Cannonpointer's Internet Barrister
2,829 posts
The 5.56 NATO round was developed in Belgium in the late 70's early 80's by FN Herstal using the Remington 223 as the parent case. Eugene Stoner was involved with the development of the rem 223. While similar they are 2 different rounds with different ballistics. While you can safely fire a Rem 223 cartridge in a weapon chambered for NATO5.56 I wouldn't recommend firing a NATO 5.56 in weapon chambered in 223. The 223 round produces lower pressures and has a shorter freebore than the NATO round.