Which action for 223ai?

big_matt_duq

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Minuteman
Feb 18, 2010
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southwest pa
I was planning on rebarreling my 223ai and reusing my remington action that my smith clean2d up a bit. It wasn't a club blueprint job but he told me he at least cleaned up the lugs and face a bit if I remember right for free. I want a proof barrel for it and a carbon fiber stock to match my 308. The other option I had considered was the bighorn origin but since hearing I would have to go push feed, I am not sure. Any other actions that are less than 1k I should consider? I am starting to think I shouldn't tear apart a rifle that shoots as good as mine is and just spray it white and use it as a snow camo predator hunting rig. I could always try to get a bare rem action and have my smith work it over but I know it will end up costing more than I want to put in a rem action.
 
I would take a look at the Kelbly Atlas Tactical. I just saw them for under $900. I have a .223 build on one and it's a hammer. I'm a fan of the mechanical ejector as well. They are just under 30oz as well so are a good weight for a hunting rig. Good luck!
 
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I'd just get the Bighorn. Not that I'm against any other action, I just feel like an Origin would give you more options (at a lower cost) down the road if you wanted to add other calibers/bolt faces in the future. Plus being able to get shouldered or barrel nut pre -fits.
 
I think I am back to wanting an origin but that kelbly looks really awesome. Both are probably a smarter move in the long run considering how much other parts will be. Might as well get everything I want in an action too. Thanks for the help guys.
 
Burnout I was trying to decide on a Ai in a mini. Does the magazine limit your oal on them or no?
That 8 twist mini chassis in lieu camo is cheap enough i thought about seeing the barrel back and taking it for the ai chamber.
 
Burnout I was trying to decide on a Ai in a mini. Does the magazine limit your oal on them or no?
That 8 twist mini chassis in lieu camo is cheap enough i thought about seeing the barrel back and taking it for the ai chamber.
I have measured the internal length of the Howa mini magazines at 2.34", so stretching beyond SAAMI length for the .223 Rem (2.26") won't be a problem, but I would expect that loads using the heavier 223 projectiles will be single-feed.

I'm planning on using mine primarily as a prairie dog rig (read: projectiles in the 50-60 grain range), so having to single feed the heavies for long range plinking isn't a show-stopper for me.

That gun is currently in the shop for the barrel upgrade, so it's all theoretical until I get it back and take some measurements on the throat, etc... to see where various projectiles need to be seated.
 
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Have one on a Howa mini. Great little action, but Howa needs to get a mag with longer coal. I just had my smith set the factory barrel back and punch it to an AI. Max length you can load to with the Howa mags is about 2.310. Loaded out further than that has caused me to have malfunctions.