22-250, AI or not?

[Predator1]

I can't decide if I want to try the AI route or not. This will be going on my 12FVSS that is currently a 22-250 but is in need of a new tube BAD! Will be used for a variety of shooting i.e. targets, long range steel, crows, etc. My concerns are barrel life for the AI and what twist to go with w/o spinning it too hard. Have heard they tend dirty up fairly quick and require more frequent cleanings. Thinking maybe just stay with the rem 22-250 but man that AI case looks nice!

[Blue Avenger]

they do look cool and you do not have to push it wide open. they shoot at slow speed also.

[fatdaddy]

I had 1 cut to A.I. this year. Its now the gun I grab first out of 5. The lack of brass trimming alone is worth the re-chamber. Now Sinman is building me a straight tube 22-250 A.I. with one of his muzzle brakes.BTW, Your right, the 22-250 A.I. makes a bad a$$ looking round.... Bill

[McKinneyMike]

Agree that my main reason for AI any round has more to do with not having to case trim as often, more than extra horsepower. The standard cartridges are fine with me, but the constant case trimming is a madding thing for me personally. I have better things to do than trim cases :)
Many say that the AI'd cases also improve barrel life due to increased turbulence at the case mouth. That I can not attest to myself. I just hate trimming cases!

[mtnkid85]

Just bumping this thread to get more responses as Im in the same boat.

Looking for a new barrel for my stevens 22-250, and am considering going AI. Ive been reading mostly positive things but whats the negatives?

[bobcat30]

There are no negatives. To tell ya the truth i have a 243ai and the loads are runnin bout max for reg 243 not much more and the no case trimming is awesome the down side kinda is you wont get those bad ass lookin cases till ya fireform. But your reg 22-250 rounds should shoot the same. In fact im currently shooting on of my fireforming loads in the formed case with great results. good luck GO WILDCATS!

[efw]

Where did you hear that about dirtying up? I've never heard nor experienced that.

I have a 257 AI that I love. LOVE. As others have said, there are no downsides to AI'n in my mind. You won't likely get a ton of extra FPS, but case stretching is virtually non-existant.

As a matter of fact, I'm building one for a buddy of mine right now. I'd go for it... HIGH cool factor...

[nova1194]

I have 223 and 22-250 AIs and love them both, I bought the 22-250 barrel used and it is kinda worn but still shoots great, the 223 was a new stainless fluted savage barrel that I had rechambered.
My next project will be a 30-06 ai for near 300WM performance without the stinkin belt.
I tend to run mine with near max loads and I have not lost a piece of brass in over 4 years, just anneal them every 4 or 5 loadings and keep on shooting them.

Mike

[shovelheadave]

I have a 22-250AI made from a .223 1:9. Shoots dandy.

[Blue Avenger]

some of the dies cost a bit more depending on which round you pick.

[GaCop]

I'm waiting on a 223AI barrel from Devin................the wait is maddening!

[bobcat30]

Maddness is what keeps us thinking of new builds! Its a shame one cant finish one build b4 we brew up another waiting for parts huh?

[Captain Finlander]

I have a 223AI that I chose to extend case life because it will be shot allot. The 250 has a greater taper to its case so it will pick up tremendous performance boost as an AI.