to Ackley Improve or not

Status
Not open for further replies.
copied and pasted form 6mmbr.

Why the AI? Some shooters own a half-dozen .223s and they just want to try something different. That natural curiousity can be reason enough to try a .223 Rem Ackley Improved. But there are also three very logical (and quantifiable) reasons to go with this chambering.

Reason Number One is Speed. Depending on the powder, brass, and barrel length, the Ackley version of the .223 Remington will, typically, deliver from 100 to 140 fps more speed with any given bullet. (Light bullets gain more.) That makes a difference, particularly for varminters looking for a flatter trajectory and more explosive effect on target.

Likewise, long-range shooters will benefit from improved ballistics. The AI's greater case capacity will let you run a given bullet faster, or let you step up to a heavier bullet with better BC.

Reason Number Two is Brass Stability. The .223 Rem AI has a 40° shoulder. Once the cases are properly fire-formed, the steeper shoulder resists case growth. You'll find the AI brass is extremely stable and you won't have to trim the cases as often. Many .223 AI shooters also find they can reload the case many times before full-length sizing is required.

Reason Number Three is Availability of Components. Compared to other "hot rod" cases such as the 22 Dasher or 22 PPC, .223 brass is cheap and plentiful. You can buy new IMG (Guatemalan) brass from Wideners for $89 per 1000 cases. Top Brass (Scharch Mfg.) offers fully processed, once-fired Lake City military brass for the same $89/1000. And many shooters already have an ample supply of .223 Rem commercial brass. Rather than let that old .223 brass languish--Ackleyize it.
 
the added complications to just gain 100 to 140 fps hardly seems worthwhile to me, couldn't you just over pressure a regular 223?
 
The best (only?) reason I see for AI is for brass life. Loaded to the same pressure, the velocity gains on most AIs are fairly marginal.

.223 brass is so plentiful and so cheap, I couldn't see ever making an AI
 
I've had 2 AIs a 375 H&H and a 243 Win...both were super accurate easy to load for and I don't think I ever trimmed brass.

Cant speak for the 223 personally but I wouldn't hesitate to try it.
 
I've had 2 AIs a 375 H&H and a 243 Win...both were super accurate easy to load for and I don't think I ever trimmed brass.

Cant speak for the 223 personally but I wouldn't hesitate to try it.

The H&H, with it's obsolete case shape featuring long tapered walls, is one of the cartridges that can enjoy a meaningful benefit by improvement. It basically turns it into a 375 WBY, which is a step up from the H&H. :)
 
The H&H, with it's obsolete case shape featuring long tapered walls, is one of the cartridges that can enjoy a meaningful benefit by improvement. It basically turns it into a 375 WBY, which is a step up from the H&H. :)

You JUST don't EVER give up on a chance to BEAT up on the the 375 H&H - its getting SICKENING ya know ! H:S: Especially when your WRONG :p ! lol

Cheers RJ
 
Don't know if I would AI a 223, but I have a 6.5x55AI, and that is a worthy change, IMHO.
about 200 fps gain, cases last forever. cases do not grow, even with stiff loads.
It is largely a matter of choice. Dave.
 
You JUST don't EVER give up on a chance to BEAT up on the the 375 H&H - its getting SICKENING ya know ! H:S: Especially when your WRONG :p ! lol

Cheers RJ

What are you talking about? ???

I'm mentioning how more tapered cases that get blown out see a larger advantage in an AI rechamber than more straight wall cases. The HH is an example of this, as is the 30-30 and many more. More Modern case design with straighter walls (like the .223 or .308) will see less advantage.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom