.223 vs 5.56 explained

[Scratch]

I get asked all the time about the difference between the 5.56 and the .223. I found this video to be very easy to understand so I thought I'd share.

[Snakeman721]

Good video, thanks! On a similar note, is there a difference between the 7.62 NATO round and the .308 hunting round? Can you shoot 7.62 NATO in your bolt action .308 deer rifle?

[farmerj]

Good video, thanks! On a similar note, is there a difference between the 7.62 NATO round and the .308 hunting round? Can you shoot 7.62 NATO in your bolt action .308 deer rifle?

Similar to the 5.56 vs .223.

[Stugotz]

Can you shoot 7.62 NATO in your bolt action .308 deer rifle?

Yes, it is safe to do so.

[Snakeman721]

Can you shoot 7.62 NATO in your bolt action .308 deer rifle?

Yes, it is safe to do so.

Thanks!

[farmerj]

http://www.fulton-armory.com/%5Cfaqs%5C ... %5C308.htm

[Snakeman721]

http://www.fulton-armory.com/%5Cfaqs%5CM14-FAQs%5C308.htm

If I understand the link above...it's OK to use 7.62 NATO ammo in a .308 hunting rifle but NOT OK to use .308 ammo in a 7.62 NATO rifle. That sound about right? I'm asking because I have a bolt action .308 rifle and can possibly get hold of some 7.62 NATO ammo at a good price. FMJ ammo, but good for putting holes in paper.

[farmerj]

if you get a tight bolt in your .308 from shooting 7.62, STOP, you are over-pressuring it.

but yes...

The military chambers tend to be a bit longer because of carbon build up for full-auto or high round count usage between cleanings. That's the biggy for not using "civilian" ammo in a military rifle.

Military ammo tends to be a bit hotter on the spec than civilian ammo so it can lead to pressure issues in a SAAMI spec round like .308.

[MaryB]

My Savage Axis is marked .223 but many claim it will accommodate 5.56 just fine. If you look at the barrel and how stout it is made the little extra pressure(about 10,000 psi from what I have seen) is not that big of an issue. But in rifles with a wimpier barrel profile I could see it causing a problem possibly..

[shooter115]

It's amazing how many people just don't get this and yet make ridiculous claims that they swear is the truth. Most common include.....5.56 case necks are longer and 5.56 brass holds more powder

[Snakeman721]

if you get a tight bolt in your .308 from shooting 7.62, STOP, you are over-pressuring it.

but yes...

The military chambers tend to be a bit longer because of carbon build up for full-auto or high round count usage between cleanings. That's the biggy for not using "civilian" ammo in a military rifle.

Military ammo tends to be a bit hotter on the spec than civilian ammo so it can lead to pressure issues in a SAAMI spec round like .308.

I have not had that experience yet, since I've only shot .308 in my rifle. Which is the reason I ask, before I drop a wad of cash on some bulk 7.62 NATO. I can get the 7.62 for about half the cost of .308 hunting rounds....which I would use for paper punching. But if the 7.62 is tight or won't chamber in my .308 rifle, then I'm stuck with a bunch of ammo I can't use......hence, my questions.

[farmerj]

I have shot hirtenberg surplus in a rem 788 in .308 and the bolt got tight. Buddy put it in his 700, same issue.

Another guy tried it in his savage, no issues. So he got some decent ammo.

[Ironbear]

I purchased some 7.62 from an acquaintance who tried it in his .308, and found he would occasionally need tools to open the bolt. Decided it wasn't worth it. Worked fine in my .308. Seems to be most likely in rifles with "tight" specs.