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Actually there is more to it than just the leade, (correct spelling BTW) the case is thicker on the 5.56. Here's a couple articles on it:Basically the lead is shorter than 5.56 but not as tight as a .223 eliminateing the pressure spike from firing a 5.56 in a .223 chamber but gaining some accuracy over the 5.56 lead (the lead lenght is the only difference between .223 and 5.56)
You know back in the 50's and 60-70-80-90's when I was shooting GI ammo in my civvy guns Pundits would often comment about the thicker brass in GI ammo, important, when reloading max pressure loads (which I avoid).
I have fired 1000's of 556 through 223 labeled rifles and visa versa, never a problem
The 556 chamber is looser than a 223 chamber because military firearms are expected to be used in full auto mode in a dirty environment. 223 chambers are tighter as an aid to accuracy in a civilian environment.
If 556 did not meet SAAMI specs for 223 it would not be sold by retailers, period.
But please, feel free to agonize as much as you want
Great way of putting it since that's about all the difference in the 3Theoretically you could hand load a cartridge to .223 Wylde spec's that would be neither a .223 or 5.56 . Now you are really splitting hairs though.