.223/5.56 clarification

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  • jworm1420

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    Feb 25, 2012
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    ok I'm trying my hand at reloading .223, so go buy 5.56 bulk ball ammo, and realize my projectiles i have are specifically .233. so my question is can i use that 5.56 brass to reload .223 projectiles. i know my post might not make a lot of sense but i can explain if its too vague. clarification would b appreciated. i understand that .223 and 5.56 round are basically the same. but any finer points explanation would b appreciated thanks everyone.
     

    jworm1420

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    yes that part i understand, but i mean specifically in terms of brass. let me be more specific. i bought 5.56 bulk ammo because i had planned on reloading my ammo from now on. i had some projectiles to begin learning how to reload .223. my question is if i trim the cases can i use a .223 (.224) projectile in the once fired 5.56 brass i collected????? my rifle is barreled for 5.56 /.223 thank u
     

    U.S. Patriot

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    yes that part i understand, but i mean specifically in terms of brass. let me be more specific. i bought 5.56 bulk ammo because i had planned on reloading my ammo from now on. i had some projectiles to begin learning how to reload .223. my question is if i trim the cases can i use a .223 (.224) projectile in the once fired 5.56 brass i collected????? my rifle is barreled for 5.56 /.223 thank u

    It does not matter. The neck diameter is the same size, so is the bullet diameter.
     

    jworm1420

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    thank u everyone. i was under the impression it was basically the same bras, just wanted to make sure. as i am new at the reloading thing. thanks again everyone.
     

    elwoodward

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    You are gtg but for a better understanding on the brass of 5.56 vs .223 check out the pictures below.
    5.56
    5.56x45mm_NATO.jpg


    2.23
    800px-.223_Remington.jpg
     

    Mgderf

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    thank u everyone. i was under the impression it was basically the same bras, just wanted to make sure. as i am new at the reloading thing. thanks again everyone.

    Bullet diameter is the same (.224) the case size is slightly different. 5.56 ammunition (Nato) generally has slightly thicker brass at the case neck.
     

    sloughfoot

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    Apr 17, 2008
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    When you resize 5.56 brass in a 223 die, it is sized to 223. Even so, there is not enough difference between the two to worry about.

    You could buy brand new unfired 5.56 brass, load it up with a 55 grain FMJ bullet and shoot it out of a 223 rifle at 3200 fps with no worry.

    A 55 grain FMJ commercial bullet is identical to a 55 grain mil-surp bullet.

    You are GTG all the way around.
     

    smileman

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    Mar 7, 2012
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    read at least 2 good reloading manuals like SPEER, HORNADY, HODGDONS, or LYMAN and ask as many reloaders as many questions as you can.
     
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