223ai or 223 ?

[Jmc 223]

Hi all
I'm thinking of getting a new barrel 1 in 8 twist 30inch long to shoot the 80g Amax and 80g vld and Maybe even try the 82g berger now I'm thinking a 223ai for some thing different. I read u can pick up to 100fps to 150fps over the 223 is it worth the time and cost ? Or just stay with the 223?

 

[LCazador]

The 223AI has a definite advantage over the 223 with it's 40 degree shoulder, but when it comes to shooting bullets as heavy as you're indicating the advantage dwindles to nothing. With bullets that heavy you should consider the 22BR, IMHO.

 

[Jmc 223]

Thanks I have looked at a 22br I don't have 308 bolt and want to keep it as a 223 or 223ai as I have 600 cases laying around

 

[13red56]

I have a 223AI and it's the only way to go IMO. As far as time an cost if ur starting from scratch it cost the same to ream an AI as a 223Rem. U can spend barrel break-in time forming brass and Lee AI dies work great for me. I can run a 75 Amax at 3275 out of a 26" 9 twist barrel. Of course I'm a speed junkie but barrel life is relatively the same and brass life is better then there is just the factor of having something different.

 

[DogBuster]

I shoot a 223AI........heavy 28" 9 twist on Salvage s/shot...also a Salvage predator 223 in 22" med heavy...each has its place....the AI will have just a little more punch.......the AI will run 1.5 more grains of powder with Benchmark or H4895...right at 3500-3600 fps...moly boolits....I only run 53 V's & 55 NBT's in each..p/dogs & yotes for each...all my targets have fur....... .........my idea of shooting 80 grain pills would be in a 6BR...but that doesn't answer your question.....business end of the AI........

 

[Jmc 223]

Ok thanks much appreciated keep the info coming what load would u use to form the cases I have 500 berger 64g match grade varmint round that Im hoping to use.

 

[13red56]

Ok thanks much appreciated keep the info coming what load would u use to form the cases I have 500 berger 64g match grade varmint round that Im hoping to use.

I would use RL15,Ramshot Tac, or 8208 to form. I use RL15 under a Sierra 60gr FBHP. My forming loads shoot great as well and it helps with load development when u get the brass formed.

 

[lpreddick]

I shot the 64 berger varmint bullets in an 8 two and many came apart...the jackets are thin. A 12 twist and they stayed together.

 

[AckleymanII]

between the 223 and the AI version, you should plan on having your firing pin bushed so the primers will not crater. Greg Tannel of Gre-Tan rifles will do an excellent job on this for you. Also, you might inquire how much more it would be to open the bolt face and install a sako extractor since he will already have the bolt in the lathe.

Lapua BR brass would be extra strong to push the pressures on the 80g bullet....just say'en!

Good luck

 

[varmintshooter]

I have had 223's for years but I started playing around with the ack version a couple of months ago and I love it. In the past week I had hits on groundhogs at 486 and 650 yds. I don't know how fast they can be pushed but I am at 3600 fps with 53 vmax with a 24 " barrel. Still learning but I wish I had done this before getting a 22-250.