.223 AI for precision

[kell2784]

Since I'm just starting my .223 project, I'm considering AI'ing the .223. Does anyone shoot the 40 degree version, or find that it is worth the increased cost of dies? With the increased case capacity, and velocity a few 100 ft. slower than the .22-250, it sure looks tempting. Also, I won't have to FL size as often with the 40 deg. shoulder.
Is it worth it?

 

[Ganderite]

What bullet you using? If it is a light bullet it sheds velocity so fast it is not worth the effort.

If you shoot the 75 or 80 gr bullet, then a much easier way to increase case capacity is to touch the throat and move it forward so you can seat the bullet farther forward. Keeping the bullet out of the case boileroom allows for more powder.

I have a number of 223 target rifles and they get 2900 to 3000 fps with the 80gr Sierra using VV N140, N150 and RL 15.

One rifle has been in use now for 5 years and gets 3025 fps over 26.5 gr of RL15. That is a full case. These rifles are all chambered with the Wylde reamer avaialbel from JGS.

This all assumes you have a 1:9 or faster barrel.

 

[kell2784]

The rifle isn't finished yet, but it'll be a 1 in 8" tube, and I'll either be using the 75grn amax or the 77grn. MK. I'm just debating whether it is worth the extra cost of dies to put in a few more grns get a nicer 40 deg. shoulder?

Thanks

 

[Obtunded]

Over the life of a barrel, the cost of dies is negligible. Anyway, Mark Anderson from Kamloops has a 223 AI that he has shot competitively with and which he has had out to the gopher fields and it is freakin' incredible.

I personally don't have a great deal of patience or experience with really esotreric wildcatting, (223 AI isn't...) but if I were going to build a 223, I would personally make it an AI.

Mysticplayer is the 223 guru, I'm sure he could offer you great advice

 

[Leeper]

I would not bother with the AI. The capacity gain and therefor, the velocity gain, is minimal. I would be surprised if the AI would drive 75 grain bullets more than 50 fps faster than the standard cartridge. The 223 AI will NOT equal the 222 Magnum, for instance. Not unless pressures are way different.
If you want more performance from a compact package, consider the 22BR or the 22PPC. Both will outperform the 223 handily and both offer the advantage of stronger, more durable brass.
Having said all this, I've built a few 223 AI's and it does make a neat looking little cartridge. Cute. Regards, Bill.

 

[CyaN1de]

I haven't looked too hard at the .223 WSSM but damn does it look like it could do some substantial damage to small furry things.

Plus barrel life over 22-250 looks to be a "no contest" win for the WSSM

 

[Mystic Precision]

Have a look here for more data and comparisons.

http://www.6mmbr.com/223Rem.html

Personally, I would just stick with the 223. In a pinch, you can go buy bulk Win 40gr ammo from just about anywhere if you run low on ammo.

I love AI cartridges and have built many. They do provide an increase in performance. In modern cartridges, the increase is not huge. Usually 100 to 150fps even when pressures are ramped up.

If that matters, go for it. If set up properly, you will be able to use reg. 223 ammo in the AI chamber without problem so you have the best of both worlds. Reg. 223 ammo will go slower in an AI chamber then in a 223 chamber.

For volume shooting, keeping things standard will help with components and reloading. Do look at the Lee collet die for the 223. You should be able to make it work with the AI if you decide to go that route.

If you really want speed, the 22/250 is it but hard on pipes.

The BR/PPC brass is superb but if you need several hundred to take into the field, that is going to cost several hundred dollars. 223 brass can be had for 10cents.

Jerry

 

[Eagleye]

I haven't looked too hard at the .223 WSSM but damn does it look like it could do some substantial damage to small furry things.

Plus barrel life over 22-250 looks to be a "no contest" win for the WSSM

I can accept that chrome lined barrels are more erosion resistant than are unlined barrels, but 8-900 rounds from a 22-250 before accuracy is going south??!! I think not, unless the 900 rounds are all shot in 1 day. I have shot out a couple of 220 Swifts, which are supposed to be the classic "barrel-burner" The first one was still shooting moa at 2400 rounds, the second one took somewhat more before the magic 1moa was no longer possible. I would like to know where the figures in the graph come from? Sorry for the thread hijack, just cannot contain myself when I see such BS. Regards, Eagleye.

 

[Sniper1]

Yeah, CyaN1de, where did you get those data ?

I think the chrome-line vs non-chromed is a major factor in barrel life expectancy.... not so much the caliber.

Anyway, i'm really intrigued because my Ar15 with 16" 1/9 chrome-lined barrel seems to be getting better and better, and it's now at more than 1000 rds fired.... !?