.223 Wylde Barrels
The 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem are two of the most popular cartridges used in AR-15s today. While these two rounds may look nearly identical, they have to be fired through different barrels for optimal safety and functionality. The .223 Wylde barrel, however, is a hybrid barrel designed to safely fire both 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem cartridges without sacrificing power or accuracy.
A .223 Wylde barrel gives shooters the power to choose which ammunition they want to use without the restraints of a particular firearm. With this barrel, you can plink away with milsurp 5.56 and enjoy precision accuracy from .223 Rem handloads without having to change anything about your rifle.
History of the .223 Wylde
In the 1990s, Bill Wylde set to work to design a barrel that could safely and accurately fire both 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem cartridges. An engineer and gunsmith, Wylde designed the .223 Wylde barrel, which let him enjoy the versatility of both rounds and the convenience of a single barrel.
While the .223 Wylde has gained popularity since its introduction, it was initially difficult to find. Some gunsmiths were willing to modify existing .223 barrels to Wylde specs, but it usually meant a long wait. Today, the market availability for this special barrel has improved considerably — and getting one now is as easy as ordering online with Wing Tactical.
Wylde's .223 Allows for Diversity
The .223 Wylde barrel brings you the best of both worlds by allowing you to fire both 5.56 NATO cartridges and .223 Rem cartridges. This barrel features the throat angle used in a 5.56 NATO chamber paired with the freebore dimensions found in a standard .223 Rem barrel, essentially turning your single AR-15 into a hybrid of two guns.
When you shop with Wing Tactical, you'll find a wide range of .223 Wylde barrels designed to take on different shooting parameters, like heavier, fluted barrels for long-range shots and lighter pencil barrels for use in fast-paced competitions. Our barrels are also available in a wide range of lengths so you can further customize your AR-15 to meet your exact needs.
.223 Wylde FAQs
What are the advantages of the .223 Wylde barrel?
There are a lot of elements that go into making an accurate, successful shot, but one of the most important — other than the person behind the rifle — is the barrel and ammunition used. A .223 Wylde barrel allows you to feed both 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem to fit your applications.
Conditions vary widely depending on where you're shooting and what your target is, and there is enough of a difference in 5.56 NATO vs. .223 Rem cartridges that having the ability to select between them can make a big difference in your success. With the .223 Wylde, you can choose the best ammunition for whatever task is at hand.
What is the difference between 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem?
Though these two cartridges look nearly identical on the outside, it's important to understand the difference between them. The disparity lies in the chambers of the barrels designed to fire each round and the chamber pressure developed when you do.
A 5.56 NATO round is loaded to higher chamber pressures than the .223 Rem, which means barrels designed for the 5.56 NATO are designed to withstand greater chamber pressure. While you can fire a .223 Rem from a 5.56 NATO barrel, you sacrifice the accuracy that the cartridge is known for. Meanwhile, you cannot safely fire a 5.56 NATO round through a standard .223 barrel at all.
Guarantees When You Buy From Wing Tactical
Wing Tactical is a firearm company run by gun enthusiasts for gun enthusiasts. We're dedicated to ensuring you get the parts you need for your AR-15, with 100% satisfaction guaranteed every time. We offer fast shipping, with most orders shipping out the same day they're placed, letting you get your new .223 Wylde barrel fast and get right to work.
Our 30-day hassle-free return policy allows you to return most products within a month with no restocking fees and no questions asked.
Military and LEO Discount Program
At Wing Tactical, we offer a special discount program for active military personnel, law enforcement officers and first responders to thank you for your service and ensure you've got the firearms parts and tactical gear you need to continue your mission.
When you enroll in our LEO/Military discount program, you get access to exclusive email promotions, discounted prices and an extended return policy.
Exceptional Barrels Hand-Picked by Experts
Every firearm part and accessory you see at Wing Tactical is hand-picked by our expert team to offer you optimized performance. We only stock our shop with products we would use on our own firearms, so each product comes backed by our personal seal of approval.
Get your top-quality .223 Wylde barrel by ordering online today, or get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team to discuss compatibility and other options.