Looking for some .223AI info

[NHPiper]

Found a smoking deal on a .223AI with a 26" Mullerworks barrel (7.5" tw) on a Stiller action. First time playing with .223AI so I have some questions.

1. Are people able to load the heavier bullets, like Hornady 80gr ELDs, to magazine length? I am wondering if I can put this action into a chassis with mags or if I need a stock with an internal magazine.

2. Any recommendations on sizing dies?

3. Will a full length resizing die completely defeat the purpose of using the .223AI? If so, what are people doing for neck sizing?

Thanks!

 

[redneckbmxer24]

1. Get a chassis or DBM that runs AICS pattern mags and get the Accurate mags and you'll be able to load them out. This is assuming the rifle doesn't have a super long freeborn. Being 7.5 twist I'd say it probably isn't throated for 90's so you should be good to go.

2. Redding comp die set..

3. No, as long as it's not a standard 223 sizing die. FL sizing dies are preferred by most in this community because they size the body and neck both ever so slightly so you don't have to worry about getting cases stuck in the chamber in field conditions. There's no really benefit to neck sizing only. I would suggest the Redding FL bushing sizer for this reason.


Just a tip, buy some factory 223 ammo that has good brass (however many pieces of brass you want) and shoot it through your chamber to fireform. That's what I did with mine and I still got great accuracy and took one full step out of the loading process. Even if you want Lapua brass, you can buy the loaded ammo and fire it for not much more than the components would cost you.

 

[NHPiper]

Thanks for the info. I was thinking of trying that new KRG chassis.

Current owner is shooting 80gr Hornady ELD-Ms into 1" holes at 400 yards, so I am also assuming it doesnt have the long freebore for 90gr bullets.

Will pick up some Reddings. Good to know about the full length sizing. I am hoping to get some of his fireformed brass. If not, then I will just take your recommendation.

 

[spife7980]

Wont help you with a mullerworks and whoever chambered that particular one but on the criterion barrels the 223ai chamber has .0618 freebore which is basically the same as the wylde freebore of .0619. The standard rem chamber freebore is .025 and the rem match is .090, many say that for the 90s you want a .100-.110. Others say .169 is optimal for the berger and the sierra 95 takes even more still (!).

See Geno Cs comments in this thread for lengths on his https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/223-freebore-for-75-90-gr-bullets.6869156/