Whats the difference between .223 and 5.56 or are they the same cartridge?

The simple answer is: No. They are not the same cartridge. In an even more simplistic sense, one could state that the .223 is the civilian version of the 5.56 NATO military cartridge. The trouble is, that is precisely where the trouble and confusion begins. Without spending considerable time going through the technicalities involved, the average shooter only needs to recognize the following: 1.) While virtually identical visually, there are case tolerance differences between the two cartridges. 2.) The reason for these tolerance differences stems from the fact that 5.56 NATO generates higher pressures than the .223 Remington cartridge. 3.) There are differences in the chambers of specific weapons which accommodate the differences in the cartridges. For instance, a rifle chambered for 5.56 NATO will work well with either the .223 or the 5.56. However, a rifle chambered for .223 will only work safely with .223 since the chamber is smaller and, therefore, will create dangerously high pressures with the higher pressured 5.56 NATO cartridge. I call your attention to the fact that Winchester markets both .223 Remington and 5.56mm (NATO) cartridges in their USA (white box) brand; with the difference in performance specs hinting at the differences between the two cartridges. If youre interested in a few more technical details, Winchester has the following News & Press Release from 2001 on their website - http://www.winchester.com/lawenforcement/news/newsview.aspx?storyid=11 In short, dont ever let someone convince you that the .223 and the 5.56 are the same cartridge; I dont care how much experience/expertise they claim or what Tech Manual they point to. In fact, a considerable number will come out of the woodwork, claiming to have spent X number of years in the military and their AR-15/M-16 fires either just fine. All well and good, but... First, the military does not issue .223 Remington; they issue 5.56 NATO. Second, military issued weapons are chambered in 5.56 NATO. However, not all of the AR-15 variations now available on the civilian market are so chambered; various chambers include .223, 5.56 NATO, and, now, the .223 Wylde. Third, not all models, model years, metallurgy, and manufacturers specs are created equal. Neither is the use/abuse any given weapon has endured. Agree or disagree, thats the way I see it and what credible sources have demonstrated based on my research. Im not here to debate it and Im not going to argue about anyones personal experience with their weapon(s). If the weapon says it is chambered in .223, thats precisely what I feed it. Now that Ive said my piece on the topic, what you choose to believe and do is your problem.