Handloading for the .223 AI

[Bill Norris]

Wondering if anybody has any pet loads or should I say very accurate loads for this caliber? Never loaded for this caliber at all so I'm definitely on new ground with it. I recently purchased a new custom build from a member here on the site that was built by OD Custom Rifles. If it shoots as good as it looks it will be a keeper no doubt.

 

[germanlongbow]

Reloader 15 23.5 grains. Sierra Matchking 77gr HPBT. Federal 205 M primer and Winchester brass shoots consistent 1/4 MOA out to 700 yards from my surgeon 591 r action, krieger 1x8 x28 inch barrel sitting in HS precision stock. I have over 1200 rounds down the tube and still capable of 1400 yard steel targets. Muzzle velocity 2950. You can easily push faster due to increased case capacity to 3090 but accuracy suffers, at least with current powder. Lapua brass wasn't available when I had mine built, would be the only component I would change at this point. Enjoy the cartridge.

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

Wondering if anybody has any pet loads or should I say very accurate loads for this caliber? Never loaded for this caliber at all so I'm definitely on new ground with it. I recently purchased a new custom build from a member here on the site that was built by OD Custom Rifles. If it shoots as good as it looks it will be a keeper no doubt.

Twist?

 

[Bill Norris]

1 - 12

 

[LitLBoy]

8208XBR try it.

 

[centershot]

I built mine on a Savage 12V action and put a Shilen prefit 1 in 12" barrel on it in a Boyds stock. I shoot L.C. brass and Federal 205 Match AR primers. I use X-Terminator power and 53 grain v-max bullets. Shot it at 300 meters before my prairie dog hunt and got a 1.13" five shot group. Four shots were at .838". I know a lot of dog shooters use a .204 Ruger, but I have loaded 40 grain V-Max bullets to 4,000 fps if you want to go that route. Enjoy a great caliber! Also have a 6mm TCU that shoots 80 grain Noslers at 3,000 fps with only about 28 grains of powder.

 

[Bill Norris]

8208XBR try it.

Been reading about it and have 1 pd on hand. Will give it try.

 

[tj66]

I use xterminator with 55 Nbt's in my 9 twist. ~3500 shoots very small.

 

[Bill Norris]

Reloader 15 23.5 grains. Sierra Matchking 77gr HPBT. Federal 205 M primer and Winchester brass shoots consistent 1/4 MOA out to 700 yards from my surgeon 591 r action, krieger 1x8 x28 inch barrel sitting in HS precision stock. I have over 1200 rounds down the tube and still capable of 1400 yard steel targets. Muzzle velocity 2950. You can easily push faster due to increased case capacity to 3090 but accuracy suffers, at least with current powder. Lapua brass wasn't available when I had mine built, would be the only component I would change at this point. Enjoy the cartridge.

I plan to use Lapua brass and I have both Fed GM Match and CCI B R primers as well.

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

Cfe is a must-must

 

[SmokinJoe]

I'm getting good results with 27.5 - 28.5 grs of either 8208 or Benchmark with 50 BT and F205. You will want to try Nos 53 Varm which are a few thousandths shorter then 53 V-Max and have a higher published BC (if I read it correctly).

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

Reloader 15 23.5 grains. Sierra Matchking 77gr HPBT. Federal 205 M primer and Winchester brass shoots consistent 1/4 MOA out to 700 yards from my surgeon 591 r action, krieger 1x8 x28 inch barrel sitting in HS precision stock. I have over 1200 rounds down the tube and still capable of 1400 yard steel targets. Muzzle velocity 2950. You can easily push faster due to increased case capacity to 3090 but accuracy suffers, at least with current powder. Lapua brass wasn't available when I had mine built, would be the only component I would change at this point. Enjoy the cartridge.

With his 12 twist. He is limited to about a 60- 64 grain bullet. Max.

 

[germanlongbow]

N133 if you have a 12 twist. I have two 223AI's One 8 and one 12 twist for prairie dogs. N133 behind a 50-55 grain bullet shoots well also. There really are a lot of good powders out there and most 223's in general should be easy to find a good load for.

 

[fivering1]

Wondering if anybody has any pet loads or should I say very accurate loads for this caliber? Never loaded for this caliber at all so I'm definitely on new ground with it. I recently purchased a new custom build from a member here on the site that was built by OD Custom Rifles. If it shoots as good as it looks it will be a keeper no doubt.

Use 27 gr of H-4895 behind a 53 gr HP bullet seated to shootout of a magazine and decimate prairie dogs all day. Velocity from a 28 inch bbl is ~ 3400 FPS. Really ruins the prairie dog's day.

 

[B23]

My 223AI has a 9tw and mostly all I've shot in mine is the 53gr Vmax with Benchmark and H322

 

[jepp2]

N133 if you have a 12 twist.

My experience also. This was shot in a Rem 700 VS SF at 100m.

 

[hunter67]

I'm shooting 8208 with lapua brass and Fed match or Rem 7 1/2 match with 53 vmax out of a 18" 1x9 twist suppressed and am getting 3394fps and shoots in the .3's.

 

[stacy]

I HAVE 2 223 ACKLEYS ONE IS A 7 TWIST 30'' THAT LOVES 80 GR BERGERS AND RL-15 AND 90GR BERGERS AND VARGET THE OTHER IS A 26'' 12 TWIST THATS LOVES 52GR BERGERS AND N-133 450M PRIMERS WITH ALL LOADS

 

[Rebar]

Winchester brass Rem7-1/2 primers
27gr. Benchmark 55gr. Nosler BT
27.5gr. Benchmark 50gr. Blitz King

 

[acloco]

H4895 has been my go to powder for 55 gr and heavier (1:8 or 1:9 twist)

Several ball powders work well with the 50/52 gr bullets as well (TAC, AA2460, etc)

Neck sizing die will be your new friend once you fireform.

Speaking of fireform, don't waste your time/components - go shoot prairie dogs or other vermin with the fireform load (they will be that accurate!!!)