As I debate the parts for my AR build, I figured I should really find out the difference between the .223 and 5.56… I did some research at work today (LOVE MY JOB) for an easy-to-understand article about the difference. Surprisingly, the USCCA didn’t have any articles about the difference in our blog!
But our friends at Palmetto State Armory did!
https://palmettostatearmory.com/blog/the-difference-between-556-223.html
If you have an AR, what caliber is yours? And why did you choose it?
I got mine in 5.56. I don’t know of any companies that chamber an AR in .223 rem. There is the .223 wylde which isnt a cartridge, but a chambering, that allows it to fire both .223 rem and 5.56, and I guess is supposed to optimize performance in the .223. Idk, I just got a 5.56 and group pretty well with .223 rem. Just waiting on my Fed tax return to get 1k of 5.56.
I have an FNH Tactical Carbine chambered in 5.56 and the reason was so I could shoot both 5.56 and .223 ammo in it without complications. There are so many reasons why I chose it like this but ultimately I could not be more happier with the choice.
5.56, and in my opinion the best route. There really isnt a big price difference between the two when is comes to what its chambered in. But the 5.56 is designed to handle more pressure.
The 223 wylde is supposed to be the best of both worlds. But as previously mentioned I see no difference in performance Shooting 223.
I think twist rate is a bigger difference maker
5.56! Only way to go! Maybe, somewhat, your mileage may vary, some assembly required.
if you are set on these calibers then I would build it in .223 wylde so either can be used but if you haven’t settled then consider 300 blackout
5.56. You really need the higher pressures with a semi auto to function reliably.
Mine is an APF Econo Carbine AR-15, Semi-Automatic, .223 Wylde. The .223 Wylde (invented by Bill Wylde) is a hybrid chamber that shoots both .223 and 5.56 but it’s priced like a .223
I’ve had, .223 Wylde, 5.56, .300 Blackout and recently swapped out the 5.56 for a 9mm upper for use with Mean Arms endomag kits in magpul pmags.
I have multi’s too so I fire either. I usually buy 5.56 ammo. I’ve seen AR’s in .223. I do have a .300 BO as well. Can’t leave anybody out.
I made a few knives, cut a tree down, and sold a gun, then built this AR. Ballistic Advantage upper (aero precision basically), Sons Of Liberty Gun Works lower, BCM lower part kit, Aero buffer tube, and magpul stock. My next purchase will be a Steiner 5201 P3TR scope for it, as I want a scope that is rated for abuse. I am pretty proud of this rifle build.
James give this one a look. I have them on all my SD AR’s and my Dangerous game rifles.
I’ve been running them since 2016 with zero issues and I carry these in both trucks on my AR’s constantly as my “truck guns”.
I have the green German post reticle for fast acquisition an I never have a problem picking it up instantly in any lighting conditions.
@WildRose I was looking into the Trijicon RS24 as well as the Steiner. Both are pretty nice, rated for patrol use, and dangerous game use, so it is really a toss up right now. From the reviews and product specs I would’ve been comfortable taking either to Iraq.
My dream is an ELCAN Specter DR. But that is not in my budget at the moment.
I’m mainly a Leupold guy but I have a total now of five Trijicons and I couldn’t be happier with any of them.
The only Trijicon I have used besides a RMR on a handgun was an ACOG, and I was impressed by the ACOG, but not for the price point. To be fair, it was an army ACOG, so it was probably not in the best condition. That RMR was very nice. Itll be a bit before I can afford a nicer LPVO for my AR, so I will be doing some research. Either way, I am excited about getting good glass.
Well my first AR15 build is in the books. Other than I was sent two rear sites and no front site I am very happy with how it turned out. Nothing two fancy (I can always do more to it) but I can say it is mine and I built it.
My first introduction to the 1-6x24 was on a friend/PH’s rifle in Africa. He has a sponsorship from Trijicon so he gets lots of prototypes to bang around and review. They’d taken numerous Leopard, buffalo, several lions, rhinos, and elephant with the .375 it was mounted on in that configuration and it worked well for me.
I decided if it worked that well for them for every day use getting banged around in the bush it would probably serve me well.
I picked up two of them shortly after returning home and after confirming their toughness and utility bought three more.
Niiiice! @DBrogue that is as it should be.
Called the customer support line today, they are sending out the correct front site and do not want the duplicate rear site back. I am a happy camper 
