223AI

[MarkS]

I am getting a new to me 223AI. It has been a few years for me. What loads are you using? I like a 50gr bullet.

 

[6xcshooter]

I like 69 sierra tmk and benchmark

 

[Wirelessguy2005]

I was running a 55 varmageddon and Ramshot Tac in mine.

 

[B23]

I am getting a new to me 223AI. It has been a few years for me. What loads are you using? I like a 50gr bullet.

If you have at least a 1-12tw you may consider shooting the 53gr Vmax. My 223AI has a 1-9tw and loves those 53's and Benchmark.

 

[centershot]

I use the 53 V-Max and Ramshot X-Terminator. Seemed to work better than Tac for me. Higher velocity and better accuracy. 12 twist. I also like the 55 Varmageddon. This combo is for prairie dogs.

 

[vonb]

75 gr AMAX
26.2 gr RL-15
LC Brass
CCI 400
2.465 OAL

Yields me 2940 fps from a 22" Rock Creek 5R barrel.

 

[MrMajestic]

8tw, 80 grain Hornady A-Max at 2.495" COAL, bunch of Varget in a Lapua fire-formed case ignited by a CCI BR4. Great killer for Whitetail on down, of course with some range limitations. Kinda a toss up between it and my 6X45AI for my go-to cartridges.

 

[LitLBoy]

Don't over look 8208 with the 50 Blitz King
LitLBoy

 

[stacy]

I HAVE 2 223 ACK ONE IS 12TWT I SHOOT 53GR V-MAX IN IT WITH VARGET THE OTHER IS A 7TWT I SHOOT 80GR VLD TARGET WITH RL-15 AND 90GR VLD TARGET WITH VARGET THIS IS A FINE CARTRIDGE FOR ITS SIZE !!

 

[JBT47]

75 gr AMAX
26.2 gr RL-15
LC Brass
CCI 200
2.465 OAL

Yields me 2940 fps from a 22" Rock Creek 5R barrel.

That’s great velocity for that bullet and barrel length!

 

[mikea5232]

What velocities do you get with 50 or 55g bullets in the 223ai and with what powder. I may get one built this spring for pd shooting.

 

[NCVarhtr]

The .223 AI is a great little cartridge. Killed a lot of Coyotes and Bobcats with it. I had used the 40 to 50 Gr Bullets mostly until Hornady came out with the 53 Gr V-Max. That bullet is very accurate and performs perfectly. Benchmark and IMR 8208 XBR are both great powders in that cartridge. At one time, I had 4 rifles in .223AI. I can get a little over 3900 fps with the 40 Gr Bullets and a little over 3600 fps with the 53 Gr Hornady V-Max. The 53 Gr V-Max takes the .223 AI to another level IMHO. (.290 BC) LC brass has worked very well for me. Lots of Prairie Dogs and Ground Hogs have expired because if it.....You might get by with a 12 twist for the 53 Gr but a 10 twist really shines with that bullet....

 

[shadrac]

69 grain sierra tmk with benchmark @ 3250 fps very accurate

 

[urbanrifleman]

52-53 match bullet of choice (Fowler, or Berger). 25 grains of N133 or AA2015 for fireforming, 26.5 for AI. My 14 twist has shot many 100 yard groups in the zeros using LC brass and CCI 450s and CCI 400s. I jump 20 thou.

My chamber is the standard spec Ackley reamer which I believe is 60 thou FB.

 

[MarkS]

I got out today to shoot my 223AI. Fireformed 50gr Blitzkings and BT with H335. Groups running 0.5" to 0.7", this shooting off the hood of my truck. I can't wait to get on a bench.

Mark

 

[vmthtr]

I had my own reamer made. Min spec body, 250 neck, "0" freebore. 14 twist. I am shoot VV133 and a 50g Vmax in IMI brass with a CCI BR primer. Very good accuracy and (have to check my notebook) 3650 FPS.

 

[js2013]

69 grain sierra tmk with benchmark @ 3250 fps very accurate

That's fast! What's your barrel length?

 

[Bill K]

Question to those that have or are trying CFE 223 in their standard or A.I. versions, is it working well and what area are you loading, with the 50-55 grain bullets ? Bill K

 

[STOMP442]

Question to those that have or are trying CFE 223 in their standard or A.I. versions, is it working well and what area are you loading, with the 50-55 grain bullets ? Bill K

I just finished load development in a factory Tikka t3x compact .223 with 55gr Sierra Blitz Kings and CFE223. 27.0gr with a bullet seated with a 20 thou jump prints a ragged hole 5 shot group. I was very impressed with it.

 

[Gary in MD]

I have been using TAC in my 223ai with 50 - 55 grain loads and getting very good results.
I recently got some Benchmark and groups are as good or better. I haven't compared the velocity yet over the chrono.