That's about the only time I would think of a Wylde chamber vs a .223 or .223 AI is if I was planning to neck size only. If you're planning on fireforming though you might as well just go AI.
Question on beginner precision rifle - in 223
- Thread starter Pootle
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That's about the only time I would think of a Wylde chamber vs a .223 or .223 AI is if I was planning to neck size only. If you're planning on fireforming though you might as well just go AI.
The 223 AI is an effort to get the speed up with the 223 parent case, but it is a wildcat at the end of the day. So you have to buy special dies and then you cannot share brass between other rifles.
Simply running a long throat and heavy bullets with a regular 223 case gets the same performance as the AI but without the hassle of a custom round.
Sure, you could run a 223 AI with 90s seated to 2.700" and probably hit 3000 FPS, but that is into barrel burning territory. Or just go with the 223 AI so you can run really mild loads out of an abundance of caution. Keep your pressures low and brass life high. But then you have to be really good at making sure the AI cases don't get mixed with your 223 cases.
Sort of. You can fire all regular 223 ammo in an AI chamber, and presto, AI brass. - dan
I've owned numerous AI's, and have not experienced the "shoot twice before accurate" issue. And yes it is a 223, capable of firing 223 ammo in it. Its just a one way trip. - dan
223 is an excellent round to get into for what your looking at doing. Youll need atleast a 9tw barrel so you can get into the 69-75gr range for a bullet, but before for you start looking into a nice round to shoot. Do you reload? Cause this will make all the difference in doing what your looking at doing.
Once you have that all in place. The next thing will be a decent scope that you can dial or use a the reticle for hold overs youll need to start reaching out. After that it all about going with someone that knows what they are doing to help you out or watching a pile of youtube vids. Then its all trigger time and lots of it. Pretty much after a pile of trigger time, youll either want a new rifle with a faster twist for heavier bullets and a few extra toys, like a Kestrel, better bipod, nice rear bag etc. Just get out and play around, cause theres where youll start figuring out what you like and where this road will take you. cheers
Once you have that all in place. The next thing will be a decent scope that you can dial or use a the reticle for hold overs youll need to start reaching out. After that it all about going with someone that knows what they are doing to help you out or watching a pile of youtube vids. Then its all trigger time and lots of it. Pretty much after a pile of trigger time, youll either want a new rifle with a faster twist for heavier bullets and a few extra toys, like a Kestrel, better bipod, nice rear bag etc. Just get out and play around, cause theres where youll start figuring out what you like and where this road will take you. cheers
A 1:9 is too slow for 80s.
You can run a light bullet accurately through a fast twist if you dial the velocity down but you cannot run a heavy bullet accurately through a slow twist.
1:7 is the standard for anyone after long range performance.
I know this is an old post, I just wanted to add that I have two Savage bolt guns and they are terrific in my opinion. .22 and .308 McMillan. I just purchased a Tikka TAC A1 in .223 because I have the componnents and wanted a nicer bench gun. It seems to be very nicely built.
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this is the most understated point!
You don't need 3K, but all you need to hit 2900 FPS with 90 grainers is a long throat 223. You should be touching the lands at or near 2.700 OAL with 90 grain ATips.
If you cant hit steel with 90s at 2900 fps, you have other problems.
Going to 22GT. Or a 22 creed represent a huge increase in cost and recoil in a game where recoil reduction is key. Not to mention crap for barrel life.
If I had to prioritize what it takes to win in PRS, the cartridge would be at the bottom of the list, yet so many people put it at the top and lean toward overkill because that's what they read some pro was using. Well I hate to break in to you but if you are reading this for advice, you are in the bottom 70 percent and the cartridge is the least of your concerns.
This is why I advocate for the 223... Few guys can out shoot it and if you get good with a 223, you wont want anything else anyway.
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I have never owned an Axis but I've had 4 different 110 based rifles and all have been excellent and smooth actions right out of the box.
coleman1495
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IMO 223 is underrated as a target cartridge especially for beginners. The 6mm and 6.5mm cartridges are certainly more capable but most folks don’t shoot far enough for it to matter. In my experience, 6.5 isn’t an advantage until past ~550yds (unless its extremely windy). The 223 has cheaper ammo and can be fired more times before barrel heat is an issue. Its also better for practicing wind calls on most ranges.
Edit- As folks already mentioned, get a Tikka. They already have a 8t barrel and can be upgraded in every way.
Edit- As folks already mentioned, get a Tikka. They already have a 8t barrel and can be upgraded in every way.
223 is a good starter cartridge but there are so many better options. I have a 6BR I have used for long range as well as slaying gophers and it is so inherently accurate, it is just plain fun to shoot.
Agree, though I have 4 different 223's (12, 9, and 7 twists) and only one 6 br. The br is just such an easy cartridge to be accurate with. - dan
