223AI in an AR Platform?

[Pawnee Bill]

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.

Correctomondo. AI cases are notorious for not feeding do to the sharp shoulder.

 

[searcher]

If wanting to stick with the .224" bullet, I'd go to the Valkyrie or .22 Nosler. No case forming (if you can find cases!) and 10% velocity bump without undue strain on the cases. No feeding issues.

 

[geralton4]

My cousin has chambered 223WSSM and 22DTI, trying to get an automatic 22-250 but found both of those either troublesome or not capable of his expectations.

He now has 4 or 5 223AI's with barrels from 20-24" and loves them. He's not quite at his 22-250 goal but the coyotes don't know it.

I had a Kimber Montana chambered to 223AI and love it. Those who say they don't feed well or they don't gain much haven't messed with one. I'm getting 3570 fps with a 55 grain NBT in my 22" barrel and it feeds fine.

Even if speed isn't your goal, no case trimming is worth the chambering alone. I have an extra upper and a few parts laying around and might wind up building me too if the bat cave gets back to work.

 

[chrisj]

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.

I had a 6x45 Ackley and no issues feeding at all with 20 rd older GI mags with metal follower.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

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.

@jpretle, That’s very interesting and good information. The word “inclined” in your post made me curious about the impact of the feed ramps. Maybe the AI cases only have trouble feeding for one particular style of feed ramp. Which type does your rifle have? Also sometimes one type of magazine may feed better than others. Was there one brand of magazine that you used most of the time, or did you use lots of different ones?

 

[jpretle]

I was/am not aware there are different feed ramps for the 223 in the AR15. I would consider mine as the original military one.
I used steel magazines w/ both the metal follower and the composite one. No differences noted.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

I was/am not aware there are different feed ramps for the 223 in the AR15. I would consider mine as the original military one.
I used steel magazines w/ both the metal follower and the composite one. No differences noted.

Two types “Rifle” and M4, on both the receiver and the barrel. Look at the pictures at the link below:

Redirect Notice

When talking about feeding issues (good or bad) in an AR, it is helpful to specify what type ramps you have on both the receiver and the barrel.

 

[Cemetery21]

My two 223AIs are old style A2 rifle ramps - no A4 cuts on the bbl extension or receiver. They have fed fine with 20 round mil mags and Magpuls in many prairie dog trips. I only load 10 rounds at a time to force myself to slow down some.

 

[jpretle]

Never had anything to do w/ M4 and didn't know there was a problem w/ them.
Mine were/are all 'rifle' as you reference it.

 

[Cemetery21]

I don't think there is a problem with M4 feed ramps. They "should" feed any round better. Just two relief cuts at the bottom of the barrel extension ramps in case a bullet tip hits low.

 

[miningshawn]

AR's aren't accurate

"AR's aren't accurate" "223AI won't feed from a magazine" "Just sell it and get a (insert person's favorite brand here)..." DPMS Oracle stock uppper, lower, and bolt. $459.00 McGowen SS 1:8 .223AI. $328.00 TacFire forend. $47.25 Magpul fixed stock. $54.32 Hogue grip. $19.95 BCM oversized...

forum.accurateshooter.com

3866 fired and 0 failure to feed or eject. As in 0.