Forget this is a first post, I've been around too long.

This month's Rifleman has an article that compares the 223 and the 5.56. The author pretty much says you cannot use the two cartridges interchangeably.

My problem. I have 2 AR-15s. They both indicate a caliber of 223-5.56. One is a DPMS and the other is a Bushmaster. Which cartridge are they referring to? I wish I had the manuals that came with these guns.

Thanks in advance.

That designation means that you can shoot both without any damage to your rifles.

Bob - thanks for the fast reply.

Reading the Rifleman article, it almost makes them sound not to be interchangeable. Am I missing osmething?

There are slight differences between the .223 and 5.56 chambers, same as the .308/ 7.62x51. For the most oart the differences are slight enough not to cause problems.

The big issue is a 5.56 in a .223. A .223 AR or Bolt rifle should never be fed 5.56. Bushmaster states on their site that both can be used in their rifles. If it is 5.56 chambered, shoot away. Jim

Thank y'all. I keep swearing I am going to pick up my AR and go work on wild dogs. Kids have been taking a lot of time but now the dogs are worse. They hang around the chicken houses. Yotes are starting to show up more too. Time for target practise.