First let me say I think this site is great. Out of all the post I have read, I have yet to see one flame war, it is nice to see that people can dissagree and not get flamed for it.  First question... I understand the need to be able to carry a lot of ammo when in combat and the .223 is good for that. But why other than that would the military choose a calibar with such a small slug? I assume the high vilocity makes up for the size? Is there a website or a place at AR-15 that has all the terms used for the rifle and other things to do with the sport like MOA, etc. I have looked on AR-15 but have yet to find anything, unless I just haven't found it yet.
I would also like to say thanks to all who give the information for us newbies to learn, and to all who have in the past, who are now and who will in the future, serve our country...I salute you, and you have my deepest respect. hail2.gif

Quoted: First let me say I think this site is great. Out of all the post I have read, I have yet to see one flame war, it is nice to see that people can dissagree and not get flamed for it.  First question... I understand the need to be able to carry a lot of ammo when in combat and the .223 is good for that. But why other than that would the military choose a calibar with such a small slug? I assume the high vilocity makes up for the size? Is there a website or a place at AR-15 that has all the terms used for the rifle and other things to do with the sport like MOA, etc. I have looked on AR-15 but have yet to find anything, unless I just haven't found it yet. I would also like to say thanks to all who give the information for us newbies to learn, and to all who have in the past, who are now and who will in the future, serve our country...I salute you, and you have my deepest respect.

This is where everyone says, "read the ammo oracle."  its www.ammo-oracle.com.  That explains alot of the effectiveness of the 5.56.  As for the why, that's a different story and as for terms, read a manual for the ar15.

Welcome to the site! Actually, there are LOTS of flame wars here, but most are kinda fun. I take it you haven't read the Oracle? Read that, lots of  info about the 5.56x45 (.223) cartridge.

Oracle

In a nutshell, yes, the velocity makes up for the small bullet size, for the most part. The general consensus is that it's even more damagin to people than the 7.62x51 inside 100 yds (at least from a 20" barrel, using normal NATO pressure FMJ ammo).

Quoted: I have yet to see one flame war

Aint been here long have you?

Quoted: Quoted: I have yet to see one flame war Aint been here long have you?

Nope...now I'm on my way to the oracle...

You seem like a real nice person, lots of people here give good advise and are very helpful, there are some tho that will stomp on every question you ask. The good ones here far outweigh the bad ones tho.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I have yet to see one flame war Aint been here long have you? Nope...now I'm on my way to the oracle...

All you have to do is search Colt, and you will find millions of flame wars here. ARFCOM I think holds the guiness book of world records of the most flame wars on a forum.

Welcome to the board, but beware that some people are just full of sarcasm and derive great pleasure in tormenting others.  But some are great people with lots of advice to give.  You may not get flammed but you may need thick skin at times.

He went to go read the oracle at 10:27.

That's the last we've seen of him for the evening.