.223 AI questions

[muleman69]

Is there any different in the .223 Rem improved and the .223 AI. Having a heck of a time finding AI dies but there are some Rem improved dies out there. Also can I use a standard .223 Collet neck sizer for the AI?

 

[Ozshot]

Is there any different in the .223 Rem improved and the .223 AI. Having a heck of a time finding AI dies but there are some Rem improved dies out there. Also can I use a standard .223 Collet neck sizer for the AI?

My understanding is they are they same thing, I’m sure someone will call me out if that’s not the case but I reload for 223AI and my Redding dies just state 223rem improved, cant help you on the neck sizing sorry as I only use the full length sizer

 

[edwardware]

I size my .223 Ackley Improved 40deg cases in Redding .223 Improved dies. Same thing. Call Redding to confirm.

I don't know what a "standard .223 Collet neck sizer" is, but Lee Precisions .223 Collet neck sizer is relieved to fit the Ackley case, and works fine. Call Lee to confirm.

 

[SeabeeKen]

The collet neck sizer will work with ackleys since it isnt sizing the body. I use them with 4 ackley rifles. I had to mod a 257 Roberts collet die to make one for my 250AI

 

[muleman69]

I size my .223 Ackley Improved 40deg cases in Redding .223 Improved dies. Same thing. Call Redding to confirm.

I don't know what a "standard .223 Collet neck sizer" is, but Lee Precisions .223 Collet neck sizer is relieved to fit the Ackley case, and works fine. Call Lee to confirm.

Thanks ,Lee is what I was thinking just had a Brandon moment.

 

[acloco]

Lee makes 223 AI dies. Maybe out of stock?

 

[jepp2]

Is there any different in the .223 Rem improved and the .223 AI

Some manufacturers call them Improved, some call them AI. Since the 223 was developed after Ackley did all his work, they call them Improved rather than AI.

If you are buying dies from the main suppliers, I'm sure you will be fine with buying Improved and getting the 40 degree shoulder you want. However, if you buy your dies from a specialty supplier like CH4D beware there actually is a 30 degree shoulder Improved. So make sure you get what you want.

After initial fire forming, you will need an Improved seating die to seat your bullets. I use the Redding Comp bullet seating die, and you can always have a smith use a reamer to convert the body from a 223 to a 223 AI/Improved. I had my smith convert my 222 Rem to a 20 Bobcat for me.