.223 vs .223AI

[B23]

What kind of realistic fps gains can be expected in a 24in barrel shooting 50-55gr bullets between the 223 and 223AI???

I've heard as high as 150fps but I struggle with believing that. I'm thinking more like 50fps gain on the average.

Thoughts??????

[jwp475]

A good ballistics rule is that at equal pressure with a 10% increase in case capacity you can expect a 2 1/2% increase in velocity.

The velocity will inicrease at 1/4 the of the increase in case capacity

[J E Custom]

The 223 AI has approximately 7 to 8% more case capacity than the standard 223 adding
100 to 140 ft/sec of velocity to the 223 rem (This changes with bullet weight).

After fire forming the brass, it is more stable and resists case growth minimizing case
trimming.

In grains capacity the difference is about 2.5grains +or - depending on the powder type.

So if you want to shoot heaver bullets a 50 grain in the AI will compete with the 45 grain
in a 223 rem.

You can find loading data on Graymist's web site.

It is a neat little round and easy to fire form by simply firing standard 223 rem in the AI
chamber.

Hope this helps.

J E CUSTOM

[Trickymissfit]

years back the guys at Varmit Hunter's Magazine got on a .223 AI kick. They were comming up with velocities that were not that far behind a 22-250! I knew better, and also knew they were somebody's shill. Anyway a guy I know ordered in a reamer from one of the big names that was ground to Steve Tim's spec. They built three or four rifles on 700 actions. Shot very well at about 100 fps greater velocity. One guy even went so far as to inquire about why his gun was running close to 300 fps slower than what they got even though he was using an identical setup Course there was no answer!
gary

[strombeckj]

I do not have a crony so I cannot comment on fps. However I have a 1:14 Krieger at 24 chambered in .223 AI. I can load 28.5gr’s of 8208 XBR with a 50gr Blitz king’s and hit PD’s all day long at 500 yards with no signs of any pressure issues. IMR’s suggested max load is 25.8 gr of xbr will get 3407fps with a 50gr pill. I know that my friends will not attempt to shoot their standard .223 on a regular basis past 400 yards and leave it up to me and the others with larger 22 cal’s. I think it’s a great compromise between a .223 and a 22-250. Not to mention….no case trimming. I can reload my LC brass 5-7 times before it requires any trimming and at that point I just toss it.

[Trickymissfit]

Originally Posted by strombeckj

I do not have a crony so I cannot comment on fps. However I have a 1:14 Krieger at 24 chambered in .223 AI. I can load 28.5gr’s of 8208 XBR with a 50gr Blitz king’s and hit PD’s all day long at 500 yards with no signs of any pressure issues. IMR’s suggested max load is 25.8 gr of xbr will get 3407fps with a 50gr pill. I know that my friends will not attempt to shoot their standard .223 on a regular basis past 400 yards and leave it up to me and the others with larger 22 cal’s. I think it’s a great compromise between a .223 and a 22-250. Not to mention….no case trimming. I can reload my LC brass 5-7 times before it requires any trimming and at that point I just toss it.

thats about 40" of drop using a 200 yard zero; 30 inches with a 300 yard zero. A 50 grain bullet will do 3400 fps on a good day with a 24" barrel. You load looks about right for a .223AI, but I think you should try BLC2. This is a nice dense loading, and should group very well (start at 26.5 grains)
gary

[strombeckj]

Originally Posted by Trickymissfit

thats about 40" of drop using a 200 yard zero; 30 inches with a 300 yard zero. A 50 grain bullet will do 3400 fps on a good day with a 24" barrel. You load looks about right for a .223AI, but I think you should try BLC2. This is a nice dense loading, and should group very well (start at 26.5 grains)
gary

I have not tried the BLC2, your the 3rd person who has brought it up, might be something to that. It's a 300 yard zero, and 1.5 mil hold over to a 500 yard kill provide I do the rest.

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