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11/17/2013 8:02:01 AM EDT
The .222 Remington seems to do everything the .223 does (including feed in an AR). Why was a completely different cartridge created for the AR15?
11/17/2013 8:03:07 AM EDT
[#1]
If I remember my history right...


222 has a different parent case then 223 back in the development cycle.
11/17/2013 8:03:23 AM EDT
[#2]
beacause 223 is one bigger !
11/17/2013 8:03:47 AM EDT
[#3]
because magnetic aliens
11/17/2013 8:05:08 AM EDT
[#4]

Quote History
Quoted:


If I remember my history right...





222 has a different parent case then 223 back in the development cycle.
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The parent case of the .223 is the .222.



 
11/17/2013 8:06:21 AM EDT
[#5]
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Quoted:
The parent case of the .223 is the .222.
 
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Quoted:
Quoted:
If I remember my history right...


222 has a different parent case then 223 back in the development cycle.
The parent case of the .223 is the .222.
 



Then I am completely wrong.


Time to do some reading.
11/17/2013 8:06:35 AM EDT
[#6]
The .223, .30-06, and .50 BMG are all different sizes versions of the same cartridge. The ratios/relationships are all the same. Its science and shit.
11/17/2013 8:06:36 AM EDT
[#7]
Too lazy to pull out my Speer book and look, apparently someone had to improve on the .222.
11/17/2013 8:09:18 AM EDT
[#8]
http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw.html
11/17/2013 8:15:17 AM EDT
[#9]
I passed up  A chance to buy a .222 Colt AR about 8? years ago for A reasonable amount. Most were made for export possibly to get around the "military caliber" ammo bans some countries had. I didn't want to be scrounging up .222 ammo with the price difference. Wasn't long after that AIM had a big sale on some .222 ammo they got in................story of my life.
11/17/2013 8:15:21 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
The parent case of the .223 is the .222.
 
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Quoted:
Quoted:
If I remember my history right...


222 has a different parent case then 223 back in the development cycle.
The parent case of the .223 is the .222.
 


.222 magnum
11/17/2013 8:16:28 AM EDT
[#11]

Quote History
Basically it was a multi-million dollar military attempt to reinvent the wheel instead of just using off the shelf ammo already known for it's accuracy?



 
11/17/2013 8:17:23 AM EDT
[#12]

Quote History
Quoted:


I passed up  A chance to buy a .222 Colt AR about 8? years ago for A reasonable amount. Most were made for export possibly to get around the "military caliber" ammo bans some countries had. I didn't want to be scrounging up .222 ammo with the price difference. Wasn't long after that AIM had a big sale on some .222 ammo they got in................story of my life.
View Quote
I know it's popular in France because they can only have 1000 rounds of .223 but can have unlimited .222 in their possession.



 
11/17/2013 8:18:00 AM EDT
[#13]
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.222 magnum
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If I remember my history right...


222 has a different parent case then 223 back in the development cycle.
The parent case of the .223 is the .222.
 


.222 magnum

.222 Remington Special.
11/17/2013 8:21:50 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
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.222 Remington Special.
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Quoted:
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If I remember my history right...


222 has a different parent case then 223 back in the development cycle.
The parent case of the .223 is the .222.
 


.222 magnum

.222 Remington Special.



You Sir, are correct! (I had to read it out of the Shooter's bible guide to cartridges}    
11/17/2013 8:27:01 AM EDT
[#15]
Read "The Black Rifle M16 Retrospective" if you can find a copy, starting on page 53 it discusses the plans for a small caliber high velocity round, and the developments that lead up to the 5.56.
11/17/2013 8:27:10 AM EDT
[#16]
Because. 222 would remind to many people of a hippy high school show from the 70's so they had to come up with something different.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
11/17/2013 8:28:15 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Quoted:
The parent case of the .223 is the .222. .222 Remington Magnum
 
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Quoted:
Quoted:
If I remember my history right...


222 has a different parent case then 223 back in the development cycle.
The parent case of the .223 is the .222. .222 Remington Magnum
 



This.
11/17/2013 8:31:06 AM EDT
[#18]
222 didn't meet the military's power requirement.
11/17/2013 8:31:27 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote History


Taken from the link above:
"The Infantry Board extends the original 300 yard "ideal" to 400 yards in order to pacify certain CONARC members, and once again to 500 yards, to insure acceptance at the Pentagon. The finalized request calls for a 6 pound, select-fire .22 caliber rifle with a conventional stock and a 20 round magazine. The proposed chambering has to penetrate the issue steel helmet, body armor, and a .135" steel plate at 500 yards, while maintaining the trajectory and accuracy of M2 ball from a M1 rifle, and equaling or exceeding the "wounding" ability of the .30 Carbine."

.222 wouldn't meet the new parameters set, so they have to beef it up some.
11/17/2013 8:32:08 AM EDT
[#20]
This is America son.  If .222 is good, .223 is better.
11/17/2013 8:34:16 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote History
Quoted:
Read "The Black Rifle M16 Retrospective" if you can find a copy, starting on page 53 it discusses the plans for a small caliber high velocity round, and the developments that lead up to the 5.56.
View Quote



Looks like Brownells has it.
11/17/2013 8:37:42 AM EDT
[#22]
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This is America son.  If .222 is good, .223 is better.
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And .224, which is what the rounds actually are, is even better!
11/17/2013 8:38:32 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote History
Quoted:

And .224, which is what the rounds actually are, is even better!
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Quoted:
This is America son.  If .222 is good, .223 is better.

And .224, which is what the rounds actually are, is even better!

.224 Weatherby Rocket!
11/17/2013 8:39:53 AM EDT
[#24]
And 5.56, is actually .2188976

.224 is 5.69 mm
11/17/2013 8:45:27 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote History


Impressively detailed.
11/17/2013 8:46:20 AM EDT
[#26]
Not to steal the OP's thunder here but I would like to know why it exists TODAY.

Why not just make all .223 to 5.56 specs?

I get that there is a cost economy issue and various varmint/hunting loads but why not keep the pressure maximums the same instead of lowering them and then calling the downloaded rounds standard.

Kind of like 7.62x51 and .308.  .308 is a higher pressure thus higher power round and that makes sense and they are not mostly not interchangeable unless specified.

I don't get how the weaker loading became the default.
11/17/2013 8:46:31 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote History
Quoted:
And 5.56, is actually .2188976

.224 is 5.69 mm
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Hey! That's like, bore diameter, man.
11/17/2013 8:50:08 AM EDT
[#28]

Quote History
Quoted:


Not to steal the OP's thunder here but I would like to know why it exists TODAY.



Why not just make all .223 to 5.56 specs?



I get that there is a cost economy issue and various varmint/hunting loads but why not keep the pressure maximums the same instead of lowering them and then calling the downloaded rounds standard.



Kind of like 7.62x51 and .308.  .308 is a higher pressure thus higher power round and that makes sense and they are not mostly not interchangeable unless specified.



I don't get how the weaker loading became the default.
View Quote
You make commercial ammo for the lowest denominator. Some bubba would put it in a 50 year old gun not able to handle it and then sue.



 
11/17/2013 8:59:35 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote History
Quoted:

.224 Weatherby Rocket!
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
This is America son.  If .222 is good, .223 is better.

And .224, which is what the rounds actually are, is even better!

.224 Weatherby Rocket!

FTW

Guess some throat erosion issues would arise.
11/17/2013 9:02:00 AM EDT
[#30]
Ayup.

Quote History
Quoted:

And .224, which is what the rounds actually are, is even better!
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Quoted:
Quoted:
This is America son.  If .222 is good, .223 is better.

And .224, which is what the rounds actually are, is even better!

11/17/2013 9:04:08 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote History
Quoted:

FTW

Guess some throat erosion issues would arise.
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
This is America son.  If .222 is good, .223 is better.

And .224, which is what the rounds actually are, is even better!

.224 Weatherby Rocket!

FTW

Guess some throat erosion issues would arise.

Performance costs money. Barrels are consumables, just like bullets, brass, and powder.

I've been wanting to make a .22-243 and nitride the barrel. I think that'd stave off the worst for a while.
11/17/2013 9:05:58 AM EDT
[#32]

Quote History
Quoted:





.224 Weatherby Rocket!
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Quoted:



Quoted:


Quoted:

This is America son.  If .222 is good, .223 is better.


And .224, which is what the rounds actually are, is even better!



.224 Weatherby Rocket!
Still fell short of my 220 Swift



 
11/17/2013 9:07:15 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote History
Quoted:

Performance costs money. Barrels are consumables, just like bullets, brass, and powder.

I've been wanting to make a .22-243 and nitride the barrel. I think that'd stave off the worst for a while.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
This is America son.  If .222 is good, .223 is better.

And .224, which is what the rounds actually are, is even better!

.224 Weatherby Rocket!

FTW

Guess some throat erosion issues would arise.

Performance costs money. Barrels are consumables, just like bullets, brass, and powder.

I've been wanting to make a .22-243 and nitride the barrel. I think that'd stave off the worst for a while.

Can't imagine that on FA
11/17/2013 9:12:41 AM EDT
[#34]
Quoted:
The .222 Remington seems to do everything the .223 does (including feed in an AR). Why was a completely different cartridge created for the AR15?
View Quote

Well, because...potato...
11/17/2013 9:16:32 AM EDT
[#35]

Quote History
Quoted:


Not to steal the OP's thunder here but I would like to know why it exists TODAY.



Why not just make all .223 to 5.56 specs?



I get that there is a cost economy issue and various varmint/hunting loads but why not keep the pressure maximums the same instead of lowering them and then calling the downloaded rounds standard.



Kind of like 7.62x51 and .308.  .308 is a higher pressure thus higher power round and that makes sense and they are not mostly not interchangeable unless specified.



I don't get how the weaker loading became the default.
View Quote


For the same reason .38 Super is commercially loaded to .38 ACP specs. Illiterate people with old guns.



 
11/17/2013 9:17:42 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote History
Quoted:
You make commercial ammo for the lowest denominator. Some bubba would put it in a 50 year old gun not able to handle it and then sue.
 
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Not to steal the OP's thunder here but I would like to know why it exists TODAY.

Why not just make all .223 to 5.56 specs?

I get that there is a cost economy issue and various varmint/hunting loads but why not keep the pressure maximums the same instead of lowering them and then calling the downloaded rounds standard.

Kind of like 7.62x51 and .308.  .308 is a higher pressure thus higher power round and that makes sense and they are not mostly not interchangeable unless specified.

I don't get how the weaker loading became the default.
You make commercial ammo for the lowest denominator. Some bubba would put it in a 50 year old gun not able to handle it and then sue.
 


Which is why most commercial .45 Colt ammo is weaker cowboy loads.
11/17/2013 9:19:23 AM EDT
[#37]
For the same reason everyone goes and buys the tape for 6 minute abs instead of the tape for 7 minute abs.
11/17/2013 9:19:49 AM EDT
[#38]
Because they don't make a 46...
11/17/2013 9:21:20 AM EDT
[#39]

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Which is why most commercial .45 Colt ammo is weaker cowboy loads.
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Quoted:



Quoted:


Quoted:

Not to steal the OP's thunder here but I would like to know why it exists TODAY.



Why not just make all .223 to 5.56 specs?



I get that there is a cost economy issue and various varmint/hunting loads but why not keep the pressure maximums the same instead of lowering them and then calling the downloaded rounds standard.



Kind of like 7.62x51 and .308.  .308 is a higher pressure thus higher power round and that makes sense and they are not mostly not interchangeable unless specified.



I don't get how the weaker loading became the default.
You make commercial ammo for the lowest denominator. Some bubba would put it in a 50 year old gun not able to handle it and then sue.

 




Which is why most commercial .45 Colt ammo is weaker cowboy loads.
Yup.   Same with 45-70



 
11/17/2013 9:23:36 AM EDT
[#40]
Because the Army didn't want a 308 AR
11/17/2013 9:26:05 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote History
Quoted:
Not to steal the OP's thunder here but I would like to know why it exists TODAY.

Why not just make all .223 to 5.56 specs?

I get that there is a cost economy issue and various varmint/hunting loads but why not keep the pressure maximums the same instead of lowering them and then calling the downloaded rounds standard.

Kind of like 7.62x51 and .308.  .308 is a higher pressure thus higher power round and that makes sense and they are not mostly not interchangeable unless specified.

I don't get how the weaker loading became the default.
View Quote


Not all .223 rifles can fire 5.56 safely.
11/17/2013 9:30:58 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote History
Quoted:


Not all .223 rifles can fire 5.56 safely.
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Not to steal the OP's thunder here but I would like to know why it exists TODAY.

Why not just make all .223 to 5.56 specs?

I get that there is a cost economy issue and various varmint/hunting loads but why not keep the pressure maximums the same instead of lowering them and then calling the downloaded rounds standard.

Kind of like 7.62x51 and .308.  .308 is a higher pressure thus higher power round and that makes sense and they are not mostly not interchangeable unless specified.

I don't get how the weaker loading became the default.


Not all .223 rifles can fire 5.56 safely.

I don't believe that.
That rumour was started by Ruger apparently some years ago and has long since been rectified
11/17/2013 9:35:40 AM EDT
[#43]

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Then I am completely wrong.





Time to do some reading.
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Quoted:



Quoted:


Quoted:

If I remember my history right...





222 has a different parent case then 223 back in the development cycle.
The parent case of the .223 is the .222.

 






Then I am completely wrong.





Time to do some reading.




I thought this was GD. Isn't reading for Faggots?



 
11/17/2013 10:45:38 AM EDT
[#44]
It's not a rumor. I've seen the effects of it.
Quote History
Quoted:

I don't believe that.
That rumour was started by Ruger apparently some years ago and has long since been rectified
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Not to steal the OP's thunder here but I would like to know why it exists TODAY.

Why not just make all .223 to 5.56 specs?

I get that there is a cost economy issue and various varmint/hunting loads but why not keep the pressure maximums the same instead of lowering them and then calling the downloaded rounds standard.

Kind of like 7.62x51 and .308.  .308 is a higher pressure thus higher power round and that makes sense and they are not mostly not interchangeable unless specified.

I don't get how the weaker loading became the default.


Not all .223 rifles can fire 5.56 safely.

I don't believe that.
That rumour was started by Ruger apparently some years ago and has long since been rectified

11/17/2013 10:48:01 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote History
Quoted:
You make commercial ammo for the lowest denominator. Some bubba would put it in a 50 year old gun not able to handle it and then sue.
 
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Not to steal the OP's thunder here but I would like to know why it exists TODAY.

Why not just make all .223 to 5.56 specs?

I get that there is a cost economy issue and various varmint/hunting loads but why not keep the pressure maximums the same instead of lowering them and then calling the downloaded rounds standard.

Kind of like 7.62x51 and .308.  .308 is a higher pressure thus higher power round and that makes sense and they are not mostly not interchangeable unless specified.

I don't get how the weaker loading became the default.
You make commercial ammo for the lowest denominator. Some bubba would put it in a 50 year old gun not able to handle it and then sue.
 


That is exactly my point 5.56/.223 didn't exist until it was developed for the military, just like .308.

There shouldn't be any outdated out of spec rifles if there had never been a distinction between .223 and 5.56 from SAAMI.
11/17/2013 12:46:11 PM EDT
[#46]
A somewhat interesting article that is tangential to this topic: http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/5-56-vs-223/