Newbie from Ohio

[MadMapper]

Hello, my name is Jim, 52 yrs old. I am new to the AR-15 world. (30 years ago, I use to eat, sleep and $%IT... with an M16A2)
I just bought this AR-15 from an estate sale. Could someone help me figure out if it is 223 or 5.56. (I don't want to Load 5.56 if it's a 223 upper)
It is a Bushmaster XM-15 E2S lower (stamped 223-5.56)
The upper has NO markings on it whatsoever.
No clue about the barrel or hand guards
Fab SSR-25 ButtStock
Burris Laserscope .
Any info about this weapon would be great.

 

[Zorrosdens]

Welcome to Sniper’s Hide, I’m going to leave the info department to some slightly better seasoned in the rifle. I think 223 and 556 are the same but not totally positive of it across the board. Others will better know some more. Research all you can, too.

 

[MadMapper]

223 and 5.56 are similiar but only interchangeable in one format. A 223 round can be fired safely from a 5.56 chamber, but a 5.56 round is very unsafe to fire from a 223 chamber.

 

[Ravenworks]

You should get away from shooting that steel case ammo once prices come down on brass cased ammo.
Give the gun a good cleaning and enjoy

 

[acudaowner]

welcome from delaware

 

[Fishfullthinking]

Welcome to the hide and congratulations on your first Ar15!!!

 

[Krtemt]

Welcome fellow newbie, from texas

 

[BCMulx]

Welcome aboard.

 

[The D]

Welcome from CO

I’d say if the lower is marked both 5.56/.223 it should be safe for either. ...But... I have no idea if that barrel is stock or not. Maybe take the handguard off and check the barrel? Or if you’re a tinkerer..er like a lot of us you could order a new barrel, different chambering or not, just in case

 

[RC556]

Welcome from LA. I would personally just bring a gun into a local shop for a double if not triple check. It'd be a shame to have a medical issue over our pastime of shooting.

 

[GoolsbyMD]

Welcome