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Posted: 9/6/2004 4:58:14 PM EDT
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I have a Bushmaster Varminter. This and the DCM rifles are the only two rifles that Bushmaster makes that are .223 chambered. I purchased Winchester Q3131A ammo. Since this is 5.56, is it safe to shoot in my rifle? Thank you... |
| Q. What is the difference between 5.56×45mm and .223 Remington ammo? from ammo-oracle. |
Taken from OA Opinion: In general it is a bad idea to attempt to fire 5.56 rounds (e.g., M193, M855) in .223 chambers, particularly with older rifles. Fact: SAAMI specifically warns against the use of 5.56mm ammo in .223 chambers. The .223 SAAMI specification was originally made with bolt rifles in mind. |
From the Bushmaster site on the Varminter's 24" heavy barrel assembly: Both 5.56mm and .223 Rem. ammunition can be safely used in the Varminter Barrel. A hybrid chambering – featuring a tight headspacing from the shoulder of the chamber to the bolt face – offers a longer “Leade” or throat to alleviate higher pressures that could be encountered if 5.56mm ammunition was used in a true .223 chamber with a shorter “Leade” or throat. |
As I said, YES. In a Bushmaster can shoot both. |
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What I'm getting from most of the answers is that it is safe to shoot 5.56mm. So is one (.223 5.56) more accurate than the other? Finally, after shooting a 1000 rounds or so will it do damage to my weapon since mine has saami specs. Thanks for all of your anwsers... Wes |
.223 is typically more accurate. I'd try 68gr Hornadys, 69gr Sierras, 73gr Bergers and 77gr Sierras. The 77gr Sierras may or may not stabilize out of your barrel. 73gr should be fine. If not then your best would be 68gr Hornadys or 69gr Sierra. It all depends if your rifling on closer to 1x8 or 1x10 twist. Not all rifling is the same. 1x9 could actually be 1x8.5 to 1x9.4 |
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