.223 vs 5.56 Acog reticles

[Tinman87]

I’ve done some research and am having a hard time finding a straight answer.

I see Acog’s listed for .223 and others listed for 5.56. While I can accept that they may make different reticles, I’m just wondering if anyone can confirm that is the case - and that it’s not just a matter of lazy dealer descriptions.

Also, I recognize that the difference in performance will be minimal out to a certain point. Just an inquiring mind

 

[QuietM4]

I’ve done some research and am having a hard time finding a straight answer.

Didn't do enough research. I spent 90 seconds and looked at Trijicon's website...I didn't know if you knew you could do that...you can, anyone is allowed to.

Trijicon labels them as .223/5.56 reticles.

 

[Tinman87]

I’ve done some research and am having a hard time finding a straight answer.

Didn't do enough research. I spent 90 seconds and looked at Trijicon's website...I didn't know if you knew you could do that...you can, anyone is allowed to.

Trijicon labels them as .223/5.56 reticles.

You’re right, and that’s actually what caused my confusion, I just looked at so many dealer pages afterwards that I forgot about my initially point of confusion.

Trijicon lists SOME optics as .223/5.56 but lists others as just .223. Where I get confused is that some of the ones listed as .223 are service models, and I’m relatively certain the Army and Marines use 5.56 not .223.

The fact that they’re listed as .223 has me questioning the validity of the description - as with the dealers.

 

[freefly]

I’ve done some research and am having a hard time finding a straight answer.

I see Acog’s listed for .223 and others listed for 5.56. While I can accept that they may make different reticles, I’m just wondering if anyone can confirm that is the case - and that it’s not just a matter of lazy dealer descriptions.

Also, I recognize that the difference in performance will be minimal out to a certain point. Just an inquiring mind

No different ACOG reticles based solely on chambering between .223/5.56. However, I believe the "civilian" TA31 4x32 BDC reticles are calibrated for 55gr .223 from a 16" barrel. The .mil (RCO) versions are calibrated for 62gr (M855) 5.56mm out of 14.5" barrels (TA31RCO-M4) and 20" barrels (TA31RCO-A4).

That said, the real-world difference in target prints/hits between them all will be relatively small, for the same barrel length/round. I'd just avoid going with a configuration that puts the barrel length / cartridge / reticle configuration at extremes. IOW, I wouldn't use an RCO-A4 on an SBR shooting 55gr .223, etc.

 

[Tinman87]

I’ve done some research and am having a hard time finding a straight answer.

I see Acog’s listed for .223 and others listed for 5.56. While I can accept that they may make different reticles, I’m just wondering if anyone can confirm that is the case - and that it’s not just a matter of lazy dealer descriptions.

Also, I recognize that the difference in performance will be minimal out to a certain point. Just an inquiring mind

No different ACOG reticles based solely on chambering between .223/5.56. However, I believe the "civilian" TA31 4x32 BDC reticles are calibrated for 55gr .223 from a 16" barrel. The .mil (RCO) versions are calibrated for 62gr (M855) 5.56mm out of 14.5" barrels (TA31RCO-M4) and 20" barrels (TA31RCO-A4).

That said, the real-world difference in target prints/hits between them all will be relatively small, for the same barrel length/round. I'd just avoid going with a configuration that puts the barrel length / cartridge / reticle configuration at extremes. IOW, I wouldn't use an RCO-A4 on an SBR shooting 55gr .223, etc.

Thank you for the thoughtful feedback! You confirmed what I suspected, it’s just that it’s an investment and I’d hate to be over $1k over a misunderstanding and just needed a little reaffirmation before pulling the trigger

 

[Tinman87]

Good point

 

[TheJediknight]

So many ACOG choices....I looked at so many....

I went with the Aimpoint M5s....

https://www.aimpoint.com/products/red-dot-sights/compm5s-2-moa-red-dot-reflex-sight-with-39-mm-spacer-lrp-mount