If you’re not familiar with it, it might sound like .223 Wylde is just another cartridge, or caliber, but it isn’t - yet it is a highly valuable chambering that can be useful for those that use sporting rifles and are loyal to either the .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO cartridges.
Here’s what you should know about it. Hopefully this post will answer some of your questions before you commit to an AR build with a .223 Wylde upper.
What Is .223 Wylde?
First things first, .223 Wylde is not a cartridge. You will not find any .223 Wylde ammunition. It does not exist.
In theory, the dimensions associated with .223 Wylde could produce a cartridge, but in practice, what it is is a hybrid chambering.
The dimensions of .223 Wylde chambers allow rifles with them to fire both .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition.
Basically, .223 Wylde is a hybrid chambering that can fire both .223 and 5.56. It preserves the chamber dimensions of 5.56 NATO chambers, and angling, as well as the ability to handle the higher cartridge pressures, but it also has a .224 freebore diameter.
In short: it’s a chamber that can handle both .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO, so you can shoot either out of the same rifle.
What’s the Difference Between .223 Remington and .223 Wylde?
The difference between .223 Remington and .223 Wylde is one of chamber dimensions. The .223 Wylde chamber is able to withstand the different pressures generated by both cartridges. The 5.56 NATO produces 58,000 PSI whereas the .223 Remington produces slightly less at 55,000 PSI.
Also, the .223 Wylde chamber has a longer leade than a .223 Remington chamber that enables it to shoot 5.56 NATO cartridges.
Can You Shoot 5.56 Out of a .223 Wylde Chamber?
Yes, you can shoot 5.56 NATO out of a .223 Wylde chamber, so if you build a rifle with a .223 Wylde upper, you can shoot through 5.56 to your heart’s content.
Is .223 Wylde Really More Accurate?
While the 5.56 NATO produces a little more power than .223 Remington, one gripe that some shooters have brought up time and time again has to do with accuracy. Most find the .223 Remington more accurate.
Well, the good news is that since a .223 Wylde chamber allows you to shoot .223 Remington without issue, you can reap both benefits - but since it is not a cartridge, we can’t really call it “more accurate.”
It just lets you shoot .223 Remington (what some would consider a more accurate cartridge) without issue.
What Are the Advantages of .223 Wylde?
It’s hard to talk about the advantages of .223 Wylde because it isn’t a cartridge, but as a chambering, the main advantage is that it lets you shoot both .223 and 5.56 ammo.
This is a benefit for some shooters, and it is also a safeguard in case you’ve ever shot the wrong ammo through the wrong gun.
Shooting .223 through a 5.56 is generally considered safe, but it will produce questionable accuracy.
Shooting 5.56 through a .223 can potentially cause a catastrophic failure of the weapon, which, though unlikely, would definitely not be a good thing.
Also, shooting 5.56 through a .223 will cause premature barrel wear, can adversely affect cycling, and can potentially damage components, namely the extractor.
Does It Have Any Disadvantages?
Since it isn’t a cartridge, there aren’t really any disadvantages to .223 Wylde, other than the fact that it might be a little hard for you to find a .223 Wylde upper and barrel, and it might also be a little more expensive.
What Is the Best Barrel Length for a .223 Wylde Upper?
That depends on what you’re using it for, and there really isn’t one best answer.
If you are building a maneuverable rifle and are going to use it for defensive applications or competitions like 3-gun, then a shorter barrel, like 16” or even 18” is probably better for you.
A 20” barrel is a good length for many applications, as it balances muzzle velocity, recoil (since it is heavier) and accuracy.
Longer length barrels are generally only suitable for long range competition shooting, as they will produce the highest muzzle velocities and accuracy at long distances.
What Are the Practical Applications of .223 Wylde?
Since .223 Wylde is a chambering, and not a cartridge, it is suitable for anything you can use either .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO for.
Both of these cartridges have a long list of practical applications. Due to the low-cost, wide availability and low recoil of these rounds, they are suitable for high-volume training and competition shooting.
Because of the flat trajectory and accuracy of both, they are also suitable for long-range shooting.
They are also suitable (when loaded with appropriate bullets) for hunting and defensive applications like home defense.
Is the .223 Wylde Good for Deer Hunting?
Most hunters would tell you that .223 and 5.56 both lack the power necessary to cleanly dispatch deer and would opt for a heavier cartridge, but a deer can easily be taken with this cartridge, with proper shot placement, at an appropriate range.
So both of these cartridges can be suitable for deer hunting; just make sure you consult your state’s game code, as these cartridges may not be permitted for deer hunting in your area.
Can .223 and 5.56 Ammo Be Fired Interchangeably?
Since .223 Wylde is a hybrid chamber, both .223 and 5.56 can be fired interchangeably from it.
Will a 5.56 Bolt Work with a .223 Wylde Upper?
You should be able to use a 5.56 bolt with a .223 Wylde upper, but if you have questions consult a gunsmith.
Start Your AR Build with a .223 Wylde Upper
Tired of having to stick to one of these two cartridges? Build your AR with a .223 Wylde upper and you’ll never have to worry about getting the wrong ammo again.
We also carry everything else you could need here to complete a build. Including parts and build kits, but if you have any questions get in touch with us at Sales@MCSGearup.com.