22/204 AI vs. 223 AI

[2dogs]

Can anyone tell me the velocity difference between the 22/204 AI and 223 AI?

Will the additional case capacity of the 22/204 AI move you into a different powder burn rate than the 223 AI?

Any other thoughts are welcome. My big brother wants to build a new prairie dog rifle and is considering a 22/204 AI rather than a 223 AI.

 

[bheadboy]

the case 22/204 is basicly the original 222rem mag. the velocities of it are easily checked out. the AI version added only 2-3% as the case is a good one to begin with.

I shot it in IBS for years and managed to compete very well against the 222's and 222 -1/2's, the PPC repalced tham all

I also used a 40x in 222 mag for pd's in Wy with good results slightly better than the 223 velocity so the AI should also be slightly faster than the 223

The powders you use in a 223 are fine for either, especially with the 50sbk in 14 twist 24" tube

 

[alf]

2dogs,

I'm wanting to do the same thing, only in an 8 twist for the 75 A-Max. Without having a 204 case to neck up, I can't yet compare it to my 223 AI case capacity. My thought was a case equal, or a touch bigger, to a 223 AI without fireforming, and only having to buy a Redding Type S bushing die and use a 22 bushing.

bboy,

I thought the same thing as you, about ending back where it all began, but not true.

The 222RM has a case dimension of a 1.264" body length, .357 body/shoulder juncture diameter, 23 degree shoulder, and a .264" neck length.

The 204's body length is 1.539, .360" body/shoulder juncture diameter, 30 degree shoulder, and a .200" neck length.

My 223 AI case's body length is 1.475", .365" body/shoulder diameter, 40 degree shoulder, and a .230" neck length.

So the 22/204 Ruger should have a bit more velocity on tap, no fireforming, and cheaper dies than a AI. Win/win/win. I'd guess powder choices woud be the same as an AI.

 

[stevec]

Never messed with the .22 version but I shoot a 6mm-204.
It has the same water capacity as the PPC. Very accurate and matches the velocity of the ppc with the same load data. I would expect the same with the .22 version.

Steve

 

[2dogs]

bheadboy, Thanks, I did want to mention that I find myself perfectly satisfied with the 223AI. You mention fireforming, but my rifle a Savage 10 with Shilen Select 1/14 barrel shoots 1/4 minute with 40 grain ballistic tips and is effective on prairie dogs to 500 yards with fireforming loads. I just got back from NM where my brother and I shot in some serious wind and I was amazed at the accuracy and effectiveness of my fireforming loads.

223AI dies are a standard item from Redding I believe. I get nearly 4000 fps with a 40 grainer. I know guys who are getting almost 3200 with the 75 a max with a 1/9 twist.

Still, Im intruiged by the 22/204 improved version.....

 

[Ackman]

I haven't measured actual case volume difference with water, but 223AI loads use about 1.5 gr more powder than a std. 223. My .223 brass is all IMI and very strong stuff. A 223AI and 222Mag hold about the same volume of water, but 222Mag is Rem brass and won't give the velocity of 223AI using IMI. Part of it's brass. Also the difference in body taper and shoulder angle are a factor.....the AI is accurate with top end loads.

The 204 case necked to 22 case holds about .7-1.0gr more powder than a 223AI. I had two rifles with identical Krieger barrels chambered for 223AI and 22-204, with chambers that are as comparable as possible. Stayed with an un-Ackleyized version of the 204 case. The idea was to see what that extra capacity would do. Hoping for another 75, maybe 100fps.......this is using Win 204 brass and I don't know if there'll be much or any velocity increase. I haven't messed with these guns yet.

Deciding between the two, just go with the 223AI and be done with it. It's a real good cartridge and dies are readily available. With the 22-204 - unless someone's making dies for it in the last couple years - it'll be a little trickier. I have no idea about the AI 22-204 version. Using good (strong) brass for the 223AI makes a difference. If you can find IMI, get it. The more recent Lapua Match, or maybe try some Lake City which is said to be good stuff. Also it's worth doing to get your own reamer and spec it to the brass, including brass length.

*****You posted while I was typing. Since you already have a 223AI and know what it'll do, I'd just stick with it.

 

[bheadboy]

Alf, the 204 and 22rm have the same oal case length of 1.850 tcompareto 223 at 1.759

the AI version of the 22/204 solves the taper, shoulder differance and vs the 223ai adds about 2gr water subjectto the reamer.

the 22/204 will out velocity the 223 especially the 55 gr bullets

Bob