kelbro
02-07-2011, 05:35 PM
I have two 223s that have been AI'd. One is a 1:9 walking around coyote rifle with a sporter barrel and the other is a bench/PD type that has a 1:8 twist Shilen on it.
Both shoot the FF loads very accurately and the velocity gains help with the longer distances.
Funny thing is that the best load for a Hornady 75gr BTHP-M in the Shilen barrel is down in the near-max range for a standard 223. So, with that bullet, I didn't really gain anything. With the AMax and SMKs, there is another sweet spot above standard 223 max so there were benefits there.
The only negative that I can say about 223AI is that pressure signs seem to be masked. By the time you start to get a slightly sticky bolt lift, the primer pockets are gone.
Start low and work up being extra observant of what the rifle/load is telling you.
Both shoot the FF loads very accurately and the velocity gains help with the longer distances.
Funny thing is that the best load for a Hornady 75gr BTHP-M in the Shilen barrel is down in the near-max range for a standard 223. So, with that bullet, I didn't really gain anything. With the AMax and SMKs, there is another sweet spot above standard 223 max so there were benefits there.
The only negative that I can say about 223AI is that pressure signs seem to be masked. By the time you start to get a slightly sticky bolt lift, the primer pockets are gone.
Start low and work up being extra observant of what the rifle/load is telling you.