223 wilde

[JoJo]

I've seen adds for 223 wilde uppers and rifles. What is it and is it the same as 223/5.56?

[Jackalope]

   The 223 Wylde has a chamber that will handle the higher pressure of 5.56, yet the dimensions are such that it will perfectly chamber either the 5.56 or .223.  It's a good way to go if you are using both types of ammunition.

[JoJo]

 Thanks for the reply.

 But doesn't a rifle chambered for 5.56 do the same thing? Is it just a marketing ploy or necessary information?

[Jackalope]

   223 Wylde chambers are known for their extreme accuracy.  5.56, not so much.  So, if you're shooting in competitions, then it would make sense to spend the extra money for a 223 Wylde.  Otherwise, for day to day shooting, then a 5.56 would be fine.  Some of it is marketing, especially to gun snobs.

[CJS06]

The .223 Wylde has a shorter lead and is a tighter chamber than a 5.56 gun. This is meant to stabilize the bullet in the barrel sooner. As was mentioned  it is designed to be more of a .223 match chamber that is designed to handle the pressures of the 5.56.  Compared to most "duty" guns and for carbines with milspec chrome lined barrels there is a improvement in inherent accuracy of Wylde chambered barrels. The Wylde chamber comes into its own when shooting intermediate to long ranges, of course quality ammo helps here as well.   A well made match barrel in 5.56 will produce very similar results. 

My previous 18" gun had a Wylde chamber and was accurate with 77gr SMK and TMK out to approx 1200m +/-.  I re-barrelled with a proof research barrel chambered in 5.56.  I have been very successful with this barrel with 77gr SMK and 75gr SPF out to around 1100m +/-. 

Most 223Wylde chambers are in 1:8 twist compared to the common 1:7 twist in most match 5.56mm chambers currently available.  The Wylde barrel seems to be a little faster from 600m out, with my holds being a bit less than the same ammo shot from the 1:7 5.56mm barrel.  Both chambers stabilize the heavier, longer rounds nicely.  In general a 223 Wylde chamber can be had in a more economical barrel than a good match 5.56 barrel.  This makes getting better results more manageable without having to spend as much $$. They can be had for prices a little higher than a std 5.56mm barrel but still reasonable.

Wylde barrels are what I tend to build 14.5-18" barreled guns with. Ironically right now all of my guns have 5.56mm chambers.  For shortys 10.5-12.5" I have always stuck with 5.56 (never gotten behind the 13.7" offerings). I am also prone to using stuff that I can get deals on and right now I am using primarily Noveske and Proof Research barrels (and one Wilson Combat in my .224V) which make very good quality 5.56 barrels. It will be a while before I need to re-barrel again. I have been very impressed with Rosco barrels in both their "bloodline" 5.56 barrels as well as their "purebred" Wylde offerings.  They are very nice barrels and a reasonable price.

Chris

[patriotman]

The .223 Wylde has a shorter lead and is a tighter chamber than a 5.56 gun. This is meant to stabilize the bullet in the barrel sooner. As was mentioned  it is designed to be more of a .223 match chamber that is designed to handle the pressures of the 5.56.  Compared to most "duty" guns and for carbines with milspec chrome lined barrels there is a improvement in inherent accuracy of Wylde chambered barrels. The Wylde chamber comes into its own when shooting intermediate to long ranges, of course quality ammo helps here as well.   A well made match barrel in 5.56 will produce very similar results. 

My previous 18" gun had a Wylde chamber and was accurate with 77gr SMK and TMK out to approx 1200m +/-.  I re-barrelled with a proof research barrel chambered in 5.56.  I have been very successful with this barrel with 77gr SMK and 75gr SPF out to around 1100m +/-. 

Most 223Wylde chambers are in 1:8 twist compared to the common 1:7 twist in most match 5.56mm chambers currently available.  The Wylde barrel seems to be a little faster from 600m out, with my holds being a bit less than the same ammo shot from the 1:7 5.56mm barrel.  Both chambers stabilize the heavier, longer rounds nicely.  In general a 223 Wylde chamber can be had in a more economical barrel than a good match 5.56 barrel.  This makes getting better results more manageable without having to spend as much $$. They can be had for prices a little higher than a std 5.56mm barrel but still reasonable.

Wylde barrels are what I tend to build 14.5-18" barreled guns with. Ironically right now all of my guns have 5.56mm chambers.  For shortys 10.5-12.5" I have always stuck with 5.56 (never gotten behind the 13.7" offerings). I am also prone to using stuff that I can get deals on and right now I am using primarily Noveske and Proof Research barrels (and one Wilson Combat in my .224V) which make very good quality 5.56 barrels. It will be a while before I need to re-barrel again. I have been very impressed with Rosco barrels in both their "bloodline" 5.56 barrels as well as their "purebred" Wylde offerings.  They are very nice barrels and a reasonable price.

Chris

Chris your posts are always so wonderful and helpful, so thank you. 

[11C1P]

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The last several barrels for 223/5.56 I've got have been in 223Wylde, except for the free one I got from BCA last veterans day, cause that wasn't an option.  If all other things are equal & the price is the same or not much more, go with the 223Wylde.  Like others have said it's supposed to be able to shoot 223 as accurately if it were in a regular 223 chamber/barrel but handle the pressure of 5.56 while also maintaining good accuracy & reliability.  From a prepper stand point barrel selection order IMO would be 1. 223Wylde 2. 5.56NATO 3. 223Rem.  The 223Rem chamber is the least versatile, the 5.56 is more versatile but not as accurate, the 223Wylde is both versatile & accurate.  All that being said, in a pinch unless your 5.56 is really hot ammo, you'd be able to shoot it in a 223REM without hurting anything, unless your rifle is made shoddily.  Same with shooting 223 or 5.56 out of a 5.56 barrel, most people for engagements with 2 legged game are going to be accurate enough with either.  So if you can't find a 223Wylde barrel or it's way more expensive than you want, one of the others will get you by just fine 90% of the time IMO. 

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