The reason that I did a .223 AI for prairie dogs is that it is easier on barrels than say a .22-250. I am not saying it is the same as a .22-250. You can shoot it longer at a sitting and know you are not burning up the barrel as fast. A .22-250 AI? Too over bore. Would not do it.
Why shoot ai calibers?
- Thread starter JORTZ
- Start date
nakneker
Gold $$ Contributor
Not to mention all the advantages. My favorite being how AI calibers take it easy on the brass, much less stretch.
Joe R
Gold $$ Contributor
I'm currently shooting a 260AI, but I've never shot a straight 260 so I can't make a good comparison. Before this I had never shot any AI caliber. What I can say is that for me this has been a superb experience. I'm getting my best scores with it shooting F-Open.
I believe that the extra case capacity of the AI was just enough for me to test the high node. Having never tested around 3,000fps I had low expectations because I didn't think I would be able to retain the precision. Well... I was wrong. At 2975fps it hammers in a way that blew me away. Earlier this month I had just polished the bore so I went to the range two days early to get sighted in at 1K, foul the barrel and get my wind zero. My first round was a 10 and the next 14 were either ten or Xs, so I quit. On Sunday during the match on my first relay I was able to get a 198-8X, a personal best for me. The two points I dropped were my fault not the gun's fault. So in my case AI seems to be a real improvement.
If you want to read more about my 260AI journey from the beginning go here http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/my-new-260-ai-build.3909184/
Kindest regards,
Joe
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Thanks for posting
I have watched Joe R (Regina) from the beginning of his time in F-Class. Joe was primarily an F-T/R shooter. He went from being "really green" to being an excellent reloader, and shot! Now his venture into F-Open with an Ackley and his performance with it, shows his abilities! Way to go Joe!
I recently built a 260AI based on a Savage F/TR. It shoots .3 MOA with Berger 130VLD fire forming. Hard to beat that for a forming load. Add in the limited case stretch, etc. I see it as a win all the way around.
I think a 260 AI is the best choice for shooting a 6.5 caliber. One better is a WSSM
Then the cases are junk . Larry
Joe R
Gold $$ Contributor
Ben,
I have to give credit when it is due. In truth Ben Steinsholt is the single individual that as influenced my reloading and shooting the most. I finally got tired of doing it my way and butting my head against the wall. One day I and decided to start taking your advice and lo and behold it worked. So, I asked for more and you shared your knowledge freely, without any reservations and for that I am eternally grateful. Couldn't have done without your help, you're a real friend in deed.
Joe
dmoran
Donovan Moran
Brass consistency from cycle to cycle, by the improvement of the case walls to straighter/less taper and increased shoulder angle of an Ackley Improved (and other Improved's) is what I like about them. The brass retains it's shape better and does not stretch or grow as much as do more tapered cases and shoulders. Combined those aspects with the increased capacity, hence velocity, is icing on the cake to an increase to ballistic performance as well !.!.!
Really don't care for cartridges with any less then a 30-degree shoulder.
Donovan
Really don't care for cartridges with any less then a 30-degree shoulder.
Donovan
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^^This
7-08AI in a mountain rifle and absolutely love the performance.
338-06AI in a short bbl elk rifle. Did not get any gain in velocity over a straight 338-06 but it is a lot more accurate for whatever reason.
338-06AI in a short bbl elk rifle. Did not get any gain in velocity over a straight 338-06 but it is a lot more accurate for whatever reason.
Hengehold
Silver $$ Contributor
As a working parent, time is more valuable to me than money. Using a case with a 40° shoulder Will save me hours that would have otherwise been spent on case trimming. This alone makes the AI option very attractive to me.
-T
+1 on this! And as I mentioned, .3 MOA forming loads are plenty good enough for local 800-1000 yard f-open matches.
Well if your hair grew back sign me up. I can kiss baldness goodbye. LolI became more virile, my hair started growing back, and people tend to smile at my gruff nature instead of being offended since getting my 260 AI
Seriously, it is so easily shot well, it makes you look good. As said above, 130 VLDs or 143 ELDXs are shooting .3 all day long.
Stay bald! All that money you save on hair care products can be put into bullets, powder, primers and brass. That's what I tell myself, anyway . . . .
I shoot the AIs 'cause I hate trimming brass . . . . and the extra speed comes in handy.
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