getting started with 223 AI

[realjoe]

I am starting a project that is completely new to me on several fronts. This will be my first re barrel a 110E with a CBI barrel from Mr Briggs.Also my first Improved cartridge.
I already have a set of RCBS 223 Rem dies.I am planning on adding a Lee collet necksizing die. Am I right in thinking that I can use the bullet setting die I already have?
I am not a complete novice when it comes to reloading. I have been reloading for over 20 years although for the last 8 it has been predominately shotgun shells to the tune of 20,000 a year give or take.

I currently reload for my 308 Win,243 Win,22 hornet,222 ,44 mag,454 Casull,and probably a couple others that slip my mind.

I have several reloading manuals Nosler,Lyman,and Speer

Thanks for the help. My wife says she hates everyone here. lol
Joe

[trappst]

Don't worry about the wife.....I'm sure there is a "Wife of Savageshooters support group" out there somewhere! ;D

Not sure if the RCBS seater will work or not. It depends on the tolerances within the die itself. I know the Lee 223 rem seater works. As you obviously know, the collett die works very well although you'll eventually need a way to set the shoulders back. Cheapest way is probably to get a Redding 223AI body die. Lee does make a very reasonably prices 223AI die set...it's in their limited production die category.

Other than that, loading is very straight forward. If you want formed brass quick, go buy a box of winchester white box factory ammo and shoot.....instant formed brass. It'll probably shoot decent to boot!

223 AI won't be in your manuals but just start at or a tad below max 223 Rem data and go up from there. Quite a few 223 AI shooters here so I'm sure others will add their 2 cents.

[dcloco]

Lee makes a 223 AI full length die set...which is what I use to bump the shoulder back when needed (about 6-10 firings).

[GaCop]

Contact me at gacop103@gmail.com and I'll give you some of the loads I've already worked up. I put my 223 AI together two weeks ago using a barrel I bought from Sinarms. I went with a 26" heavy varmint, 1 in 8 twist so I can try 80 grain Berger VLDs out to 1k.

[jglover_81]

I'm also new to the AI's. I got the set of Lee dies ans they seem to work good. I just got my first 3 loads to start my development loaded last night. I started with the Max loads in the books for the standard. 223

[dcloco]

Back off 0.5 to 1.0 gr from max 223 load when fireforming groups. Seat so the bullets jam 0.020 to 0.010" into the lands. Helps the brass form just a touch better.

[realjoe]

Thank you for the input. I am planning on shooting 55gr Nosler BTs although V maxes may win out. Loading new WW brass to start the fireforming process once the barrel and the rest of the components arrive.
Joe

[jglover_81]

Joe

Let me know when you get started cuz that's the same bullets I'm working with. Maybe we can swap info

[GaCop]

Tested my 1 in 8 twist 223AI at 200 and 300 yards Saturday. Load was the 75 grain Berger VLD, N140/23.7 grains, BR4 primer in collet neck sized Winchester bass. Bullet seated .012" OTL. Wind was unco-operative, variable and gusting between 15 and 20 mph with temp at 60 degrees. 200 yard group for five shots measured 1.282" and the 300 yard group was 1.485". Devin at Sinarms makes one fine barrel.

[kelbro]

Nice!