This has led many internet gun forums to delve into intense heated debates over the combat effectiveness and lethality of each round to determine which one is “best”. In short, a 223 Rem can safely be fired from a rifle or handgun chambered in 5.56, however, the opposite is not true.ĥ.56 vs 7.62x39: Let the Caliber Cold War BeginĮver since the Vietnam War when the 5.56 and 7.62x39mm first squared off toe-to-toe, many militaries around the world have adopted one of these rifle cartridges as the chambering for their primary battle rifle.

There are differences between the two and you can read about them HERE. Please note that within this article we will refer to the 223 Remington (223 Rem) and the 5.56x45mm NATO round interchangeably.

Let’s take a closer look at the caliber debate that defined world conflict since the Cold War, the 5.56x45mm NATO vs 7.62x39mm.Ī Note on Nomenclature: 223 Remington vs 5.56 NATO And there’s a good reason for that! Their terminal ballistics and effectiveness in close quarters battle (CQB) are second to none.īut which rifle cartridge is better suited for you and does it matter? Virtually every military on Earth uses one of these two rifle rounds for their primary battle rifle. As a result, they are two of the most popular rifle cartridges on the planet.

When it comes to selecting a semi-automatic rifle cartridge, the 5.56x45mm NATO and the 7.62x39mm are always front and center in the conversation.īoth rifle rounds have been forged in the fires of battle from Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan as well as a host of other conflicts across the globe.

276 pedersen ballistics