.223 VS 5.56 ammo in Alcor
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FYI
Based on information from gun forums and online retailers, the Alcor rifle is chambered in .223 Remington, not 5.56 NATO, which is the most likely cause of reduced accuracy. The 5.56 round is designed for higher pressures and has different chamber dimensions, which negatively affect the performance and accuracy of a rifle chambered specifically for .223.
Here's a breakdown of the technical reasons why mixing ammunition affects accuracy and safety:
The key differences in ammunition
While the external dimensions of .223 and 5.56 cartridges are nearly identical, the internal and pressure specifications are different.
- Chamber pressure: 5.56 NATO ammunition is loaded to a higher pressure (around 58,000–60,000 PSI) than .223 Remington ammunition (around 55,000 PSI).
- Chamber leade: The most significant difference is the leade, or throat, which is the distance from the cartridge mouth to the rifling in the barrel. The leade in a 5.56 chamber is approximately 0.125 inches longer than in a .223 chamber.
How this affects the Alcor rifle
When you use 5.56 ammunition in a rifle chambered for .223, the following issues occur, leading to reduced accuracy and potential safety risks:
- Pressure spike: The shorter leade of the .223 chamber, combined with the higher pressures of the 5.56 round, creates an almost instantaneous pressure spike when the bullet engages the rifling.
- Inconsistent chambering: This uncontrolled pressure can result in inconsistent bullet seating and speed, which significantly harms accuracy. Some Alcor owners on forums reported "badly" jamming when using 5.56 ammo.
- Premature wear: The Alcor's melonite-treated barrel is durable but not designed for the increased, repetitive strain from over-pressured rounds. This can cause faster wear and tear over time.
- Inconsistent velocity: The inconsistent pressure and bullet jump can cause variations in muzzle velocity, which will make your shots group less tightly and can be especially noticeable at longer ranges.
General reviews of the Alcor rifle
The Alcor 223 is a semi-automatic hunting rifle manufactured by Akdaş Silah. According to reviews, its accuracy is generally very good when using the correct ammunition.
Reviews frequently mention the following points:
- Accurate with .223 ammo: Users firing .223 ammunition often report good accuracy, especially with match-grade or higher-quality hunting rounds.
- Lightweight: Its lightweight design is comfortable for hunting and moving around in the field but can cause a "slight flyer" from a light barrel heating up quickly.
- Reliability: The rifle has been reported to cycle reliably with appropriate ammunition and polymer magazines.
- Classic styling: The Alcor is often praised for its classic wood stock aesthetic.
In summary: If you are experiencing poor accuracy with your Alcor rifle, the most likely culprit is using 5.56 NATO ammunition. Switching to high-quality .223 Remington ammunition is the safest way to improve your rifle's accuracy and longevity.