Federal American 223 vs Federal American 556 Ammo

Paul tests the difference between Federal American 223 and 556 ammo.
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This video was edited and uploaded by:
Brad Nelson - minutemantheory.com

[@mitchelldelmar9682]

Watching Paul Harrell’s videos makes me wonder if I’m smart enough for this hobby.

[@warrenharrison9490]

Lol

[@minnesotanice369]

😆

[@mikeflippin5568]

Watching Paul's videos will make you smart enough, IF you pay attention. How do you think Paul learned this stuff? Training, watching, doing.

[@UberMenschNowFilms]

Shooting sports are full of "bro science", just like nutrition and exercise. You have to be careful who you listen to. I like Paul because he lays out his arguments very well, goes into his methodology, makes conclusions based only on what he observed, and is tentative in said conclusions. He's definitely on the empirical end of gun KZbinrs, probably thanks to his background as a military firearms instructor. Always be wary of people giving easy, definitive answers without proper justification.

[@maxh4968]

Gave you the 69th like lolol

[@billwhiteathome2080]

Buy the 5.56 AR, then shoot whichever ammo is on sale.

[@JamesSmullins]

Or get a 223 wylde barrel which is designed for both rounds.

[@billwhiteathome2080]

@@JamesSmullins Yep...all 5.56 can shoot both, but not the reverse.

[@JamesSmullins]

@@billwhiteathome2080 a friend's 556 shoots same grain 223 horrible, it can be barrel specific. That's why the wylde was created. The bore is in between the two and fires both with accuracy. I would love to be able to say I verified this but I'm just not good enough at 100 yards and beyond to make the conclusion. Fifty and under they are exactly the same.

[@sharpsvilleBill]

@@billwhiteathome2080 like the bug/insect argument. All 556 is 223 but no 223 is 556

[@uncletom-e4461]

James Smullins... Both have the same bore. The difference lies in the throat/free-bore distance, which is between a .223 (generally shorter) than the 5.56... Ex... My .223 bolt gun using 69 gr Gold Medal has a .017" freebore. That same cartridge measured in my AR15NM (National Match) the freebore is .043". I have to step up to a 79gr. Gold Medal that will measure out at .013" freebore. I really have to watch my seating depths when reloading because what is considered optimal in my 5.56 barrel will jam the bullet into the lands of my bolt gun to the point that extracting that unfired cartridge will actually pull the bullet out of the case.

[@michaelbezos2969]

100 yards, with iron sites, free hand, consistent distribution, explains the medals. Thank you Paul. Happy Holidays to you and the gang.

[@ScottEmoryParksMusic]

I would not even hit paper.

[@yc2560]

How do you know it's free hand?

[@jaksahn3370]

*walks into gun store ammo section* Clerk : "Oh no. Not you again"

[@bertg.6056]

In a grocery store at the meat counter, "More pork chop pectorals, Mr. Harrell?"

[@jamesharris184]

You know many people think the ammo shortage is a conspiracy when all along it was Paul. The Curious thing about him buying all this meat and few people know this, he's vegan. Don't get your bullets bent out of whack it was a joke! I love his sense of humour too.

[@douglasj2254]

Yes. Then sells him a thousand boxes of ammo and a case of CLP! $$$$

[@konagolden4209]

I'm just impressed Paul can read the Chrono from 21 feet away. Also when he blames, "the shooter". No ego, very cool.

[@austinstratman1809]

If he hadn't I would have. Seriously, is it safe to fire 223 in a m16a1 556 nato

[@konagolden4209]

@@austinstratman1809 You can safely fire .223 ammo in a 5.56 NATO chambered weapon. Unless you are well educated on the subject and know your ammo & rifle spec's, it's generally unsafe to fire 5.56 in a .233 chambered rifle. You can safely fire either in a barrel chambered for .223 Wylde. Lots of info on the subject, do a search.

[@jamesjohnson4159]

@@konagolden4209 it is not unsafe per se to fire 5.56 ammunition in a .223 chambered rifle. In some cases it could be for certain rifles firing certain types of 5.56 like 5.56 NATO M855 with the 62 gr steel penetrator tip where the chamber is cut at the minimum end of the SAMI specs. However for the majority of .223 chambered rifles it is unlikely there will be a safety problem, and no issue when firing the M193 5.56 55 gr roung. Over time firing M855 in .223 chambered rifles will likely result in increased wear on the bolt lugs and other parts, and particularly increased throat erosion, but the likelihood of getting a catastrophic failure is very small. I am unaware of any documented incident of such a failure.

[@konagolden4209]

@@jamesjohnson4159 I guess you struggled with the "Unless you are well educated on the subject and know your ammo & rifle spec's..." part of my comment.

[@jamesjohnson4159]

@@konagolden4209 actually no struggling. I just plain missed that part, my bad. However, even if the shooter is not particularly knowledgeable on the intricacies of .223 and 5.56 it’s extremely unlikely to be a safety problem. A wear and tear problem yes, safety, no. I would welcome you pointing to any instances where ther have been documented catastrophic failures due to it or even documented safety problems. This is more in the arena of internet myth and hype.

[@kellytolliver2390]

I love when pauls voice goes higher when he gets chronograph results he dnt expect

[@BourbonButcher]

It's definitely like a genuine live reaction, you can already tell which is better just by the tone

[@FearlessLeader2001]

"...Thirty-Two Thirty?!"

[@jude.v25]

I'm always impressed that Paul is more accurate with iron sights than many people are with a scope. But then, he is what you call a "professional". Thank you, Paul.

[@Coconutscott]

I love how this guy's simple basic videos get 3 or 4 more hits than a lot of these slick, over-produced gun channels with a big social media presence.

[@CompetitionChris]

It just shows you the gun community cares a lot about facts and real world information. He doesn't need a flashy intro where he is kitted up wearing nods and a plate carrier like Grand Thumb. He just lays out his videos in a clear and fairly objective way.

[@george5156]

Mr Harrell doesn't come off as a blowhard

[@cristianespinal9917]

So far 3 people are so inaccurate that they missed the "like" button and hit the "dislike" button. They need to work on their marksmanship.

[@jeremybriggs1707]

Now its 12

[@hotrodray6802]

That's the guys who have been sticking 556 into their short leade barrels and keep on shooting.

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

Maybe it's one of the side effects of someone, not a professional, doing this at home. Personally, I think they just need to go back to the fundamentals.

[@kyles280]

Probably using nerf guns

[@dr.floridamanphd]

24 Aussies thinking they hit the like button.

[@ralphperez4360]

I like this guy. He's very technical and clear with his topic.

[@thatguy22441]

His is a lot of people's favorite gun channel. I have yet to find any channel more concise and information-dense. He's also extremely practical.

[@orangecrush5512]

There is no one who puts out this type of content who is more thorough and detailed as Paul Harrel. Always appreciate your content, Sir. I have learned so much.

[@toonopolystudios]

I feel like I’m listening to a good book when I watch one of Paul’s videos.

[@handheldlover4004]

Ah yes a new Paul Harrell video. Man he deserves his own Nat Geo or Discovery series.

[@sbrazenor2]

They would probably try to censor him with their corporatized BS.

[@rhabdob3895]

No. Don’t do that to him. He’d have to have the fat kid from pawn stars as a sidekick or something.

[@desertfox2020]

Why do people always comment things like this on exceptionally good youtubers' videos? Being on a TV show would be a MAJOR downgrade from this in terms of content quality. KZbin is the best thing to happen to nonfiction informational media. TV shows are for fiction.

[@PSUQDPICHQIEIWC]

Independence brings both latitude and limitations. Regardless of which is the most significant contributor, independent content creation is good because it's independent. It is no coincidence that authenticity and sincerity are almost exclusively found outside legacy media. Cure yourself of the need to place good things in destructive environments.

[@lagarttemido]

Mass media is too busy fabricating propaganda in order to undermine your 2nd Amendment right.

[@daves.8869]

Have to admit that the location of the camera during the chronograph test is much better as Mr. Harrell isn't wasting time turning to read off the speeds.

[@cafenightster4548]

I like the time he takes to test, but him having to take a step bothers me a little too much. I like this camera position..

[@BrockOBauma]

Agree!

[@scottlamp3097]

Agreed

[@justsomeguy3931]

Indeed. It's better practice for him to. The last thing we'd want is for Paul to get into a real shooting and have a training scar, turning to face the camera after the first shot and saying some quantification of the result on the person he just shot lol

[@johnpreisler6713]

people who complain about the chronograph testing are extremely tedious

[@BigCountry45LC]

I love waking up Saturday mornings and the first thing I hear is “We’re on the range today please bare with gun fire you may hear in the background.”

[@douglasj2254]

My (admittedly) anecdotal observation: when I'm shooting commercial .223 from my carbine, especially at an indoor range, and I switch to M193 or some other 5.56mm, I immediately notice the increased muzzle flash and louder report. As for accuracy, the same weapon seems to group a bit more consistently with the 5.56. Great video, as usual sir.

[@jamesbuchanan3145]

Yeah I've basically come to ths conclusion that it seems like 556 is just 223+P 🤷‍♂️

[@jamesbuchanan3145]

@@mattmurphy7030 So... +p+ maybe?

[@abelabner]

@@jamesbuchanan3145 Basically in a way....5.56 has higher internal pressures...info is widely available to view on the interwebs

[@katrinadarling3271]

I have had the exact same impression regarding noise of the 223 vs 556. 223 doesn’t seem as loud. I’ve read many times there is no measurable difference. There are probably more variables than I realize, but something seems different.

[@clukinvar]

Thanks for making the Federal .223 vs Federal 5.56 ammo video.

[@mclovin7386]

I had a dream Paul was a firing squad commander in the post-apocalypse and as he led captured rebels to their summary executions he would be gracious enough to call out the velocities to the next group as they watched and awaited their turn.

[@stephens2241]

Now let's go crunch those traitors.

[@Nick-bb4nk]

A dream? He actually did that in Desert Storm.

[@matthewherr1588]

That wasn’t a dream. That was a prophecy

[@MeanestManAlive]

The APaulcalypse

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

Damn, that brings up some macabre, but funny mental imagery.

[@JoeMac1983]

Paul, at first I didn't know what to make of you. Quirky but so thorough and knowledgeable. You're a great teacher! I can't help but binge your content!

[@mgyver2472]

I love your videos, been watching since you started posting, don’t ever stop. Great source of firearm information presented professionally and interestingly.

[@llamamanism]

I love the way that rifle report 6:55 cracks then echoes gradually away across the land

[@JimboLogic]

That's the bellowing sound of freedom.

[@KirstenBayes]

I was strangely soothed.

[@PigMine6]

It sounds great, like thunderbolt

[@PC-vq5ud]

The camera recording it is at the target. The first crack is the sonic boom from the bullet passing, followed by the muzzle blast sound travelling the 100 yards to the camera. Go to a rifle match and pull targets in the pit and you can experience it for yourself! Fun

[@SANTANA1deep]

Just got to it as I reached your comment

[@moveoutdrawfire]

Plastic divider allows ammo to be shipped via air. Without it requires ground shipping only.

[@Archangelm127]

Why? (Serious question; I'm curious)

[@Comrade_Chloe]

@@Archangelm127 I'd guess they don't wanna risk a primer strike in heavy turbulence or something stupid like that.

[@moveoutdrawfire]

@@Archangelm127 The source where I read this didn't elaborate but I can only speculate that the plastic separators prevent the cartridges from vibrating against each other and you know how the airline industry doesn't want any violently combustible materials being accidentally detonated while the plane is in flight.

[@chad1755]

@Up-a-Creek Airplanes are made out of tin cans. A bb could penetrate them... but yeah probably a little bit ridiculous.

[@greggaldridge]

I don’t really care the reasons. If it stops a potential small explosion 💥 30k feet in the sky I’m all for it. Lol. 😝

[@TheWeatherbuff]

Clearly, the biggest difference is, 5.56 NATO sounds more macho. Seriously, thanks for all the time, energy and insight you put into these videos, Paul. It is greatly appreciated. I'm what you'd call a "low-grade intermediate" shooter with only about 4 years of experience on the AR platform. I've learned much, and spent much, in the process. Videos like these, (and all your others), provide a great deal of assistance for those of us who are still plodding along. Thank you.

[@Marktk72]

Thank you, Sir! As always, i thoroughly enjoy your content. There's others that do a decent job. Yours just feels more personal to me and well thought. I like that. I like the tech aspect. Please keep them coming. Thank you!

[@t18amgr]

Cant get enough of his videos. One of the best gun related channels on KZbin. Bless.

[@cora.hollon2054]

That shooting from 100 yards is amazing. I wonder if I could even see those targets from that range.

[@johndaugherty4127]

20" hbar is a flea flicking beast.

[@armyofshea7941]

Paul did not specify in this video, but he almost always shots from standing. That said: iron sights, standing at 100 yards is not something most people can “group”. Myself included, and I’ve tried....a lot. Guess I need to do it in the snow next time.

[@mrpibb7781]

Im guessing you're a fairly new PH subscriber. If you think that's impressive start watching his older videos. In some he's shooting incredible groups at 25 and 50 yards with a 638! Oh, and he saved his wife from a drunk looney while camping. Dude got offended when Paul declined a request to go to the bar and started driving all over his campfire. Spun around and headed straight for Paul's truck which his wife was hiding behind. Paul fired anywhere from 4 to 6 shots with an AR style rifle, striking the driver several if not all times and never coming close to striking the passenger. Got arrested and was eventually found not guilty on all charges. Guy is a boss.

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

@@mrpibb7781 not cool. Dont drag peoples personal lives onto the internet. The info may be out there, but have some class and stop airing out other peoples lives. Seriously.

[@1yehny]

Sinister, Paul made a video detailing the events.

[@DavidM-lj5yv]

Great presentation as always. I've spent too many hours of my time looking at my 55gr Federal/AE .223 vs 5.56 cartridges and comparing POI on the range. Wish this video was around 5 years ago!! Very enjoyable to watch.

[@gregoryvanek9038]

These videos are the best! Truly well done. Combining facts, opinions, humor, and entertainment.

[@johnhamm706]

I was having a bad morning but now, im having an excellent harrell afternoon.

[@morislaguerta4415]

It's almost nighttime in our neck of the woods. Have a chill day!

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

Having a Harrell of an afternoon ;-)

[@mrpibb7781]

@@SonOfTheDawn515 stole my thunder! My fault for being late to the party haha

[@BOOMER-rs5qn]

That was pretty impressive shooting with open sights at 100 yards. Most guys I've seen don't shoot that well with a scope.

[@AcidicThought]

I wish I had Paul's accuracy.

[@stephens2241]

I love the way he drops one shot an inch below the group at 100yds with iron sights and feels like he has let everyone down by being a terrible marksman.

[@silvermediastudio]

It's called, fundamentals of marksmanship, and 10+ years of practice. Unfortunately, most guys especially the crop of tacticool d00ds, don't have the patience to learn how to properly shoot. They're happy with a random group in the A-zone that wouldn't even pass a 3x5card test. Having a scope doesn't matter.

[@whiskeytangosierra6]

30 Years ago I shot that well over open sights, if not better although Paul wasn't wrapping his sling which would have improved his accuracy. Now open sights are pretty useless beyond 50 yards, maybe. Eyesight changes. That said, fundamentals of rifle marksmanship remain the same until you go blind or some other part of the body fails. I see guys all suited up and tactical at the range that don't shoot worth a damn, while that little old man in the golf cap is ringing steel at 300 with some rifle that doesn't have $700 worth of accessories hanging all over it. Hmmm. I would like to see Paul test the 55 gr, 69 gr and 77 gr rounds through the same rifle, preferably a 1 in 7 twist, from 500 to 800 or 900 yards/meters. Test whether the heavier bullets do, in fact, remain more accurate and supersonic longer. Lately I have been shooting 55 gr XTAC from PMC in a 1 in 7 with astonishing results out to 200 yds. Holes touching results in 3 shot groups. Perhaps I should stop shooting these, having found the golden batch of XTAC??? Blows my mind.

[@jake9705]

It's almost as if Paul is some kind of state champion marksman.

[@mire2801]

Exactly the video I needed. Was at the ammo store today, and they had both these ammo brands. Thanks, Paul!

[@Oldman899]

You produce the BEST informational videos. Thank you for providing excellent data.

[@Impulse21s]

The biggest thing I learned from this video - Paul Harrell is a damn good shot!

[@warrenharrison9490]

I'd have destroyed multiple chronographs if I tried to shoot and announce readings between shots.😂

[@JasonSmith-ff3ek]

Paul was shooting from the hip at 100 yards

[@Sundaydrumday]

Idk why but this got me, as I scrolled down reading it was perfectly placed in my read....I'm cryin from laughing wtf

[@soulerflare7]

@@Sundaydrumday it's so easy to visualize, lol .

[@duster0066]

At least on the Tube he is kind'a taking on a Chuck Norris legendary status ain't he?

[@andrewn.5117]

Yesss... instant visual

[@duster0066]

@StrengthPathTürkiye Why the butt hurt ending? So sorry I hurt your feelings. I hope your BP didn't go through the roof.

[@charlieemike]

I just love the simplicity of your videos and explanations.

[@fredkumm1305]

Gee, Paul.You both clarified and verified the knowledge that I had accumulated of those two calibers all in one concise, but your usual very informative videos. Thank you.

[@Meditech509]

I can add only one thing to this discussion. I own one specific AR chambered in .223. It is an FN-15 Sporting it is almost identical to their DMR except for chamber size and foregrip. This rifle shooting 5.56 consistently will blow primers shooting 5.56 ammo, whereas my other FN's chambered in 5.56 do not. Now it will roll through .223 with zero issues. The problem I have diagnosed is 5.56 ogive of the bullet is touching the lands when chambered. In fact after chambering a rnd and pulling charging handle to eject immediately, I can visually see marks on the ogive of the bullet where it bumps against the lands. After talking to FN this is precisely why I should not shoot 5.56 ammo in a rifle chambered in .223. It is a very accurate rifle and FN chambered it in .223 to take advantage of the inherently tighter chamber of a .223. This is why also .223 Wylde is kinda the best of both worlds according to some.

[@tabryis]

It's not the "best of both worlds" in anyway. Compromising between two tolerances just so you can shoot them both and think you're somehow more accurate is idiotic.

[@roybiv7018]

Like I tell my wife, compromise means we both lose. Neither gets what they really want. IMHO, it's better to win some and to lose some... Compromise if you need to.

[@davidmilisock5200]

Makes sense to me, that's why I never put 5.56 in my 223.

[@SmokeDogNY420]

great comment

[@j.rob.5943]

I don't read comments/replies that’s your opinion, no more valid than op’s

[@uglygunguy4810]

I was about to go do some chores . . .but then a new Paul Harrell video popped up. The chores, can wait. in fact, everything can just hold on a minute or two . . . it's Paul Harrell for gosh sakes!

[@harveya.m.5759]

One of the best videos I’ve watched on any topic, anywhere. Well done, Paul! Subbed.

[@br18ad]

Thank you for making all your videos. I enjoy watching them and they are very informative. Again thank you.

[@starptgr]

Have recently gotten into the firearm hobby, I have to say, your videos are some of the most informative on youtube. Keep up the great work, you just got yourself another sub.

[@BigUnk85]

I love your knowledge on guns and ammo. Keep it up Paul!

[@grantb555]

I've been wondering about this forever! You're the man

[@ChrisHaveard]

Excellent presentation as always!

[@Dimythios]

I always look forward to your vids. Thank you for taking the time to educate us.

[@Spike-13]

I always click a Paul Harrel video but I get extra excited when the information pertains to me😎

[@noelflores4389]

Great videos. I enjoy his very technical breakdown of a topic. Thumbs up Paul!!!!

[@Mr__Geno]

Amazing video and informative to watch. Ty Paul.

[@hellpimp]

I love how you are so absolutely meticulous Paul. It is a joy to watch. Thank you for that.

[@achillesiq491]

I bought some of the same 223 and was wondering the same thing. Thank you for this video, it gave me closer. :)

[@georgeheidkesr1759]

Did anyone notice that Paul hit the bullseye at 100yrds........standard military handle sight !! Impressive !!!

[@daft_wizard]

Well that was probably what he used in the military I'm guessing. I could be wrong, I was never in the military. Actually these days they all probably use acog sights

[@mosin9105]

Another excellent video! Thanks Paul!

[@matthewpayne6289]

Standing in line at Walgreens watching Paul Harrell. Best walgreens wait I could ask for.

[@evisiblemarketing7153]

I thoroughly enjoyed this! Thankful to have found your channel. My takeaways were: 1. you had serviceable groups in both rounds at 100 yards. The zombie will not quibble over what round you fired. 2. you cleared up a misconception I had. Specifically, I had accepted the oft-reported position that the pressure differences made firing 556 from a 223 unwise (though the SAAMI pressure test differs from the military pressure test, and I've never seen an apples to apples comparison)...while conversely, the increased "jump" made the 223 less accurate from a 556 barrel.

[@wooden5c]

Always great and relevant topics. Thank you again

[@flightparamedic505]

Great video. Thanks Paul!

[@pyrokrensis67]

Thank you Paul. You've made my day.

[@russellsandidge4210]

Listen to this with my Bluetooth boombox. Love the sound of those rifle echoes rolling down the Hills. We don't have that here in Florida. Just the sounds of mosquitoes and insects after each shot

[@Antoninorosetta]

About the same in southeast Texas!!!!

[@hotrodray6802]

Go down to the Florida mountains.

[@outdoorswithroostercurrie6984]

As ALWAYS your videos are so to the point and so well put together, I absolutely love your videos. Have a great day my friend.

[@steveretiredandcranky]

Excellent videos Paul. Thank you.

[@ricksmith7370]

This issue is exactly why after due diligence research, I chambered my AR in .223 Wylde.

[@sailplaneFan707]

smarter man than most of these pukes

[@petehilll9492]

Noooo!! No meat target, Im going to have to go and shoot my Sunday roast to get my fix now. Excellent presentation as always Paul, thank you

[@collingodbey3737]

If you look at his 55gr vs 62gr projectile video you'll see a 223 vs 556 most target

[@ocmoon]

Thanks Paul I do appreciate your effort and detials in your presentation. I know it's more work to be so detailed.

[@lhcprepared5426]

Paul, you put out nothing but quality videos. Great stuff brother.

[@nobody4821]

I would love to see a test between all of Wolf's 7.62x39 offerings. Mil classic, Polyformance, Performance..

[@toledo152]

Nobody they are all pretty much garbage. You want good 7.62 get S&B or another quality brand that isn’t from Eastern Europe.

[@hotrodray6802]

Nobody. Brown Bear HP (otm) is the most consistent and accurate I've seen. Close to 1 min.

[@3eightiesopinion524]

@Eric they do and thats eastern Europe

[@ourvaluesarewhoweareinadem4093]

@Eric Maybe Deus Vult is the type who refers to the Czechs as "Middle Europeans" and not easterners. But probably not; he sounds more like a jackass who just doesn't know what he is talking about.

[@ourvaluesarewhoweareinadem4093]

@Eric "Middle European" is really a German concept mostly referring to the countries that came out of old German Empire of 1871-1918 and some of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire. It includes Slavs who use the Roman alphabet (Czechs, Slovenians, and Poles) and are influenced more by Germany than Russia... but outside of the German-speaking world the term "Middle European" is virtually unknown. I think Deus is just an asshole who doesn't know that Czechs are Eastern Euros and that S&B is made in good ole Czechia-stan.

[@miketwigg5358]

I've reloaded thousands and thousands of 223/5.56 especially during a prior US Presidents reign. The only difference I've found between the FC headstamp and the LC headstamp is the primer crimp AND the fact that after using the same powder, powder charge and same projectile loaded on the same press........the primers W-W or CCI will start falling out of the primer pocket of the FC brass during loading after only three reloading cycles. The LC brass that I had to swage the primer pocket I can get upwards of 6-7 cycles before the mouth and shoulders start to fail. The primer pockets are always tight enough to hold a standard primer. All of my shooting is from AR-15 platform and 14.5" barrels. Absolutely another fine video Sir..........Regards, Mike

[@HipowrShtr]

FC 223/5.56 brass has a reputation for being softer than other 223/5.56 brass. 3 reloading cycles for the FC brass sounds about right.

[@miketwigg5358]

@@HipowrShtr absolutely! I avoid FC headstamped 223 in all my reloading for 223/5.56

[@raibeartcahill4295]

Yup that has been my experience also.

[@desertfox2020]

@@miketwigg5358 Federal rifle brass in general is pretty soft. And also seems to produce less accurate reloads than Hornady with identical powder/primer/bullet in my .270 reloads. I haven't seen this phenomenon in other calibers, but it's definitely softer.

[@miketwigg5358]

@@desertfox2020 I'm using Lake City brass exclusively now for all my 223/5.56 loading. The range here is 98% AR-15 usage on the rifle side. The brass is heaped deep for the picking and its almost exclusively LC either M855 or M193 purchased by the 1,000 round cases from Palmetto State Armory. Everyone shoot safe. Sgt. Twigg

[@nfmMike]

As always, a great presentation Paul.

[@righteousone8454]

This channel is so awesome, I love it Keep up these great videos, Paul. I love it

[@bojengels1]

Gavin at the Ultimate Reloader did a fantastic technical breakdown on the differences on .223 vs 5.56 and how the cambers are made for 5.56 rifles and how they differ from .223 chambers.

[@Yaga1973]

Yeah, he did.

[@serilus4life]

Paul is fantastic! Thanks for being Paul, Paul. I like the 20 inch AR because of the always over 3000 fps speed. Get your moneys worth out of the ammo.

[@johndeotte3229]

Thanks Paul, enjoy your videos!

[@granddad-mv5ef]

Another very informative video, on a topic that interests me. Thank you, Paul.

[@hornmonk3zit]

Okay so I can explain the differences between the two: 1- The changes in color would seem to indicate a difference in the annealing processes. Why is that and what is the difference? Well, both cases are annealed the exact same way, .223 just has the cases cleaned up to hide the discoloration. Military buyers want to see the annealing, uncle Jim Bob at the local sporting goods store on the other hand doesn't want to put no damn dirty bullets in his beloved 'yote shootin' gun he got at Sears in 1972 for $19.99. 2- The differences in overall length are there because the 5.56 chamber is slightly different to allow slightly out of spec ammo. An important feature for the wide range of military procurement and use storage scenarios, if we went to West Germany and borrowed some ammo and it didn't chamber we'd be in a real pickle if the East Germans decided to come marching past the wall. Same thing for the ammo getting dinged up or dropped, if it doesn't go bang GI Joe trades in a dogtag for a Purple Heart. The 5.56 chamber has a longer throat and a different angle cut for the start of the rifling to give it more wiggle room in cartridge variation. 3- Everyone and the grandma will tell you if you put 5.56 in a .223 gun it will be turned into a thermonuclear pipebomb because they have different chamber pressures and you'll have to get a Destructive Device tax stamp from the ATF before pulling the trigger. Is that true? That's a negative Ghost Rider. The difference in chamber pressures is because they use different standards for measuring chamber pressure and if you used the same technique for each they'd equal out. Not only that but the supposed increase in chamber pressure wouldn't be enough to blow up a .223 barrel in the first place, the difference is well within the safety factor, for lack of a better term, that any barrel for any gun would be manufactured with. 4- Velocity differences? No clue but I have a guess, .223 is originally best suited for a 24" barrel, 5.56 is likely optimized for 12-20" barrels and has a different powder blend/load. Why wouldn't they optimize the "MSR" .223 for a 16" AR15 you might ask? Probably because they wanted to market to a different customer base but didn't want to do anything other than change the box, tooling up for production of a whole new line of ammo that people are just gonna magdump at a 10 yard indoor range likely wasn't within the budget and the ammo works just fine anyway.

[@Tyrfingr]

@OTKUGO Quite possible i would say, depending on manufacturer. I know that the loads we have here in Sweden are typically always hotter than the standard NATO. Likewise there are .223 that are hotter than average as well. I have also encountered 5.56 that have been quite underwhelming in the load. Heavier bullet, less load. Lighter bullet and more load. All kinds of variations. I guess this is typically true for all ammo, which makes it really difficult to give a straight Yes or No answer.

[@hornmonk3zit]

@OTKUGO You might have a slightly higher velocity on average with 5.56 but the specified chamber pressure is the same. It's in the third paragraph.

[@KamikazKid]

My guess on the velocity difference is that I believe the 5.56 is ever so slightly longer and therefore has a slightly better ballistic co-efficient which would cause the bullet to have slightly higher velocity.

[@roykiefer7713]

@KamikazKid: I believe you’re theoretically correct and it wouldn’t surprise me if there was a meaningful TERMINAL velocity difference when the two projectiles were well down-range (let’s say 250+ meters). However, Paul’s velocity tests in this video recorded speeds at very short distances from the muzzle. This is an “honest question” and not an implied criticism: Is it likely that the different projectiles’ ballistic coefficients would cause a 100+ FPS delta in such a short distance?

[@KamikazKid]

@@roykiefer7713 nah I'm wrong I ended up looking it up after making my comment and apparently the reason it's faster is that the chamber pressure is 3,000 psi higher and the neck is 0.125 longer to accomodate an extra grain of powder.

[@NebukedNezzer]

having just acquired a M15 in 556 223 rifle. Your video is very helpful to me.

[@Plur307]

Did it come with the shoulder thing that goes up and a high capacity extended assault magazine clip?

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

A what in what?

[@NebukedNezzer]

@@Plur307 I don't know about a shoulder thing as I do not see that or know what it is. the clips are 15 round clips(they had 14 each in them)

[@Plur307]

@@NebukedNezzer If they only had 14 each then you probably got an M14 not an M15. You should talk to whoever sold it to you and get refunded an M1.

[@NebukedNezzer]

@@SonOfTheDawn515 Anderson Manufacturing co. M15 dual ammo(5.56 or .223) semi auto

[@chrismaddox15]

Excellent as always Paul. Thanks. Learned a lot.

[@metalhead9142]

Great vids, love the sarcasm and efficiency

[@hiephuynh2615]

i'm VN VETERAN RECON , i'm holder M 16 A1 for 3 years on the field , i loves it a good gun with 5.56 mm . you did good job MR !......thank's .

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

Judgement: The best firearms channel.

[@curtisc6768]

Congrats sir on hitting 400k subs. Well done, and a very fine channel.

[@bigal2696]

An outstanding episode and great information.

[@AvengerM1]

Thank you for such a clear concise comparison between the two cartridges. Your timing is incredible, as I just ordered some Frontier 223 ammo for my AR and wondering just how much of a difference there was in 223 vs 5.56.

[@jahyoda]

Thanks paul

[@wernerc.432]

Awesome vid Paul, thanks!

[@steverugerguy9606]

Great work as always Paul...

[@GeorgeSemel]

No meat target, it doesn't count with the shooting of the pork ribs and oranges! As usual, it's a good one. I just love the meat target part of your presentations.

[@ern.col.1588]

I like when he says "pork chop pectorals"

[@earnestblofeld7905]

@@ern.col.1588 And "new and improved high- tech fleece backstop. "

[@StevenL00]

he's done that before in the 55 and 62 grain projectile video, check it out

[@ocalavictory3728]

It would be cool if Paul started including a pig heart, positioned in the center of the "orange lung tissue", in his meat targets.

[@ED-es2qv]

And where it hit the ribs, broke them.... Come on Paul, I can’t do it like you.

[@varietasVeritas]

This is the difference between theoretical and actual performance.

[@sandyauger4662]

Keep up the good work Paul . Thanks

[@marksakowski9272]

As always this presentation is a very good and professional.

[@ManDuderGuy]

To sum it up: make sure your chamber can handle 5.56, and the difference is ~200 FPS. True for .223 vs 5.56 in general.

[@Archangelm127]

Sounds about right. I'm not much of a gun nerd, but my distinct impression is that it's like regular vs +P ammo in some pistol calibers (.223 being regular and 5.56 being +P in this analogy).

[@ManDuderGuy]

@@Archangelm127 Same thing basically yes. The military wanted to get the most oomph they could safely get from the cartridge so they made a beefier chamber and called the new cartridge 5.56. Pistols usually get more like 75 or 100 more fps tho btw, kinda proportional to overall velocity I guess.

[@Mortablunt]

In short, don't worry about it. I've never heard of a 5.56x45 detonating a 223Rem gun. It's not like usin 7.62x25 in a 30Mauser gun.

[@Mortablunt]

@Infectious Legume It's not going to hurt your gun. The difference is less than a +P vs normal load in your much less beefily built handgun.

[@Mortablunt]

@Infectious Legume Don't now tell me you're scared of factory ammo. The rounds are interchangable.

[@andrewstoll4548]

Putting a 5.56 mm NATO round in a .223 Rem. chamber brings about the apocalypse.... Cats and Dogs living together....🤔🤣🤪🤣🤪

[@hotrodray6802]

Bill Murray... My fave.

[@Subtlenimbus]

And tell them about the Twinkie!

[@libertypastor1307]

@@R-Lee- As I understand, the chambers are slightly different at various points along the chamber such as the throat and a couple other places, which I can't remember right now. Though slight, a 5.56 chamber has slightly different specs, and the 5.56 cartridge is designed specifically to be used in a 5.56 chamber; hence it is "possible" for a 5.56 cartridge to do damage or cause injury when fired from a .223 chamber. Therefore, it is safer to use .223 cartridges when you are not sure how your rifle is chambered. As Paul illustrates in this video, there is not much difference between the two in a curacy, but a slight decrease in speed of the .223. So logic tells me to use .223 ammo since you do not know for sure how your rifle is chambered or if you know for sure that it is a .233 chamber. Hope that helps.

[@libertypastor1307]

@Kirika Yumi Thanks. I didn't know 5.56's were stamped .223.

[@boblynch2802]

@@R-Lee- SAAMI says don't shoot a 5.56 out of a rifle chamber only for .223. Something about the throat size in the chamber. From SAMI website "It is not safe to shoot “5.56” “5.56 NATO” or “5.56x45mm” (“5.56”) ammunition in a firearm with barrel marked as being chambered in 223 Remington for a number of reasons. The main reason being that a barrel marked as chambered in 223 Remington will have a shorter throat into the rifling than a “5.56” barrel which may cause increased pressure when the “5.56” ammunition is fired in it. This can result in serious injury or death to the user and/or bystanders, as well as damage to the firearm" That being said it would be interesting to see a demonstration conducted in a safe manner shoot 5.56 rounds out of a rifle specifically designed for a .223 and see what happens.

[@arockwell4408]

Always educated and entertained by you videos. I’m looking for my first AR and appreciate the comparison.

[@looksout]

Paul I want to thank you for doing this video. I also look forward to the next part (2) of this video. There is a different in .223 and 5.56. Thank you again.

[@craigmandall9420]

I've read several articles saying how bad it is to use 5.56 in a .223. It's really good to finally see someone actually put the two to the test. Very well done Paul

[@brianshaffer5090]

He used .223 in a 556

[@mikes1031]

Hey Paul, loving your videos, great job and very informative. I know this video is over a year old, but thought you may want to know. When I contacted Federal and a couple other places, a year or two ago, to ask them what length barrel length they used to collect data for their bullet spec charts / graphs. They told me that the barrel length is 24 inches long and the industry testing standard. Maybe that is one reason, most people don't get the same FPS in the field, with a 16 inch barrel, that the Manufacture puts on the box. 24 inch long barrel is the standard, even for test data on 22LR and 22 WMR / Magnum ammo. Thanks again.

[@deluxxe9541]

Paul is Paul original and one of a kind former armed force personnel and soldier

[@TheKingcougar]

Paul congratulations on reaching 400k subscribers! You are awesome.

[@JimboLogic]

Excellent subject. Great content as always.

[@ronnyizquierdo4086]

Paul’s soft voice tucks me in at night.

[@johnbennett213]

Request: Part 2: Meat Target.

[@PaulHarrell]

We have a video that features .223 and 5.56 vs. the meat target. It's our comparison of 55 and 62 grain projectiles.

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

@@PaulHarrell Sorry Paul, but the meat target never get's old. It may be second only to the "boring part where you just talk".

[@dr.floridamanphd]

WhoWouldWantThisName, and we all know the boring part is the best part! We get to learn new and invaluable information!

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

@@dr.floridamanphd Also known as "the part where we all lean forward and turn up the volume all the way". :)

[@PaulHarrell]

I shot the meat target with 5.56 in a previous vid.

[@ChrisUrsiny]

i love this guys video's they are informative and entertaining, keeps up the good work sir!!!