.223 AI velocity Expectations

[centershot]

What is the velocity boost that I can expect out of the AI version of the .223? I would probably load 53 grain V-Max. I have a .222x35 that went from about 3100 to 3500fps out of my rifle. I shot it twice with 50 grainers and was amazed at the jump in FPS.

 

[MrMajestic]

I get 3100 and change with the 80's from a 26" 8tw Criterion. It's been a long time since I had the standard.223 barrel screwed on but I believe I was in the mid 29's with the 75's as it was a 24" 9tw. Pretty good jump IMHO No trimming is the bomb!

 

[Phil]

I've been told 3800 with the 53 vmax, mine is in the works, so we'll see how it measures up to that particular rifle.

Phil.

 

[vmaxpro]

3750 with 53gr vmax from a 8 twist 28". No pressure signs with 8208.

 

[Quickoz]

Why do you need a 22-250 with those MV!!!!! Thats good info. Im considering doing one myself as im falling in love with AI cartridges. What it feed like from a Mag? My 223 is a varmint rifle with 10 shot AICS mag.

 

[varmintshooter]

I'm getting 3575-3600 with 53's in a 24" 9 twist.

 

[SmokinJoe]

I have a few 223AI's & the best I would expect w/53 V-Max is 3650, though you may be able to find a combination that will push it on up a bit. With 50 V-Max, 3750 is pretty easy. Would recommend that you find some good tough brass if you want to push it that hard. In my experience recommendations, in order of best on down, would be IMI, Lapua Match, LC, WCC. I think all 4 of these are NATO rated (65,000 psi). The 223AI is a great round with typical AI brass life. My current favorite is the 20-223AI pushing a 40 grain bullet over 4,000 fps easily.

 

[DogBuster]

I've been told 3800 with the 53 vmax, mine is in the works, so we'll see how it measures up to that particular rifle.

Phil.

3800 w/53 V max.......purty quick indeed........

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Mine shoots the 50gr NBT at the same speed my standard 223's shoot the 40gr NBT.......3,860 fps (both 12-twists). That's the only bullet I shoot in mine.

No trimming is a welcome benefit.

 

[Ackman]

That cartridge will surprise you. Hard to tell about "boost" unless you rechamber a known barrel and compare, which I haven't done. What you get from a 223AI depends on powder/bullet/brass/etc. and can vary quite a bit with the barrel itself. I've a couple less than good barrels in 223AI sitting on a shelf. The good ones shoot 50's about 3750 with AA2015 powder, and 3825 with VV133......55's are about 3660 with VV135. A 40gr BT over AA2015 scoots right along with a wide accuracy window from 3950 to almost 4200.....that's through a 14" twist barrel. No freebore, .250"nk, IMI brass.

 

[centershot]

I wonder what CFE 223 would do. I like the concept of less fouling for a prairie dog rifle. It is a ball powder which looks like 748 so it would meter well through a measure.

 

[Gary in MD]

I'm also just trying out a new to me 223ai.
Is anyone using TAC or AR Comp with 50 - 55 grain bullets? I stated with AR Comp for fire forming loads, 26.3 grs with a 52 gr Berger and was only getting 3320 fps. It sounds like I have a ways to go.

Gary

 

[vmaxpro]

Is this for a bolt gun? Xbr 8208 was perfect in all ive tried!

 

[AckleymanII]

Very few cases surprise you like a 223 AI. With a 12 twist, 27" barrel, you should expect 3800 with N133 with the 53's, tough brass, and thick cup primers. N135 with 55g bullets will be chomping all over 3700+ in a 27" 12 twist with bug hole accuracy.

I shoot IMI brass, 7 1/2 or CCIBR-4 primers, 450's open the groups a tad.

All powders I tried shot very small groups with this cartridge.

H335 will give some very long barrel life in this case with ALL bullet weights producing extremely small groups.

After you shoot the 223 AI for a while, you skip the 22/250 and Swift and go straight to a 22/250 AI for more horse power, and I am not sure that it would not be prudent to skip the 22/250 AI and go to the 243 AI for live varmints.

 

[2dogs]

I tested the Hornady 53 VMax bullet out of my 223AI 1:8 27" Hart using Data 2200 powder. Accuracy was very good, 3/8" or better for the most part. I really cant hold any better in this S Texas wind. At 3800 fps I blew a primer plumb out of the case. I backed it down to 3725 fps. I dont have my notes in front of me but the powder charge was 27.2 grains. I seated my bullets to kiss the lands.

 

[acloco]

Typical velocity with a 26" barrel using H4895. Load work up, 0.2 gr added each shot.

11 3247.9 h4895 69 Nos
12 3254.6 h4895 69 Nos
13 3279.7 h4895 69 Nos
14 3295.3 h4895 69 Nos
15 3346.1 h4895 69 Nos

6 3073.7 h4895 75 amax
7 3079.6 h4895 75 amax
8 3109.1 h4895 75 amax
9 3167.9 h4895 75 amax
10 3155.4 h4895 75 amax

 

[lpreddick]

I read somewhere that the 223AI was called "the magic cartridge". because of the speeds one got. Mine has not disappointed me! My biggest complaint is mine did not feed from a mag, so I converted it to a single shot. Still an occasional struggle but I rarely need a second shot on varmints.

 

[Quickoz]

What mag did you use?

Anyone got them to feed from AICS 223 mags?

 

[lpreddick]

My 223AI is a trued 700 rem repeater(factory mag), with a standard chamber, and flat bolt face. If I did it again, I would opt for a coned bolt/chamber. My 6x45 and 6x47 and 20 TAC are screwed into a stiller predator V cone bolt and cases (all based on the 223/222) chamber smoothly.

 

[BoilerUP]

My 223AI feeds just fine from a poly AICS magazine...but I run the 80 Amax.

I did initially have a "diving" issue with the last couple rounds in a magazine, but with help was able to get that narrowed down to a specific rifle/bolt geometry issue and very easily remedied.