.223 AI Winter Project

[Bushytailbuster]

Well winter is approaching, so that means one thing, time to build another gun! I have had it in my mind to build either a Savage model 10 with accutriger, or a Remington 700 with the Savage barrel nut conversion around a .223 Ackley Improved Criterion Varmint barrel. The primary purpose of the rifle will Groundhogs, and 'Yotes, and those pesky 20 oz Mtn. Dew Bottles at ranges between 100 and 700 yards, (just for kicks/ friendly competition with friends)
My main questions are
1) which twist rate should i choose for 40-60 grain bullets
2) does anyone have any experience with the Criterion Barrels?
I know that they are a division of Krieger, but how is their quality
compared to a true Krieger?
3) does anyone have any opinions on the .223 AI round? Pros/cons
4) what stock would y'all recommend, I have had my eye on one of the Choate tactical short action stocks, but all recommendations would be considered (within budget, as much as i would like a McMillan or Accuracy International, that's just a little outta my budget)

Thanks!
Bushy

 

[dubbleA]

Built a 223 AI a year ago and went with a M700 action. Didnt spare any expense putting her together and it paid off as she is a hammer.

Went with a 1:8 Rock and it's throated for the Hornady 75gr Amax. With the AI magazines one can seat the bullets out there and not take up powder space. I opt to run a faster twist and shoot heavier, high BC bullets for distance over any 50-60gr. Personally not looking for explosive performance with the 223AI but rather something that can do 1k when the wind isnt a big factor.

Improving the 223 does just enough to make it worth while, the AI case doesnt stretch like the conventional 223, fireforming is straight foward and simple. I am pushing the 75gr Amax at 3000fps with Varget. Mine isnt that finicky to load for though it's only been fed 75 and 80's. It's fairly efficient and have been told it's right on the heels of the 22-250 while using alot less powder with lighter pills. Can not comment on a Criterion as I have never used one.

Have McMillan A5's and A3's, HS, B&C and even a Choate tactical but I really like the AICS platform and have several.



One of the first work up loads, 5 shots@100y into the mid .1's

 

[esheato]

Have a 223AI but I'm not typing out a lengthy response on my phone. Ill be back on a comp in a week and will write you then.

 

[dubbleA]

Thinking about heading to the ranch to do some dove hunting and throw some 80's down the tube of the AI in preperation of a match. You gotta love using small powder charges hurling the little missiles down range.

 

[Cemetery21]

I have 3 223 Ackleys in ARs for defending myself against prairie dogs. A buddy has 4 Coopers and is building some on Kimbers. We both shoot 55 gr and lighter. I go with 12 and 14 twist and he uses 1 in 8.
A 1:9 should stabilize your 60s, and would be my choice for 60 and lighter, but going to 1:8 or 1:7 doesn't seem to hurt accuracy and guarantees they will stabilize. Plus, that would give you the option of trying something heavier than 60, if you ever wanted to.
We get about 125-150 fps more with 50gr. safely. I have chronoed over 3600fps with 50gr (24" barrels), but I load them down to 3550 for the higher temps and elevation where we hunt.
223s group just as well for us when fireforming, although they run under 3400fps due to the case expansion. Cases will actually shorten on fireforming and they tend not to need trimming as often as 223.

 

[Bushytailbuster]

That is one sweet rifle DubbleA, and an even nicer grouping!, I think i have made up my mind and am defiantly going to go with the 223AI, but i believe that i am going to go the Savage route, My LGS has a used Savage 10 in 243 for around 200 bucks that i believe would be a good donor action after changing the box mag and bolt head, and especially when mated to a 26in 1:8 twist barrel. Going to go take a look at the perspective donor on Thursday, and see if its even worth the bother,
Thanks Again for all the Info, Im still curious about the Criterion Barrels, i have read that they are Kreigers button rifling division, and that they are hand lapped before being chambered and crowned, i was just curious to see if anyone has actually used one of them, and what the general consensus of them.
Thanks Again!

 

[dubbleA]

Thanks Bushytailbuster.

I was able to work up a 80gr amax load over the weekrend. Didnt shoot great at 500 meters but it wasnt bad either, the windy was a bit tricky.

Here's some video I took below.


http://youtu.be/a-Zj5aglR3M

 

[FlyinBryan]

awesome looking rig!!!