223 AI load data and reloading query

[mikest]

Hello,

Am in the process of securing a bolt gun and would appreciate any load data and precision reloading guidance you may have. The barrel will be a 26" Bartlein 5R, 1-6.5twist

Kind regards,
Mike

 

[Kadams1563]

Lapua brass
80 grain bergers
75 eld’s
8208 XBR
Varget
23 grains or so.

I have a few buddies who shoot a ton of .223 AI so I can ask them exactly what they use but I’m pretty sure it’s what I listed above.

 

[mikest]

Thanks, appreciate the insight!

 

[Tnc]

Try this thread.

223 Ackley Improved

I saw an "All Ackey" thread, but nothing specific to just the 223AI. Fire Forming load LC Brass - 1x fired and prepped to FF CCI 450 IMR8208XBR @ 24.0gn Berger 80.5gn seated at 2.485" COAL 22" 7 twist Rock Creek #4 Defiance Deviant Jon Beanland built 5x @ 100yds measured 0.2455" CTC

www.snipershide.com

 

[Mongo610]

Lapua brass
88gr ELDs
24.5 grs of XBR 8208
2950 FPS
Benchmark 7.5 twist barrel chambered by SAC

As a side note a friend is changing from AI to standard .223 to run tactical division in PRS. While I think that running 80s or 88s fast really takes advantage of the round I’m curious to see how much they will lose going to 77gr bullet in a 26in barrel.

 

[Guess_70]

Lapua brass
88gr ELDs
24.5 grs of XBR 8208
2950 FPS
Benchmark 7.5 twist barrel chambered by SAC

As a side note a friend is changing from AI to standard .223 to run tactical division in PRS. While I think that running 80s or 88s fast really takes advantage of the round I’m curious to see how much they will lose going to 77gr bullet in a 26in barrel.

how long is your barrel? Never mind i see it now sorry

 

[Mongo610]

CCI 450s and a 26in barrel. Sorry should have included that.

 

[Boothg599]

Sorry to reply on such an old thread. But I have a new 223ai and have had a hard time finding data. I don't have as much time and money to experiment as others seem to. From what I can tell from any post data from various manufacturers, their Varget loads tend to stop due to case capacity at lower pressures than they take other powders. My formed Lapua brass can hold over 28.5gr of Varget with my 90-95gr bullets seated with boat tail above the neck-shoulder junction. I have throated the chamber to allow this COAL. Is this crazy to even try?

28" barrel
6.5" twist
Kelbly Nanook

 

[DIBBS]

@Boothg599 28 grains of Varget and a 90 grain bullet is STUPID to even consider IMHO.

This may help

223 Ackley Improved

I saw an "All Ackey" thread, but nothing specific to just the 223AI. Fire Forming load LC Brass - 1x fired and prepped to FF CCI 450 IMR8208XBR @ 24.0gn Berger 80.5gn seated at 2.485" COAL 22" 7 twist Rock Creek #4 Defiance Deviant Jon Beanland built 5x @ 100yds measured 0.2455" CTC

www.snipershide.com

 

[RogueTanker]

24.5gr varget
90gr SMK
26" barrel
2808 fps

Mild and stupid accurate. Don't chase speed. You might be able to get to 25-25.5, but north of that you're playing with a grenade.

 

[Rangemaster]

Sorry to reply on such an old thread. But I have a new 223ai and have had a hard time finding data. I don't have as much time and money to experiment as others seem to. From what I can tell from any post data from various manufacturers, their Varget loads tend to stop due to case capacity at lower pressures than they take other powders. My formed Lapua brass can hold over 28.5gr of Varget with my 90-95gr bullets seated with boat tail above the neck-shoulder junction. I have throated the chamber to allow this COAL. Is this crazy to even try?

28" barrel
6.5" twist
Kelbly Nanook

I just loaded some brass for this coming weekend. Get yourself some H4895, berger 80’s, CCI450’s and put 24.8 gn of H4895 and I run them at 2.40 OAL on a manson reamer. I am going out this weekend for a steel match and using this gun.

 

[Boothg599]

Looking at the numbers. It looks like 75 or 80 grain Hornady ELDMs are about the optimum bullet choice for the 223AI unless you're willing to pay for something like 90gr A-Tips and can get them moving over 2900fps.

 

[Boothg599]

Some screenshots

 

[Kadams1563]

Some screenshots

I’m running the 80 ELD at 2870 out of a 22” barrel. I had them up around 2950 without pressure but got worried so backed it down.

I shot it Wednesday and was doing just fine at 700 and in with PRs style targets. At 100 the groups aren’t the greatest I have shot but the numbers are fine and it works.