223AI in an AR Platform?

[fredhorace77]

Is a 223 AI doable in an AR15 and will it feed from a standard mag.

 

[Catfish]

You will have a lot more feeding problems with the AI case and for really no gain. The increase in velocity when you AI a case is !/2 the % 0f the increase in case volume, and your gain is not that much with the 223 case.

 

[jpretle]

After many thousands of rounds thru an AR, using the 223AI case in competition,I would say go for it. I don't recall having one feeding problem.
I do agree, the gain is not that great. Admittedly, I am an AI buff.
Get after it, if so inclined.

 

[Ackman]

You wouldn't think they'd feed well through a semiauto, but there are people who make them and claim no problems. And people who shoot them have posted saying they feed fine. So apparently they work well. About velocity gain....you'll be shooting heavier bullets? There'll be a velocity advantage but I don't shoot heavy bullets and can't say how much. With lighter bullets, 40-55grs, don't let anyone tell you there's no speed advantage. Forget formulas. With 40-50's the AI version is anywhere from 150-200 fps over a standard .223, enough to make it definitely worth doing.

 

[acloco]

You wouldn't think they'd feed well through a semiauto, but there are people who make them and claim no problems. And people who shoot them have posted saying they feed fine. So apparently they work well. About velocity gain....you'll be shooting heavier bullets? There'll be a velocity advantage but I don't shoot heavy bullets and can't say how much. With lighter bullets, 40-55grs, don't let anyone tell you there's no speed advantage. Forget formulas. With 40-50's the AI version is anywhere from 150-200 fps over a standard .223, enough to make it definitely worth doing.

What Ackman said....ditto.

 

[stinnett1981]

I know this is off subject, but you should look at a 20 Practical for a AR 15. You get much better ballistics and it feeds perfect. All you need is a Redding bushing type S die and 2 extra bushing for stepping down to a 20 cal neck. I dont own one... yet. I have read nothing but great reviews on this cartridge for a AR. Im told to get a 10 twist and shoot the 39 and 40 grain bullets though.

 

[fredhorace77]

yes the plan is to shoot 60gr and heavier...im looking for more punch on the hogs...I would really like to try the 6.8spc but the brass has been tough to locate and it is somewhat expensive.

 

[searcher]

For putting the hurt on the hogs - look at the 6.5 Grendel. Readily available (good) brass, great function, and better range and knockdown power.

 

[GR5150]

Send SSCOYOTE a PM on this forum. He has a BA 223AI AR 15 and he kills coyotes ... way out to 550 yds plus with it. He is a very knowledgeable and competent shooter.

 

[mac86951]

I'm all for the AI in an AR, but heavy bullets become a problem at 2.260" overall length. The 77smk is about the largest that will fit and its already taking up volume. Sticking to mag feeding an AR, stay under the 73gr bullets and the AI should produce better results.

6mmAR and grendel, as well as 6x45, and 6.8spc are some of many solutions to a heavier hitting 223. I like the Grendel or derivative, but all are capable.

-Mac

 

[sscoyote]

Thanks Gary--do love using the AR for long-range. With the right bullets it's worked great for me. Love the 69 TMK so far and also loved the 65 SGK for longer range coyotes. ABSOLUTELY couldn't get enough of the 65 JLK Low Drag, but alas the terminal ballistics suffered. Great for comps though--

Can't copy on this computer but i have a thread on the Varminting forum about mine. If i were doing this again though i'd consider the 22 Beast with my VLD magazine/69 TMK's.

But if you're going for hogs the post above mine sums it up IMO!

 

[wildchild]

You will have a lot more feeding problems with the AI case and for really no gain. The increase in velocity when you AI a case is !/2 the % 0f the increase in case volume, and your gain is not that much with the 223 case.

This based on fact, experiance or solely opinion?

 

[Spook]

you might also consider the 6TCU , good stuff in an AR

 

[shoot4fun]

You will have a lot more feeding problems with the AI case and for really no gain. The increase in velocity when you AI a case is !/2 the % 0f the increase in case volume, and your gain is not that much with the 223 case.

While I agree that it wouldn't be a good choice for 100% reliability in an AR platform I can't say the same about increase in performance.
These are bolt gun numbers for sure but my 26" 1 in 8 twist Kreiger gets 80 VLDs down range at 2980 FPS as a straight 223 Remington. My 22" 1 in 8 twist Brux chambered in 223 AI can do the same, and up to 3060 FPS with some powders and more generous case volume of WW brass. I use AA2520 in both for fastest speeds. 25.7 grains in 223 and 26.5 for 223AI. I am an AI guy so forgive me if I gush.

 

[Rtheurer]

The Wives tail of a 40* shoulder case not feeding strikes again!!! Got to love it. Fact or fiction?

Poppy coch I say.

Russ T

 

[asauer]

I would look into the 25-223 or 25-45 Sharps if you're looking for more knockdown power, and have tons of 223 brass laying around. I did and am loving my 25-45. Shot two deer with it so far and it knocked them dead on the spot.

My deer load is a 117gr hornady soft point round nose @ 2450 fps.

My coyote load is a speer 87gr hot core @ 2850+ fps.

 

[garytex]

Needed more whack for Helicopter hogs than my 223. Went to the 25-45 Sharps. I only have the experience of around 145 hogs with it, but it definitely yields more DRT with fewer shots. This generates a higher percentage of kills in each sounder of hogs, which makes the rancher who’s flying the helicopter happier.
Also, after trying a multitude (1780 rds) of cup and core bullets in the .223, the 55 grain and 65 grain Sierra Gamekings stood out as the most effective in .223 Rem. I am additionally certain that a 55-65 grain Triple shock would work even better, but just can’t bring myself to spend $.50 apiece on projectiles when I run through a thousand or so every year. If I only needed to buy a few bullets then I would certainly use Triple shocks in both calibers.

 

[Oso]

you might also consider the 6TCU , good stuff in an AR

I was about to suggest a 6x45 or if you AI crazy then 6TCU (effectively same as 6x45AI with standard reamers and reloading dies already available)

 

[msinc]

yes the plan is to shoot 60gr and heavier...im looking for more punch on the hogs...I would really like to try the 6.8spc but the brass has been tough to locate and it is somewhat expensive.

I think you would be very happy with the terminal ballistics of the 65 grain Sierra GameKing bullet, especially out of a 223AI

 

[platapus]

I've had one for years, never had a feeding issue, huge misconception. Both in bolt guns and the AR platform.

The performance gain is not worth it IMO. Fire forming then load development for minimal velocity increase.

I am turning the AR 223 Improved into a .20-223 Improved.