223AI savage prefit for light bullets

[jw9424]

So I’ve been researching turning my Savage 223 into an AI to use mainly for prairie dogs. I’m finding light and fast bullets work best. Like 40gr up to 53gr vmax. I’d like to find a prefit barrel in a 12 twist with zero to minimal freebore. Am I on the right track here? If so, does anybody know where I can find a prefit built this way? I’ve noticed some guys have had to order a custom reamer but would like to avoid that if possible. Thanks for any input.

 

[SVT_Tactical]

@urbanrifleman maybe?

 

[JSH]

223AI zero free bore, seems it would be simple to find. I have barreled up a half dozen Savage and Howa’s, either zero free bore or to my request. Shilen, Mcgowen and Preferred Barrels all worked with me on my projects.

 

[Ackman]

So I’ve been researching turning my Savage 223 into an AI to use mainly for prairie dogs. I’m finding light and fast bullets work best. Like 40gr up to 53gr vmax. I’d like to find a prefit barrel in a 12 twist with zero to minimal freebore. Am I on the right track here? If so, does anybody know where I can find a prefit built this way? I’ve noticed some guys have had to order a custom reamer but would like to avoid that if possible. Thanks for any input.

You'll be real happy with that 12tw setup. Definitely have it chambered with a 0 freebore reamer. Get your brass first. My reamer has a .250 neck, and the IMI which I use is .248 loaded. I believe LC is the same but couldn't swear to it. My Lapua (Dakota) brass is a little bigger at .249"+ so you'd want a bit larger neck.

Photos - .223AI - 25" Schneider 14tw / 0 freebore / .250 nk / 6-24x44 Pentax. Working load is that 3825. The 14tw. also shoots 55Blitzkings (which everyone knows are too long for a 14tw) about the same accuracy. ***Ackleys like to be pushed. Groups tighten up as velocity increases, not just with this chambering.

 

[DogBuster]

Pac Nor will build you one if you have time to wait...

-0- free bore......9T/3 groove....no turn neck...my current AI barrel

53 V Max works great !

 

[centershot]

Got a 12 twist from Shilen. Works great! Shoot 53 vmax.

 

[Damon555]

I was going to post pictures and videos of the performance of my Criterion prefit .223 AI 9 twist......but I'll just say that my main load is the 40 grain Vmax pushed by a healthy dose of H335. It is my most accurate rifle and shoots almost as flat as my son's .204 Ruger. Shooting small groups is routine......but I don't shoot a lot of paper anymore.....this rifle works so well that I am saving barrel life just to shoot varmints......It will make a wonderful platform for my Tacticam 5.0......ok, so here's 1 sample.....sorry about video quality. I'm just getting the hang of this thing!

 

[swimster]

I have a Savage LPV chambered for 223 AI with a 12tw Crieterion 26 inch heavy varmint contour. Shoots 53g V max very well at around 3500fps. With CFe 223. I've shot it for 6 Pd seasons probably over 2000 rds. Still shooting well. Very efficient out to 350 yds.

 

[jw9424]

Thanks for the replies. I’ve got some emails out. I’ll make some calls as well. Did call Manson and their standard 223ai reamer is only .025” freebore. FYI.