This may have been discussed before, but I've had it with the search feature on this site.  Everytime I use it I get no results, and then I change my search criteria but have to wait 60 seconds to search again.  Complaining aside...

I've googled several times with different wordings things like "5.56 vs. .223 accuracy"  or "5.56 better penetration than .223"  and all I ever come up with is the same old discussions about the difference between 5.56  and .223 as far as SAMI pressure and casing measurements.  I can't seem to find a ballstics chart or any other type of a breakdown of the power and accuracy differences between the two.

I'm sure it can't be THAT much, but my point in bringing this up is because I don't have a lot of 5.56 at my disposal here locally.  I can get .223 (however things are drying up around here just like everywhere else), but things marked 5.56mm are not available.  I can order on the internet sure, but I'd like to support some of our local shops.  I don't really mind paying a bit extra per box if it goes to my community, but that's just me.

So, am I at a disadvantage if i shoot .223 defensivley?  Do I sacrifice a lot by using it instead of milsurp ammo marked 5.56mm?  Do they not fly as true?  Do they not hit as hard?

I'm guessing that the first reply to this post will be a link to either a chart, or to another thread discussing the same thing.  Like I said, I can't ever figure out the search funcion on this site.

I'm still a nOOb, but I think the differences relate to velocity and attribute to accuracy. However those would be at a decent distance, and I don't think of self defense at more than 100 yards. I'd say any kind of round is better than none when you're in a life threatening situation. Putting rounds on target would be the best thing for me to concentrate on.

Might want to take this to the ammo forum.  This is not an easily answered question based on the information you provided. It depends which 5.56 and .223 you are talking about.  In theory .223 loads will be more accurate than 5.56 loads using the same bullet.  A 75 grain OTM .223 round would make for a better defensive round than a 55 grain 5.56 round.   Lots of variables though.  Have you read the Ammo Oracle?

FWIW, the specific bullet you are shooting is more important for wounding and accuracy potential than how it's loaded (223 vs 5.56). Hornady 75gr TAP OTM is a good example.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

Let me be the first second to point you in this direction.

ETA:

DATA

Thank you VERY much for posting that link FoxHerb

I lost it during my last reformat

Computer took a crap the day after I posted this.  Got a new one built and just wanted to thank all of you for the info.  Nice links.  I knew everyone would come through for me.

Whatever YOU and your weapon can put repeated rounds on the target with is what's important. The difference between 5.56 and .223 doesn't amount to dick in reality.

In "defensive" shooting you're going to be killing things close to you, probably very close to you. So worrying about the difference between 1 and 3 MOA is pointless.

So don't worry about it. Buy what you can get and train with that as much as you can. That's really all that matters.

AR15.com Ammo Oracle - link

5.56 will penetrate deeper then .223 Remington because the .223 isn't loaded with a Armor Piercing bullet.   "The M995 is a 5.56-mm Armor Piercing (AP) cartridge that provides an AP capability for the M16A2 rifle, the M4 carbine, and the Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). This cartridge were designed to augment the fielded version of the ammunition M855.  Its capablitiy was tested against a BRDM-2 armored vehicle."




CD

Thats just 5.56 AP not the standard issue M885 5.56. That statement does nothing for what he is asking.

Considering the wide variety of bullets offered in both 5.56 and .223 loads, the only real statement you can make it that any given bullet at .223 velocity will function the same as the same bullet fired at 5.56 velocity from ~50 yards further away.

Penetration is a function of bullet type and velocity; accuracy is a funtion of many things.

Since M995 cannot legally be sold to civilians, your point is pretty much moot.

Jackslap,

Spend some timing reading through the linked threads below and you'll find answers to some of your questions.


5.56mm Duty Loads

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=19881



5.56 mm 55 gr M193 Terminal Performance Thoughts

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=26905




Hornady 5.56 TAP vs TAP FPD

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=16&t=283506




Speer 64 grain Gold Dot LE gel test results

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=16&t=427702




Ballistic Gel Test Results for Prvi Partizan OTM

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=16&t=430256