OK, I'm new and still trying to figure out this AR15 beast. Tell me if I am wrong in the way I understand this. A 5.56 will shoot a .223 bullet, and a .223 Wylde will shoot either 5.56 or .223? Also, while i have this open, I'm looking at reloading. The way I understand it, the 5.56 shell is thicker than a .223 shell. This would lead me to believe that it is more reliable for reloading, is that true? How many cycle can I expect from reloaded 5.56?
Thanks!

.223 and 5.56 are the same, only difference is 5.56 has crimped primers



how many reloads you can get out of a piece of brass depends on who made it and how hot you're reloading them.  Brittle brass loaded hot, you'll be lucky to get 2-3 reloads out of piece of brass before the case neck splits or the primer pockets get loose



Here is the only dimensional differences between 5.56 and .223, it's in the chamber throat






 

Thanks for that info! How does the Wylde shell differ? And I assume 300 Blackout isn't compatible with the 5.56.

The Wylde is a type of .223 chamber, not a round. The .300 Blackout is a 30 caliber round. Google is your friend.

A minor but significant difference.

Do not get into reloading to save money. There is a considerable amount of equipment necessary to reload safely. That is the key point safety. Yes, a person can get a whole Dillion setup - or even a Lee in a box - - But you need more than just the press and dies and cartridge components to get it done properly.  By the time you've gotten properly geared up, you'd will have to load thousands and thousands of rounds to break even.

BUT WAIT! You will find that you can't crank out hundreds of rounds at first. You will find you have to to load a few at a time, and TEST THEM. That takes time. So months and dozens of round go downrange before you can be confident that the reloads are SAFE and RELIABLE and finally, accurate.

I'm just saying, know why you are getting into reloading, and do it for the right reasons.

Reloading never saved anyone I know one red cent.

We all just shoot more for the same cost as before

Or to shoot match-grade quality ammo for nearly the same price as surplus!

From what I have understood, 5.56 is loaded slightly hotter than .223 and 5.56 chambers can run .223, but using 5.56 in a .223 chamber can be dangerous. 300 blk can use all the same parts as a 5.56/.223 except the barrel. Mil spec guns from almost all companies are 5.56 chambers (Colt, DD, Noveske, LMT, LWRC, PSA, etc).

I don't think all 5.56 has crimped primers does it?