GUNTALK S2: Inside Black Hills Ammunition - Ep 9, Pt 3

Published on October 31, 2012
Duration: 4:19

This segment from Gun Talk S2, Episode 9, Part 3, features Jeff Hoffman from Black Hills Ammunition and Mike from Colt discussing the critical differences between 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington cartridges and their respective rifle chambers. They explain that while 5.56 NATO chambered rifles can generally fire both, .223 Remington chambers should only use .223 ammunition due to potential safety issues arising from differences in chamber throat length and its impact on pressure. The discussion also touches on the '223 Wild' chambering, designed for accuracy and capable of safely firing both, and demonstrates long-range shooting with a Colt rifle at 600 yards, highlighting wind's impact and the advantages of semi-automatic follow-up shots.

Quick Summary

You should not shoot 5.56 NATO ammunition in a rifle chambered for .223 Remington. SAAMI deems this unsafe due to the .223 chamber's shorter throat, which can cause dangerous pressure spikes. Rifles chambered for 5.56 NATO can typically fire both 5.56 and .223 rounds safely.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Sponsors
  2. 00:255.56 vs .223 Ammo Question
  3. 00:385.56 Chamber Rules
  4. 00:46.223 Chamber Rules & SAAMI
  5. 01:06The '223 Wild' Chamber
  6. 01:30Long Range Shooting Demo
  7. 01:45M16 Effective Range vs. Modern Capabilities
  8. 02:11Wind as a Factor in Long Range
  9. 02:22Shooting and Correction
  10. 02:52Recoil and Spotting Impacts
  11. 03:05Chamber Dimension Differences
  12. 03:14Sectioned Barrel Illustration
  13. 03:37Throat Area and Bullet Jump
  14. 03:48Pressure Spikes Explained
  15. 04:03Summary of Chamber Rules
  16. 04:09Next Topic: .223 Load Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shoot 5.56 ammo in my .223 rifle?

No, you should not shoot 5.56 NATO ammunition in a rifle chambered specifically for .223 Remington. SAAMI considers this an unsafe combination. While a 5.56 NATO chamber can typically handle both, a .223 Remington chamber has a shorter throat, which can lead to dangerous pressure spikes if 5.56 NATO rounds are used.

What is the difference between a 5.56 NATO and a .223 Remington chamber?

The primary difference lies in the chamber's throat length. A 5.56 NATO chamber generally has a longer throat, allowing the bullet more freebore before engaging the rifling. A .223 Remington chamber typically has a shorter throat, which can increase pressure if a longer, higher-pressure 5.56 NATO round is fired.

What is the '223 Wild' chambering?

The '223 Wild' chambering is a specialized, accuracy-focused chamber designed to safely fire both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington commercial ammunition. It is designed with a longer throat, similar to a 5.56 NATO chamber, making it a versatile and safe option for shooters who use both types of ammunition.

How does chamber design affect shooting at long range?

Chamber design, particularly the throat length, influences bullet jump to the rifling. This affects pressure levels. For long-range shooting, factors like bullet aerodynamics, rifle accuracy, and the ability to make wind corrections are crucial. Semi-automatic actions also aid in making rapid follow-up shots to adjust aim.

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