Ackman
Gold $$ Contributor
If it was my rifle, I'd shoot the .223 and enjoy the heck out of it. And to get a 223AI, a new - chambered - barrel would be the way to go. Easiest would be to get one from Urbanrifleman. I'd stick with 12 or 14 twist and light bullets going fast. It's a great cartridge and the 223AI I've shot the most has a 25" Schneider barrel, 14 twist, chamber .250nk and 0 freebore. The working load is a 50gr BK bullet and VV133 powder, @ 3825 which is a nice increase over the .223. And with 40's the 223AI will do 4100 very nicely accurate, and I've gone to almost 4200 with the same accuracy and no pressure signs. All those velocities are within the 22-250 envelope. Note that brass used is the very tough / excellent IMI, which is unfortunately no longer available except as sometimes seen loaded ammo. Also, with the AI, fireform loads are faster than std. 223, and very accurate field loads........My first 1000 rds through that gun were with 50s on pd's, longest messy gutpile was at 375 yds (paced).
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