How safe is this? I've heard you shouldn't shoot copper jacketed rounds after lead rounds because of the extra pressure. I'm using a copper plated .22 in my AR 15 with a conversion kit. Is it safe to fire a few hundred rounds of .22 then a bunch of .223?
Shooting .22 through AR, then .223?
- Thread starter 41 Colt
- Start date
no - you will see the lead scrape out when cleaning after those bullets. Also any greasy bullet lube on the .22 bullets can also cause damage when high pressure bullets are fired through it. Remember basic safety rules about barrel obstructions ? And always run a dry patch down an oily bore prior to shooting ? Other than blowing a barrel , the copper of a .556 wont engage the rifling properly.
I understand the theory and science behind this but in reality...
When I first got my AR I tried lead .22 and copper plated .22 and found the .223's had some pressure signs on the brass after shooting the plated .22's.
Now I just use the regular lead .22's and run a bore snake through before I swap over to .223. Never had any problems. I even shoot cast .223 with really good lube without any problems shooting FMJ after. Again, I just run a bore snake through first.
Not because of the change in cartridges but I usually run a bore snake through (even handguns) every so often anyways or when I change types of ammo/bullets. Just makes the big cleaning at home easier and less time consuming.
When I first got my AR I tried lead .22 and copper plated .22 and found the .223's had some pressure signs on the brass after shooting the plated .22's.
Now I just use the regular lead .22's and run a bore snake through before I swap over to .223. Never had any problems. I even shoot cast .223 with really good lube without any problems shooting FMJ after. Again, I just run a bore snake through first.
Not because of the change in cartridges but I usually run a bore snake through (even handguns) every so often anyways or when I change types of ammo/bullets. Just makes the big cleaning at home easier and less time consuming.
