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I have both 223 and 5.56 rounds on hand, pic related. My AR's lower says .223 caliber, but it has a 5.56 NATO barrel on it. I assume due to the barrel it's safe to shoot the 5.56, but what about the 223?

Before thinking about it much I've shot both through it, and nothing went wrong. Well, yet. After thinking about it I'd rather get some second opinions before chancing it again.

Internet literature and video research turned up inconclusive results, at least from what I found.

I have both 223 and 5.56 rounds on hand, pic related. My AR's lower says .223 caliber, but it has a 5.56 NATO barrel on it. I assume due to the barrel it's safe to shoot the 5.56, but what about the 223? Before thinking about it much I've shot both through it, and nothing went wrong. Well, yet. After thinking about it I'd rather get some second opinions before chancing it again. Internet literature and video research turned up inconclusive results, at least from what I found.

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[–] • 0 pt

What about the upper? Is it only the barrel that matters?

This rifle clearly started its life as a Colt AR-15 in 223 caliber. Barrel was swapped out for a 5.56.

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

Lower doesn't matter. 5.56 barrel can shoot both .223 and 5.56.

Get Hornady TAP2 75 gr 5.56 if you can find it.

5.56 has more energy and velocity than .223 in the same bullet weight.