Can you load .223 in 5.56 Brass

[Bigjon07]

**I am new to reloading**

A buddy of mine just gave me some brass he pick up at the range. It was mixed .223 and 5.56. I was looking at the brass and could not tell a difference in size. I shoot a Ruger Mini 14 and wanted to know what issues there are with loading .223 in 5.56 brass? I know of the pressure issue with shooting 5.56 in .223 rifle. Thanks for your help!

 

[msd]

I load 5.56 in 223 loads. I dont think theres a problem using 5.56 brass for this.
Someone with more experience on this issue might be of better assistance.
I have read and heard the web in the case head was thicker, causing the higher pressures. But if that is true, then loads using 223 data should still be ok, I would think.

 

[Yeah]

Trim it all to the same length and load away

The water capacity difference between the two is lower than manufacturer to manufacturer within the same headstamp, or between virgin and fireformed.

 

[Bigjon07]

Thanks for the input. I thought they would practically be the same besides the charge load. Thanks again.

 

[UncleMike]

Thanks for the input. I thought they would practically be the same besides the charge load. Thanks again.

The primary difference is in the rifles chamber, not the brass.
This is a good explanation of the differences.
.223 Remington - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[charley59]

Be sure the darn brass in NOT Berdan primed or steel cased. If the 5.56 military brass had a crimped in primer, remove the primer crimp, trim brass, and load as you would any .223 brass. I've been reloading Lake City and other military surplus brass for 17 years without a problem.

 

[msd]

The primary difference is in the rifles chamber, not the brass.
This is a good explanation of the differences.
.223 Remington - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

That was an interesting article. Thanks for posting that!

Guess the website I'd seen about case head thickness was wrong afterall. Alot of myths about the 5.56 and 223. Glad to find that one out.