To AI or not- re-chambering question

[Ogre6br]

It has come time to re-chamber my .223 and I’ m wondering do I re-chamber it to .223 AI or keep it the same .223 but have it throated so the sierra 69HPBT will sit just above the neck shoulder junction of the case??

I usually use a 60 FBHP projectile when hunting and I want this rifle to double as my “ try hard F-class” rifle.
If I get the chamber cut to standard .223 I can compete in F-class standard,FS) if I get it cut to .223 AI I am then bumped up to F-class open,FO).
Will I be horribly disadvantaged using a .223 AI 69 sierra load,1:9 twist) in FO???

I have dies to suit either chambering a full set of .223 dies inc neck dies and micro seater for the AI I have a body die and a collet neck die and the micro seater can be used.

I want to try F-class shooting but don’t have the $$ to have a specialised rifle just for competition.
I have had to sell my 222, 22/250, 243, 6.5x55 over these last recent months of ill health.
I have to make one rifle be a “jack of all trades”, I know but will going AI make him more useful or less??

Thanks
Later
P

 

[Shooter32]

I would go ahead and make it into the AI you can have the best of both worlds, you can shoot regular ammo whenever and when you need to pump it up just grab the AI loaded ammo and get after it, but that is just my opinion . :thumb:

 

[Asa_Yam]

Will I be horribly disadvantaged using a .223 AI 69 sierra load,1:9 twist) in FO???

My guess is you will be at a disadvantage - since you're shooting against calibers with 60-75% the wind drift,i.e., 6XC, 6.5-.284, .284 Winchester, etc.) While it's still a matter of reading the wind, you will have to work harder to shoot the same score using a more "wind resistant" caliber.

 

[kaferhaus]

Will I be horribly disadvantaged using a .223 AI 69 sierra load,1:9 twist) in FO???

In my opinion..... most certainly. ASA is correct, it's a poor choice for F-class or any other long range competition.

For F-class, you should have kept the 243 or 6.5x55.