axis .223 ok using 5.56

[Lonewulf]

should my axis .223 be ok shooting 5.56 ammo? should be ok from what I read, what a few more opinions :)

[evangorp]

From what I've read, you can reload 5.56 brass into .223, but you really shouldn't shoot 5.56 in your .223 unless it specifically says in the manual that it is chambered for it!

[phantom_geo]

I think shooting .223 in 5.56 is fine but you shouldn't shoot 5.56 in .223. 5.56 runs higher pressure than .223.

[shagerott]

From the Savage owners manual - my 223 Rem Trophy Hunter is stamped 223 Rem.

NOTE - bold letters are from the manual (not internet yelling :-)

USE ONLY THE CORRECT AMMUNITION THAT IS STAMPED ON THE SIDE OF THE BARREL.
THE USE OF RELOADS, HANDLOADS, MILITARY SURPLUS, OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL /
NONCOMMERCIAL AMMUNITION NOT MANUFACTURED TO SAAMI (SPORTING ARMS AND
AMMUNITION MANUFACTURERS’ INSTITUTE, INC.)/ ANSI (AMERICAN NATIONAL
STANDARDS INSTITUTE) SPECIFICATIONS WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.

[sharpshooter]

Before someone gets their panties in a wad, and wants to start an argument(like has been done numerous times before on this subject) I will say that with 100% certainty that .5.56 Nato can be safely fired in a Savage Axis. I got this from a former top engineer that has more knowledge about this subject than anybody on the internet, period.
The fact is that Savage has NEVER chambered .223 to 100% SAAMI specs. You will not find a Savage rifle chambered in .223 Remington that has a freebore less than .100".
5.56 Nato is loaded to a slightly higher operating pressure than .223 Rem, but it is not higher than proof pressure, which is the same for both cartridges.
This was done intentionaly from the get- go to prevent such incidences from becoming an issue, and many other gun manufactures have done the same thing.

[homefrontsniper]

I agree ^

[shagerott]

Here's a good read where testing is done and attempts are made to eliminate internet rumours.

http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/5-56-vs-223/

sharpshooter - I agree . . though I have been proven wrong when I state "always" or "never".

[Lonewulf]

Thanks Guys :) off to pull a trigger :)

[earl39]

Another thing to consider is that NATO rounds are still within the limits of European CIP standards and Savage ships to other countries around the world that uses the CIP testing standards. +2 to what Sharpshooter said

[blink]

Thanks Guys :) off to pull a trigger :)

let us know how you make out!!!
i tried some norinco stuff and my new axis wouldn't fire it......apparently the primer is too hard.

[OIF/OEF]

I thought the 5.56-223 wylde and .223 referred to the chambers themselves. The .223 being tight the Wylde being in the middle and the 5.56 being "sloppy" as to not jam during sand mud and general gunk from not cleaning through hundreds of rounds.....I have no doubt that I am at least 8% correct lol