decisions decisions

[debubba]

I have a delema on my hands . I am having a rifle built in .223 AI. While compiling the parts I tried two sources to get a Bartlein tube. I gave up on the first, and bought one from the second.Now the first source came through,and I have two Bartleins. One is an eight twist heavy vmt contour, the other is a nine twist remington vmt contour.First witch tube should I use for the AI, and second I would like some sugestions on a cartrage to chamber the other barrel in during another build down the road.

 

[40X Guy]

The 8 twist heavy varmint contour would be the one I would pick for your new .223 AI. You should be able to get some 69 Sierra Mk's humming very accurately. If not some 75-80 grain weight bullets. Very fun cartridge to shoot!

As for another caliber for your Remington profile in 9 twist, keep it for a backup, or possibly a 22-250 AI shooting 60-75 grain bullets. Have fun and good luck!

 

[rogn]

Its an easy choice if you have an action to suit. The 22BR will do anything most bigger cases will do, Id prefer the 8", bt the 22 will be a real eye opener.

 

[762willdo]

8 twist for one reason... say it with me.... 75AMAX! the nine twist will not stabalize them, and the 75AMAX is the best .22 cal. bullet out there.

 

[Kenny474]

22BR. It has comparable velocity with the 22-250 with longer barrel life and less powder burned per round. It is also said to have incredible accuracy potential. I would chamber it in the 8-twist to launch the heavies, like the 75gr A-Max, apprx. 200fps faster than the .223AI will push them. (data from this site's 22BR info: 75gr A-Max@3150fps)
With a 22BR as a second caliber, you will have one heck of a switch barrel! 75gr A-Max @3150 will reach out and touch someone for sure. Varmints will be left with nowhere to hide.


I am putting one together with a 28" Shilen HV 1-12 barrel on a Savage action to shoot light bullets. From what I have read, I should be pushing 40 grainers @4000fps and 55's @3600fps.