Standard Ammo vs AI

[andrews1958]

This question has been probably asked before but I could not find anything in my search

I have a chance to purchase a very nice 22-250AI. I travel all the time so I can not reload. Can I expect the same accuracy using standard 22-250 high grade ammo as I would out of an AI.

Is there any problem using regular ammo in an AI. Would there be a void (space) in the chamber where there is room to blow the AI shoulder out from standard 22-250 ammo. Would this cause an accuracy problem

I was told the only reason for an AI is to get a couple of extra FPS out of your rifle and using standard ammo instead was absolutly no problem

On another note I have the load development from the owner that has given him great results using the AI.

Do you know of a company that could reload for me? All of the ones I have contacted will only reload the loads they have developed themselves

Thanks for all your help with my questions

 

[Johnboy]

the one thing that I am worried about is the Case Over All Length of the factory ammo.being loaded to the SAMMI specs its loaded at may not allow the accuacy you will be looking for.my reason for saying this is that I have always been told to load for an Ackley chambering with the bullet just touching the lands.this helps the charge( pressure )blow out the shoulder area to the new Ackley shoulder/neck area.it helps hold the loaded round in the chambering while the pressure builds up in the chamber before the bullet leaves the muzzel.and most of the time if not all the time I am able to do this with out haveing to fire form the case again.

but for me while I am fire forming a case to the chamber of my Ackley I am able to get OK if not great accuracy while fire forming the case with the load of choice.and have read that most if not all Ackley shooters get the same while fire forming cases.but to even add more to this I am not a pro by no means.I hope that some one else will all so answer your post to see if I am on target with my answer to your post.just hope that I was able to help out or even make sence to you.

 

[dan06]

I have a mauser 98 in .280 ack and it shoots a little better with regular .280 emptys than I can get it to shoot after blowing out cases

Why I have no idea??????? it is a .5moa gun with .280rem handloads and about .75moa with .280 ack. handloads

 

[drybean]

i have a 223ai scared to reload for it,
it shoots in the 3rs horaday ammo

 

[bozo699]

Andrew,
You shouldn't have any problems finding somone somwhere to reload your fire formed brass so I would keep your fired cases. You already know your load from the previous owner.As far as accuracy,mine shoots satisfactory with the factory loads,but much better with reloads. To your question will there be any problems w/factory loads, no there built to shoot them.
P.S If you do have someone load for you make darn sure there compitent @ realoading and familiar w/AI cases.
Wayne.

 

[Joe O]

Yes,you can shoot standard 22-250 ammo,in the Ackley Improved.The cases will fireform to the chamber.You should be able to find an accurate load of factory ammo with the selection out there today.You will eventually reload,so save all the fired brass.

 

[Kenny474]

Lee makes a very compact loading system called the LEE Classic Loader. It comes in 22-250, and should be able to be modified for use with AI cases very easily, and may even work as is as they only neck size and may have enough clearance for the improved shoulder.
All you would need are components and a small digital scale, and Lee even makes a small case trimmer that is very small and only weighs maybe 10oz.

It's just a thought. If you have the room for it, it could prove very useful.

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1282726087.1471=/html/catalog/cleeloader.html
http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1282726087.1471=/html/catalog/casecon.html

 

[ChuckMiller]

If your too busy to reload, or have no desire to reload I wouldn't buy a 22-250AI. Unless this rifle is just a super great deal and you just have to have it I would just go buy a 22-250. It will take you more time, cost and effort to find something that will work to your satisfaction than it would be to reload 2-300 rounds, and if you do buy something that works you better buy a bunch of the same lot number, because they change! I shoot both a 22-250AI and a 220AI and fireforming loads are not bad, but no where near what a properly developed hand load is. I mean your not going to get the velocity an AI gives so why own one?

 

[bozo699]

very well put CMJR

 

[Octopus]

What CMJR said is true.

However, If you shoot much you should learn to reload.

I have a heavy 27" 22-250 AI barrel plus three other 22-250 barrels. For me the real gain with the AI chamber is not the extra speed but the better accuracy and longer barrel life.

Other things being more or less equal the sharper shoulder angle seems to help with both barrel life, less flame erosion, and better accuracy. The sharper shoulder angle helps a little with combustion. For me the 22-250 has sufficient, if not to much, powder capacity.

Some of the new premium quality commercial ammo is quite good. Much better than what we could get in past years. But, I have never seen commercial ammo come up to my reloads.

I load with the RCBS electronic powder dispenser, match grade primers, Lupla brass and match quality bullets. My loads are tuned to the barrel and varied to meet local pressure and temperature conditions.

A very big part of shooting accurate rifles is reloading. If you are happy with 1 MOA you do not need to reload. If you want 1/4 MOA or less you will need to reload.

 

[Preacher]

A few of my AI's shoot factory ammo really good, they all will if they have been set up the correct way..
Lots more to the Ackleys than a few extra FPS will provide..........

 

[RonRouse]

Andrew, one thing that has not been mentioned in this thread, is the fact that once your standard cases have been fireformed, especially in a 22-250, it virtually stops the case stretching that goes with a case that has as much body taper. I shoot a couple of standard 22-250's, and after firing 3 or 4 times, I have to trim the case length by .005 ot .007".
Hope this helps. Ron

 

[car2go4]

drybean, i have exactly this same results........including the ammo bein hornady .