223ai or 222

[Evlshnngns]

I have a single shot r700 that needs a barrel. Also have .223 brass, and enough 224 bullets to justify a new barrel. This will be a bench/range gun.

What say ye?

I have looked them up, if I was better off I would own both.

 

[msinc]

Are you hunting or just shooting a lot of targets??? Hunting I would try the 223AI. Both are plenty accurate, but the Sierra game king bullets really perform well on game. If not hunting I think I'd stick with the 222 and lighter bullets, wont need to burn extra powder. You can load either cartridge light or moderately heavy. I always decide what I am going to do or the animal I intend to hunt, select the bullet I want to use and build the rifle based on that...the bullet.

 

[TAJ45]

Ultimate Accuracy? BIG edge to the Deuce.
Decent++ accuracy but 90+% more range/whoopazz = 223AI
Just my opinion of course

 

[Oso]

My answer depends on:
1) What distances do you plan to shoot... If plan to shoot past 300 yards then 223AI.
2) What weight bullets do you have on hand. If 40gr-55gr then lean toward 222.
3) Do you already have either caliber.

I have both calibers. The Triple Deuce is a pleasure to shoot for target and plinking. The AI only makes sense over standard 223 case if you need extra case capacity to squeeze another 100-150fps to shoot heavies out past 600-1000 yards. Fire forming 223AI is easy with exception that most factory ammo is intentionally loaded short so it won't get jammed in an AR15. For the 223AI what the shorter case length (shoulder bumped back) means is that the rifle's chamber won't be able to form a proper crush fit between the chamber and case shoulder allowing the case to expand. The simple solution is to have Gunsmith make your AI chamber a little shorter than Spec to accommodate this manufacturing QC issue.

 

[Mark M.]

222 and have fun

 

[snert]

Question: Do you see a thread here titled "Show us your 223"? Nope, cause everyone has one.

But you will see a thread on the 222 cause once you're bit, you're hooked.

 

[Evlshnngns]

I should get the triple duece. I have plenty of options already if I want more powder.

 

[linebaugh]

222AI. There I fixed your problem by combining the two into one so now you have the best of both worlds.
That long neck on a litttle AI round would look so sexy.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Make good use of your 223 cases and go with a 20 TAC or 20 PRAC. Could do a 20-222 as well.

 

[centershot]

I will throw a wrench in the discussion. I had several .222s. Took a sporter weight and shot prairie dogs out to about 225 yards. Shot the barrel out. Bought a 40X .222 with a Unertl Scope. Shot very well. Built a .223 AI on a Savage with a heavy barrel to shoot prairie dogs. Like it a lot. BUT, I built two .222 x 35*. Currently have one that has over 3,500 rounds through it. Use it to shoot for score informal bench rest matches. Has a 14 twist Shilen barrel on it. Will shoot 52 grain bullets at 3,500 fps. Lab Radar and my chronograph. This will be my last year on the barrel. What do I put on it next? Also have a 6 mm TCU reamer. Decisions, decisions. Good luck to you.

 

[10XSHOOTER]

You said you have .223 brass. there's your answer! .223 AI Build it, Shoot it and never look back!

 

[Evlshnngns]

You said you have .223 brass. there's your answer! .223 AI Build it, Shoot it and never look back!

Another positive of 223AI is most my powder is on the slower burn: rl15, varget, 2520. The 222 likes it faster.

I have pondered on a 222AI. Butcher a Lee 223 ackley die down and get a reamer.

Thanks for the input yall.

 

[Ackman]

I have a single shot r700 that needs a barrel. Also have .223 brass, and enough 224 bullets to justify a new barrel. This will be a bench/range gun.

What say ye?

I have looked them up, if I was better off I would own both.

I have a single shot r700 that needs a barrel. Also have .223 brass, and enough 224 bullets to justify a new barrel. This will be a bench/range gun.

What say ye?

I have looked them up, if I was better off I would own both.

I've had .222's and it's real nice cartridge. Now have a couple .223AI's. Depends on what you're gonna do with it and your expectations, but I'll tell you there's a world of difference between them. The .223AI is a whole lot faster (no comparison really), even fireforming, and with proper chamber in a good barrel just as accurate regardless of what some might say. It's just a remarkable cartridge. Since you have .223 brass it's a no-brainer. BTW - fireforming AI cases is easy, and it's not "fireforming", it's finding a load as with any other case, and then shooting. Just as accurate and the case is perfectly formed as a bonus. A win-win.

 

[nakneker]

I really enjoy 222s, I like the history, longer neck, the accuracy. I’ve also had a couple 223AIs and what Ackman says above is true, if you after pure performance and have a bunch of 223 brass a 223AI makes sense and won’t disappoint. IMO there’s not a wrong choice between the two.

 

[Oso]

In summary... why just limit yourself to one rifle. Just make the two new rigs look the same and the wife will never know that it is +2. I like stashing things in closet under staircase and then a few weeks later dragging it out like it has been in cold storage for years. This has been fairly successful until I bought a kayak... it just wouldn't fit in there so I had to come clean about it.

 

[nakneker]

In summary... why just limit yourself to one rifle. Just make the two new rigs look the same and the wife will never know that it is +2. I like stashing things in closet under staircase and then a few weeks later dragging it out like it has been in cold storage for years. This has been fairly successful until I bought a kayak... it just wouldn't fit in there so I had to come clean about it.

Love it!

 

[snert]

I will throw a wrench in the discussion. I had several .222s. Took a sporter weight and shot prairie dogs out to about 225 yards. Shot the barrel out. Bought a 40X .222 with a Unertl Scope. Shot very well. Built a .223 AI on a Savage with a heavy barrel to shoot prairie dogs. Like it a lot. BUT, I built two .222 x 35*. Currently have one that has over 3,500 rounds through it. Use it to shoot for score informal bench rest matches. Has a 14 twist Shilen barrel on it. Will shoot 52 grain bullets at 3,500 fps. Lab Radar and my chronograph. This will be my last year on the barrel. What do I put on it next? Also have a 6 mm TCU reamer. Decisions, decisions. Good luck to you.

222 1/2

 

[TAJ45]

Orrr, 220 Beggs, 20 Beggs etc etc.
Ultimately, find whatever trips your trigger and go full auto, enjoying the ride.

 

[457ciSBC]

I have a single shot r700 that needs a barrel. Also have .223 brass, and enough 224 bullets to justify a new barrel. This will be a bench/range gun.

What say ye?

222, is my vote.

 

[TAJ45]

Having just reread th OP opening post, AI for simple reason of less flight time. Miss a wind call by 2mph at 200 and you will be shooting inside of the 222 ultimate accuracy edge, shot for shot.
Imho