223AI

[46490]

I chambered my barrel in 223AI, it has a 14 twist and I was trying to figure out the different bullet weights that would be stable. I used the Berger app but since I don't know the velocity yet - do any of you know the weight of bullets that can be used. I have some 69 grain RDF can they work? I know the lighter stuff the 55,52,40's will work - I just don't know if the heavier ones will work and how heavy can I go. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[troupe]

14 twist will keep you in the lighter bullets, but you will not be able to shoot heavier bullets with that twist.

 

[B23]

Pretty much any and all bullets up to 53 grains will stabilize in a 14tw the one exception being the 53gr Vmax as it generally needs a 12tw. Some of the lower BC flat base 55's will shoot ok in a 14tw as well. One of my favorite bullets for 14tw barrels is the Hornady 52gr A-Max/ELD-M. They always seem to shoot really well in 14tw barrels. A couple others that always shoot very well is the Sierra 53gr SMK and Berger 52 & 53gr they're all flat base bullets and just seem to shoot really well with easy load work ups.

 

[TAJ45]

Velocity does not have the effect that most think. By Berger's or Sierra chart, not even a 10 tw will accommodate a 69 so not no but Heck No.
For comparison do a Hornet or Fireball up against a 22-250 and compare what will stabilize.
Same way w increasing tw rate hurting velocity. Iirc, Bryan Litz, modern author, states less than 5fps in general.
Now, a rabbit trail: a faster tw will wear the throat lands more quickly. The bullet is accomplishing more "work" sooner to reach a full 360°. Think of a car that has X hp accelerating to a distance of 7 units. Then 8, 9, 12 units etc. Easier on the equipment by adding more distance/time to the equation to reach same goal.

PS. The advertised tw rates, if a button system, can be off quite a bit, such as 11.7 for an 11. Pulling a broach is an inexact process. That leads to 8/10 who say a 40gr won't stabilize in their 20 cal 11 tw and the other 20% have no problems at all with 40s in their 11tw.

 

[Tommie]

Some folks get 55 flat bases to stabilize while others don’t. Just gotta try them out. As already stated most anything under that weight other than the 53 VMax should be good to go.

 

[Bocephus]

At my elevation(2700-4000’), in my barrels, with my loads, a 69gr SMK or TMK is not a problem in a 9tw. 70VLD maybe.
Anything heavier(longer ie 73gr, 75gr ELD) gets squirrelly. 8tw in AI is a hammer with all of the above.
Made these choices to buck the wind on coyotes.

 

[Gary in MD]

Usually have shot 55’s in my 14 twists with good to excellent results. Maybe I’m lucky but mine also were able to shoot the 55 grain boat tails like the ballistic tips, game kings etc.
Gary

 

[603Country]

You might be able to stabilize that stumpy little 63 gr Sierra SMP. Of course, finding the bullet is tough to do. Not a chance you’ll stabilize the 60 gr Nosler Partition, the 64 gr Nosler BSB, or the 65 gr Sierra GK.

 

[Marines1983]

You cant go wrong with Sierra Blitz King 50 grain or Hornady 50 grain V-Max. You did not say if you are hunting or just putting holes in paper. I just had a 223AI built and I plan on taking it out Sunday to get some load data. It is a 1-14 twist Keiger barrel bedded in Savage F-Class stock, the action is a trued LRP single shot. It was built for P/D hunting. I had my smith chamber it specifically for Barts 52 grian bullets. I will keep you posted on my results.

 

[AWS]

52gr Speer FB HPs work well in a 1-14 twist, inexpensive and accurate plus easy on fur but still a DRT bullet on coyotes. I use it in my 222 Rem, 223, 5.6x50R Mag and 22-250 .

 

[2dogs]

I run 40 grain BTs out of 1/14 .223AI’s with exceptional accuracy and dramatic terminal effect. I’m on the Texas Gulf Coast and this far south you either learn to shoot of in the wind or you stay home. I have a .204 Ruger that might edge my 223 AI rifles but that remains to be seen. I have had excellent results with my 223 AI’s and have 4 of them and the 1/14 guns are my favorites.

 

[urbanrifleman]

A customer sent me a bunch of 1/2 moa groups shooting my 8 twist with 40 grain bullets fire forming.