not have much power so you must learn to precisely place your bullet for a quick kill. https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/69471/Barnes+VOR-TX+223+Remington%2F5.56+Nato+TSX+Flat+Base+55+GR+20