223 AI Vs Plain Jane 223.

[AWS]

I have a Savage cross-feed Model 10 with a sketchy barrel, it shoots sub-MOA but it takes a lot of cleaning.

The whole barrel looks like this.


It gets dirty quickly. I bought it at a gunshow cheap for the action so I don't feel cheated.

Now I want to re-barrel, and am wondering whether to go 223 or 223 AI, it will get a 1-12 twist and more than likely never see anything heavier than a 55gr SP and mostly 52gr HPs for called predators.. I shoot 20P's, 222's, a 22-204, 5.6x50R Mag, 22-250 and 22-250 AI already. I do have a 223AI FL sizing die, un-used. I've never used a 223AI before so have no experience with it.

So your thoughts would be appreciated.

I will more than likely go with an Urbanrifleman barrel for this, 22-24" light varmint.

This is the rifle I'm going to re-barrel.

 

[243winxb]

https://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/223rem/

I would start reading, near bottom of page for AI

You should move up to 6mm something.

 

[AWS]

I already have a 6x45, 6mm-204, and 6mm ARC, no sixes needed.

Thanks for the article reference, good read.

 

[Ackman]

I'vs shot several 223's and 223AI, but never redone a std barrel to AI, so can't say what the increase is. Still do have both and think the AI is worth it. Mine is 25" 14tw,0 freebore. First 1000 rds were fireforming with 50 TNT's on critters. That 3825 load is what I now use. Works very well. *** Some have had no feeding problems with a 700, others have. Mine didn't feed well and I had the riflebuiider tweak it some, works ok now.

 

[Woollybugger]

The 53Vmax shoots well in a 12T and has better BC

 

[William Vogel]

The AI chamber will provide a larger case volume and increase velocity if you make use of it. I do. Once you get past the fire forming stage of brass prep, you’ll enjoy the lack of length trimming episodes, probably at least 1/2 as often. I don’t shoot light low BC bullets. I have 8 and 7 twist barrels that I shoot 62ELD-VT (the lightest) up to 88ELD and everything in between in mine. I have a 28 inch 8 twist and I get 3490 fps from the 62’s. I can get the 88’s to 3000 fps in my 26 inch 7 twist but 2850-2900 is more accurate. All this being said, I enjoy not having to trim the brass as often and I like the added velocity (usually about 200fps). I shoot 700 yards regularly because I’m very lucky to have the range in my back yard.
The magic question is does it shoot better. The 223 will probably feed better from the magazine because of the body taper and shoulder angle, I single feed. You’ve got 22-250 and you can get the velocity from it but 223AI will be a close race in performance with a good bit less powder. I use 28.5 grains of Leverevolution in the 62ELD load. I use 25.4 grains of N150 to get 2900 fps from the Berger 85.5 hybrid target. The 8 twist barrel uses the standard freebore of the Pacific 223AI reamer. The 7 twist barrel is throated to about 0.210 freebore to accommodate the 80+ grain bullet lengths.

 

[varmintshooter]

I have 2 223 ack imp. An 8 and a 9.5 twist. Both are a little faster, then a straight 223 and very accurate. I can still shoot 223 if I want. So I recommend go the ack improved route

 

[urbanrifleman]

I have a Savage cross-feed Model 10 with a sketchy barrel, it shoots sub-MOA but it takes a lot of cleaning.

The whole barrel looks like this.
View attachment 1698438

It gets dirty quickly. I bought it at a gunshow cheap for the action so I don't feel cheated.

Now I want to re-barrel, and am wondering whether to go 223 or 223 AI, it will get a 1-12 twist and more than likely never see anything heavier than a 55gr SP and mostly 52gr HPs for called predators.. I shoot 20P's, 222's, a 22-204, 5.6x50R Mag, 22-250 and 22-250 AI already. I do have a 223AI FL sizing die, un-used. I've never used a 223AI before so have no experience with it.

So your thoughts would be appreciated.

I will more than likely go with an Urbanrifleman barrel for this, 22-24" light varmint.

This is the rifle I'm going to re-barrel.

About 150 fps.

Either one you will love.

 

[alf]

If you can't get it done with a regular 223, another 100 fps won't help......

 

[urbanrifleman]

If you can't get it done with a regular 223, another 100 fps won't help......

I agree.

After seeing results myself using both, a regular old 223 gets it done just the same with less hassle.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

AWS I thought all savage barrels look like railroad tracks, all mine have.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

After seeing, a Few Savage Barrels,..
I'm a SOLID,.. Tikka Fan !!
I shoot my .22-250 at, .223 Ai Velocities ( 50 gr V-Maxes at, 3550 fps ) and CAN See, the "Splodies" on Sage Rats ! IMO it's the Perfect Velocity for, an 8 Pound, BRAKED,.. walking Varmint, Rifle

 

[SecondsCount]

I have a 24" 223 and a 22" 223AI, shooting 75 and 80 grainers. At ranges beyond 600 yards, the AI starts to really shine.
Like @William Vogel mentioned, the AI can be a little more finicky about feeding but the lack of trimming is a big plus.

 

[alf]

I agree. After seeing results myself using both, a regular old 223 gets it done just the same with less hassle.

Knowing AWS, he prefers up close & personal for his coyote calling/hunting, & always endorses 1.5 or 2X on his scopes on the low end for the bigger FOV.

Adding the little extra in velocity of an AI would be lost in the noise at his point blank ranges.

He & I are big fans of the 22-204, and no doubt would go that direction instead if the reamer was available.

 

[William Vogel]

I decided to give Sierra 80 matchking a try this morning. I throated the 8 twist barrel another 0.060 to get the bullet past the donut in my brass. 26.4 grains of Leverevolution, 450 primers, 2.490 COAL. Averaged 3044 fps. Shot this group at 700 yards just a few minutes ago in a 10 mph variable wind. Not too bad for the first load.

 

[B23]

I have a Savage cross-feed Model 10 with a sketchy barrel, it shoots sub-MOA but it takes a lot of cleaning.

The whole barrel looks like this.
View attachment 1698438

It gets dirty quickly. I bought it at a gunshow cheap for the action so I don't feel cheated.

Now I want to re-barrel, and am wondering whether to go 223 or 223 AI, it will get a 1-12 twist and more than likely never see anything heavier than a 55gr SP and mostly 52gr HPs for called predators.. I shoot 20P's, 222's, a 22-204, 5.6x50R Mag, 22-250 and 22-250 AI already. I do have a 223AI FL sizing die, un-used. I've never used a 223AI before so have no experience with it.

So your thoughts would be appreciated.

I will more than likely go with an Urbanrifleman barrel for this, 22-24" light varmint.

This is the rifle I'm going to re-barrel.

I think it largely comes down to one thing, how much do you like tinkering with things. Since you have a 22-250AI you're already aware there's a little more work involved with cartridges that have "improved" cases. Is it a lot more or difficult work no not at all but there is no denying there's just more time and money involved with improved cartridges. If you don't mind that extra and you're looking for a little more velocity then a standard 223 a 223AI very well could be your huckleberry, but, you mentioned you already have a 22-204 which is pretty darn close to the same thing so unless you are unhappy with your 22-204 I'm not sure you'll gain much if anything going with a 223AI.

My 223AI started life as a Rem LTR 223. The Rem LTR's always seem to shoot very well right out of the box and mine was no different but I quickly got bored with it and dropped it off at my gunsmith's because I thought I had to have a 223AI. He trued the action ordered a fluted Hart 9tw to match the factory contour with a finished length of 22in and it became my new 223AI. I also had a HS Prec. detachable mag setup installed which feeds great. I've pretty much only ever shot 53 Vmax in it and it is a tack driving little SOB. Would it have shot just as well but a little slower being a standard 223, probably.

If I were asked "was it worth it" I'm pretty sure my answer would be dependent on when it was asked because back when I first had it built I am certain I would have said hell yes but if I were asked the same question today I don't know that I'd be quite so certain of it.

 

[AWS]

Thanks everyone.

I'm going to go with the PJ 223. Other than an upper in 223 for my AR I haven't had a 223 in the stable for 30+ years. I really dislike an AR for hunting, it just feels awkward/foreign in MY hands.

I do have a 22-204 reamer but I have already built one of those and it is a keeper, with 40gr NBTs is my favorite pelt hunting rifle.

Alf is spot on on liking my coyotes close, shooting them at my shoelaces is a rush, popping them at 300+ is as exciting as punching holes in paper.

I just wanted to get some perspective on the AI that might sway me as we've had some spirited discussion over the years on 223AI vs 22-204.

Thanks again for all the input.

I love experimenting with cartridge for hunting coyote and have purposely called and killed them with 17 different cartridges under 6.5G over the years. My favorites are the 222 Rem, very versatile in multiple platforms. 22-204, I I've been shooting this one for 20 years and the 6x45, probably because of the platform that's been with me for sixty years.