5.56 surplus?

njs86

Member
Rating - 100%
4   0   0
Location
Ladner, BC
Have a bunch of 5.56 mm ball m193 winchester western division. Trying to decide if I should sell the ammo/trade it for a different gun/cash or buy a gun so I can shoot the stuff. Anyone know the value? Suggestions on non restricted guns that can shoot this stuff that's not crazy expensive?
 
I'd decide based on how much a 'bunch' represents. You want a semi or bolt action? Any .223 rifle will shoot it.
 
I'd decide based on how much a 'bunch' represents. You want a semi or bolt action? Any .223 rifle will shoot it.

It's not a great idea to be shooting 5.56mm out of a gun chambered for .223, although shooting .223 in a gun chambered for 5.56 is fine.
 
It's not a great idea to be shooting 5.56mm out of a gun chambered for .223, although shooting .223 in a gun chambered for 5.56 is fine.
It's FAR more complex than that. There are many quite informative and well research articles written on the subject. Of course there are also mountains of misinformation since it's the internet and very stubborn opinions that likely will never change.
 
It's FAR more complex than that. There are many quite informative and well research articles written on the subject. Of course there are also mountains of misinformation since it's the internet and very stubborn opinions that likely will never change.

Doesn't seem too complex at all! Just look it up on SAAMI's website, they are pretty clear on the subject.
 
and most likely a semi. i have a bolt in 30-06 im quite fond of...mind you with all that ammo another bolt wouldnt be the worst
 
Well if you're sitting on that much surplus I'd go semi ....... Ruger Mini 14 comes to mind. You'll probably find that that ammo may not be accurate enough for your liking in a bolt gun. Could always sell some of the ammo to fund the mini14? Or ....... you might just get lucky and find a bolt gun that loves that particular ammo. Just depends what your needs/wants & expectations are. If all you want to do is plink and aren't worried about holes touching then maybe it's good enough?
 
Doesn't seem too complex at all! Just look it up on SAAMI's website, they are pretty clear on the subject.
SAAMI also says 45-70 is not to exceed 28,000CUP but it's perfectly safe in certain firearms.
There can be dangerous combinations with 5.56 and 223 in certain firearms with certain ammo. There were some published lab results where M855 "green tip" caused 70k psi pressure in a minimum spec match cut 223 chamber with super short throats but that 5.56 ammo is unsafe to fire in certain 5.56 stamped military firearms. Earlier model M16's in the US had shorter throats and the military had to tell soldiers not to fire M855 in those rifles. Regular 5.56 in normal factory 223 chambers does not produce dangerous pressures.
They keep the rules simple for liability and safety reasons. That doesn't mean the reasons are simple.
 
What's the value on this particular ammo roughly to help me assess what I would need to sell to fund a purchase of a rifle

As Red ape said, you're looking at $1,200 to $2,000 for the lot. Unfortunately, unless you are considering a Norinco / Dominion AR-15, NEA-15, T-97, there's not a lot for that money that will leave you some to shoot. (I'm sure I've missed some, but my point is there are not a lot of sub $2K semi auto's chambered to 5.56 specs.)

For bolt action, I would pick up a Ruger Gunsite Scout in a heartbeat. I'm sure there are others options out there too.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom