Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats .223 A.I. (Seriously)

I think you're near it, but a problem with a standardized 223AI is that the 223 itself has trouble working well with increasingly more common (and personally, interesting) high BC bullets in actions built for it's SAAMI specified OAL. You could make the AI version longer and fit it in a standard short action just like many a 223rem, but that short action would be better utilized with a 22-250/AI/22 creedmoor. So what's the point of the 223 AI then? My thought would be to standardize a cartridge that does about what the 223 rem/ai does but in a normal sized micro-length action...so 22 grendel.

223 ai in detachable mags is not hard to figure out.

When choosing actions, think about 6 barrels down the road, metal fatigue is a reality.

All my 22-204's are set up as factory BDL's. I take spacer out the 223 mag box, and narrow up a 308 machined follower enough to slide freely in the 223 box. Voila, I can load as long as I want.

My loads with the 80 grain Berger VLD's in the lands a hair, are at 2.585" OAL, plus I can get 6 down and one in the chamber.

Well I did say "unlikely"...the 22-204 is looking interesting, though--none of these threads are particularly helpful for a guy wanting to keep the stable thinned...:)

I've ran 8 222 Mags for several years now and am very happy with all of them. Data is getting better, but 223 AI data (The new Sierra manual being a good one) runs up to NATO pressures and is right where I run the Mag Deuces, since they are for all intents the same in regards to powder capacity. Some claim longer necks like the 222 Mag make throats wear a little longer, I don't know or care.

Just remember, all cases should be fireformed; its not a bad thing regarding safety, reliability and precison. Fireforming isn't a bane, regardless of cartridge. I don't consider anything serious before doing so.

Like the 22-204, brass isn't difficult to come by as is it gets repeated and if running through a bolt gun, most aren't running military hulls in 223's, but cases of known precision.

A cartridge that seems to get little mention these days is the 22 PPC, despite having a bit more capacity than just about all the 222 class cartridges, excepting maybe the 5.6 x 50 Magnum.
It's going to get that extra 100 fps. or so without so much as sneezing versus comparing what has been arguing over the same/similar powder capacity cartridges with no real velocity advantages over each other, despite the usual semantics.
Just another one to consider.

Just an update......

Got my Bighorn Origin ordered a couple weeks ago. Also sent Bighorn a Trigger Tech Diamond (flat bow) to time to it.

I think I'll tell them to pitch in a .473" bolt head, I'll use it eventually, even if I don't waffle on the .223AI.

Now I just get to wait...........

aalf,

I do the same with a BDL 223ai. It works really slick with four rounds down but any more than that and it gets a little jacked up. Did you have to tweak the mag box at all to make it work? It seems the wider channel on the 308 follower doesnt allow the rounds to stagger as they should, beyond the four rounds that work consistently.

Thanks

my 223AI today in dog town.......

my second barrel.........9500 rds outta the first.....

28" 9 twist Pac Nor.....Salvage target action

tikka,

What bullet/velocity did you shoot on the first tube that lasted 9,500 rounds?

I've not had to tweak the mag box on any of mine. Could be the slightly wider shoulder diameter on the Ackley is the culprit. I just tried three of mine, and all hold 6 down, albeit one is a little too snug for my liking for working the bolt. For calling, I generally only keep four down & one in the spout anyway.

Thanks, aalf.

I'm also fine with 4+1 under most circumstances. It feeds so well with four down that I'd rather not mess with it. If I need more than five I'm either on the best stand of my life or I suck at shooting. I can live with that.


Thanks again.