Ar-15

[Bonecollector]

If an AR will shoot both 5.56 in .223, which bullet is more efficient and effective in that gun? I realize you can shoot .223 in a 5.56 chamber but not the opposite. That being said, if it's chambered for both rounds does it make the 5.56 more efficient in that particular gun?
I've always been told to buy an AR which will shoot both rounds.
I realize the 5.56 has more pressure and is generally faster, however the hornady super performance 55 grain VMAX seems very good and meets or exceeds 5.56 performance levels from what I've read.
School me o'wise ones. Thank you in advance!

 

[Tim McCoy]

As far as I know, the actual bullets are the same. The differences are in brass thickness, and some chamber dimensions (throat?). The rest you have correct as far as I know re: pressure and interchangeability. You can get a 223 Wyld (sp?). It has the tighter chamber and can take 5.56, some think it’s more accurate than regular 5.56 chambers. All based on what I’ve read, zero personal experience.

 

[Bonecollector]

Tim,
Yes, it's called the Wylde Chamber.
Based on some of my readings, it appears that the .223 is more accurate, but 5.56 is faster/flatter & more powerful because of this fact.
However, I hear a lot of good things about the Hornady V-Max SS.

 

[CrimsonArrow]

I bought mine chambered for both because of ammo availability, though I've yet to find any surplus 5.56 at bargain prices.

 

[HuskyMusky]

look on the barrel, 5.56 can shoot both,

but .223 can only shoot 223, not 5.56

if it's chambered for 5.56, it's best to shoot 5.56, but you may be splitting hairs, and of course that's theoretically best.

also find out what your barrel twist is, in general it seems 5.56 have a faster twist, so they should prefer heavier bullets,

seems like 223 standard bullet is 55gr, whereas the 5.56 you may find in 62gr or heavier.

good luck!

 

[Bonecollector]

Husky,
Yes, it's called the Wylde Chamber, thus it shoots both rounds. The twist rate is 1-8".
Realizing it will shoot both, which should it theoretically shoot better...
OCD makes you split hairs. I know I can run it through a chrono and get it on paper, just wonder what the masses on Eastman thought since very one seems to own one. This will be my first. Figured I'd better get one while I could!

 

[Tim McCoy]

Husky,
Yes, it's called the Wylde Chamber, thus it shoots both rounds. The twist rate is 1-8".
Realizing it will shoot both, which should it theoretically shoot better...
OCD makes you split hairs. I know I can run it through a chrono and get it on paper, just wonder what the masses on Eastman thought since very one seems to own one. This will be my first. Figured I'd better get one while I could!

I went with 5.56. Be a gun for plinking for the kids/grandkids.

 

[HuskyMusky]

Husky,
Yes, it's called the Wylde Chamber, thus it shoots both rounds. The twist rate is 1-8".
Realizing it will shoot both, which should it theoretically shoot better...
OCD makes you split hairs. I know I can run it through a chrono and get it on paper, just wonder what the masses on Eastman thought since very one seems to own one. This will be my first. Figured I'd better get one while I could!

Must've missed that part.

I believe the wylde was designed to shoot both and maximize accuracy.
I probably would have gone with the wylde had that been an option, but I went 5.56

I think for you it's all fair game, and whatever shoots best, shots best.

although I would think the 5.56 would have better potential, but again you might find a 223 load that shoots best.

there's a chart on the internet that shows twist rates.
found it!
says for 1:8, 62-77grs as ideal.

I have a 1:7, but still can shoot 55 etc... just haven't found the perfect load, but shoot be on the heavier end.

good luck.

 

[LaHunter]

which round will be more accurate will likely be gun specific and ammo specific. I am just assuming that is what you mean by 'efficient'??
I have an AR-15 that is chambered for both 5.56 and .223 that is a Bushmaster Varmint model with a 24" barrel. I have never fed it 5.56 ammo, but the .223 Federal (55 grain & 69 grain) ammo will shoot in the neighborhood of .5 moa out to 200 yards, as long as the wind is calm. The .223 ammo will likely have better hunting type ammo available, it that matters. I wouldn't get caught up in which will shoot faster mv.

 

[Bonecollector]

Thanks guys. Was looking for accuracy and flatter shooting. I plan to use this out to 300 yds predator hunting with a fixed scope so looking for best options. I hear the 60-70 gr is best for 1"-8, but they all seem to be very accurate out of the wylde based on internet readings. Just figured one has to be better than the other.
It's always fun to try new things.

 

[NE69]

I have almost ordered an upper in 224 Valkyrie lately. Really like my AR, just looking for something closer to my 220 Swift performance over the 223. Any info or thoughts on it? Tim, I?m sure you can help me with some good info?


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[Tim McCoy]

The 224 Valkyrie, as I recall, is more like the Creedmore cartridges in intent. Long for caliber bullets to resist wind drift for LR shooting. Not saying one could not launch 55 ish Swift style bullets, but the real fast twist barrel may not be optimal. I might put the 22 Nosler in your decision set. If max velocity is the goal, which ever case has more capacity may be the way to go and get a barrel twist optimized for the bullet weight you plan to use most.

I do think the Valkyrie, with its 90 grain offerings, might be a good small deer/antelope rifle, kids and recoil shy folks. Fed loads their Fusion bullet in it at 90 gr. iirc. Had it been out, I probably would have one instead of the 6.5 Grendel I got for the grandkids to hunt with
for the lower recoil. They can hunt here at age 9, so recoil is an issue. I have not shot the 22N or 224V, so it’s all based off what I have read about them. I have looked at both in loaded ammo, either should out do a 223/5.56 with the same bullet weights.

 

[tim]

American rifleman just had an article on the 224 valerkery or however you spell it.