I'm a M16 person! Trying to understand the difference between .223 and 5.56 .223/5.56 then throw in the Wylde! If I understand this right one can have a Chambered 5.56 that will shoot a .223! If it's chambered .223 it can't fire a 5.56! If its chambered a Wylde it will accommodate .223/5.56 equally well!
That being said then an advertised .223/5.56 should accommodate both calibers. Just won't accommodate ALL 5.56 loads???
THAT is the question!
KEEP IT SIMPLE PLEASE!

Question

I'm a M16 person!  Trying to understand the difference between .223 and 5.56 .223/5.56 then throw in the Wylde!  If I understand this right one can have a Chambered 5.56 that will shoot a .223!  If it's chambered .223 it can't fire a 5.56!  If its chambered a Wylde it will accommodate .223/5.56 equally well!
That being said then an advertised .223/5.56 should accommodate both calibers.  Just won't accommodate ALL 5.56 loads??? 
THAT is the question!
KEEP IT SIMPLE PLEASE!

Trevor D. · Answer

Conventional wisdom states that the hierarchy is .223 Wylde will chamber all 3 cartridges, 5.56 will chamber 5.56 and .223 Remington, and .223 Remington is for .223 Remington only. Having said that, 5.56 and .223 Remington are almost dimensionally identical and exist as separate cartridges mostly due to the stipulations of the agencies that certify them. Both should chamber and fire in a rifle marked for either cartridge and I would use them interchangeably in all but the most niche/antique/precise firearms that are rarely in play when this question is brought up. Here's a nice video on the topic too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fmcdaAOkY4

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