AR 15 ammunition...again!

[Rule 303]

Some 20 years ago I bought, new, a Colt HBAR.

On the receiver is engraved:

Sporter Match HBAR

Cal. .223.

On the barrel is engraved:

5.56 NATO 1/7 HBAR.

Notwithstanding the above sticky (with SAAMIs input), the engravings seem
to imply that both calibres are interchangeable.

Indeed, the first page of the manual states that suitable ammunition is:

.223 Remington (Rem) (5.56mm).

Doesn't this close the arguement about this issue? Surely Colt themselves know
what's best to shoot from their own rifle?

 

[2bad4u2]

The best way to know for sure is to sell it to me and I'll let you know the results. Mmmm...k?

 

[Jay]

I have always used them interchangeably, right or wrong, I have never noticed any problems...

Have a look here; http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...s-5-56-x-45-mm-NATO-is-it-safe-to-interchange

Cheers
Jay

 

[*MALICE*]

I would go by the barrel as the gun is modular. In this case you can shoot either.

 

[Clubhopper]

I would go by the barrel as well.

 

[kasper.]

If the rifle is made to accomodate both that doesn't settle an argument that they are interchangeable for all rifles. Just clarifies yours. Whatever the truth of the matter may be, I just think that's an important consideration.

See .223 Wylde.

 

[Dr van Nostran]

Some 20 years ago I bought, new, a Colt HBAR.

On the receiver is engraved:

Sporter Match HBAR

Cal. .223.

On the barrel is engraved:

5.56 NATO 1/7 HBAR.

Notwithstanding the above sticky (with SAAMIs input), the engravings seem
to imply that both calibres are interchangeable.

Indeed, the first page of the manual states that suitable ammunition is:

.223 Remington (Rem) (5.56mm).

Doesn't this close the arguement about this issue? Surely Colt themselves know
what's best to shoot from their own rifle?

Colt AR15s are chambered for 5.56, despite what is stamped on the lower receiver.

.223 Was the designation used on semi auto rifles. Select fire military rifles were marked 5.56.

They all used the same barrels, hence the 5.56 NATO markings.

This really isn't an issue for most AR15s, just SAMMI spec sporting rifles.

I think even Mini 14s have 5.56 chambers

 

[crashcollins]

The lowers are all actually multi caliber capable. You can put a 6.8 SPC upper on a .223 lower and safely shoot; so always go by the barrel marking. And yes 5.56 ammo is different from .223 ammo, when SAMMI says they are different there is usually a good reason.

 

[GLOCK_PERFECTION]

I'd go with the barrel marking.

 

[shredder]

The OP has the same rifle I do, and I shoot 5.56 NATO ammo in it without problems (when I can get my hands on some - mostly I shoot .223 SAAMI spec ammo).

Always go by what the barrel says, not what might be on the receiver. That goes for ANY gun.

 

[Rule 303]

Thanks everyone for your valuable inputs.

I'm much more enlightened.

 

[moosedude]

Even my reloading manual lists them as the same thing. Different designations for the same ammo. At some point past maybe there was a difference, but I have never met anyone who couldnt interchange them