223 AI Questions

[IowaGeologist]

Looking for some input on a preferred twist rate for 223 AI barrel. Currently have a factory 1-9 twist 233 barrel and I'd like to throw on a well made aftermarket Remage, probably from Criterion. Figured while I'm going this route I might as well go with a 223 AI with a faster twist.

Would like to shoot the 75-80 gr ELD on the high end, maybe some 80 gr Nosler CCs as well. I would also like to shoot some 50 gr VMax on the lighter side. Would a 1-8 twist work pretty well for that range or should I just bump down to a 1-7? I've read some conflicting things on Accurate Shooter, with a ton of the info there from prairie dog guys with a 1-12 223 AI and no interest in anything over 50 gr.

Thanks for any input on the twist rate or 223 AI in general.

 

[Blutroop]

I’d go with 1-7 or even 1-6.5 if ya could in case you try and shoot any heavier stuff like 88elm or 90. Have you checked out the 224 Valkyrie and 22x6.8? Or are you going with 223 ai because it’s cheap to reload?

 

[spife7980]

The 8 twist would be just fine for all of what you described but you could also go to a 7 twist and be just fine as well. Not really a big deal in either case.

 

[BurnOut]

I'm running a 7-twist in a 26" finished length in .223 AI, and absolutely LOVE it. With 90 grainers, I'm seeing mid-2800 FPS, and with 53 gr V-max, I'm seeing a touch over 3800. It's a fucking screamer of a cartridge, and given the availability of brass it's hard to go wrong with it, IMO.

That said, a .223 AI protip: small rifle magnum primers; you want the thicker cup that the magnum primers have over the non-magnum.

 

[SporterII]

Keep the 9 twist and it’s recoil lug for the 50 grain varmint bullets and save the 8 twist for 75 gr high bc bullets.

 

[6brshooter]

I was gonna say run a 53 vmax for your light bullet, its longer than a 50 vmax, and likes a faster twist.

 

[Hondo1]

I’ve had 1:8” and 1:7.7” both have handled 50gr - 80gr without issue.

 

[IowaGeologist]

I’d go with 1-7 or even 1-6.5 if ya could in case you try and shoot any heavier stuff like 88elm or 90. Have you checked out the 224 Valkyrie and 22x6.8? Or are you going with 223 ai because it’s cheap to reload?

If the 1-7 handles the 50’s without throwing jackets around I have no problem with the 1-7, it’s always nice to have the capability if I do decide to go up.

I’ve been trying to decide between the 224V and 223AI for a while. Mostly came down to new vs existing bolt. Other considerations are all the nice LC brass I already have, less powder (and understandably less performance), and using my MDT poly mag. I know Frank and some of the other guys here are loving their 224Vs, but I’ll probably hold off and do it after this is shot out.

 

[IowaGeologist]

I'm running a 7-twist in a 26" finished length in .223 AI, and absolutely LOVE it. With 90 grainers, I'm seeing mid-2800 FPS, and with 53 gr V-max, I'm seeing a touch over 3800. It's a fucking screamer of a cartridge, and given the availability of brass it's hard to go wrong with it, IMO.

That said, a .223 AI protip: small rifle magnum primers; you want the thicker cup that the magnum primers have over the non-magnum.

Awesome to hear, thanks.

 

[IowaGeologist]

Keep the 9 twist and it’s recoil lug for the 50 grain varmint bullets and save the 8 twist for 75 gr high bc bullets.

I’d definitely go this route except for the current barrel is shouldered and I’d be going to a Remage. Not worth it to swap between them for me at this point. I’ll probably throw the factory shouldered barrel on the PX and see if I can get anything for it.

 

[IowaGeologist]

I was gonna say run a 53 vmax for your light bullet, its longer than a 50 vmax, and likes a faster twist.

I’ve been thinking of making the switch, just need to shoot the remaining 500 or so 50s.

 

[lr123]

I believe mine is an 8 twist and I haven't had any issues with 73eld's and 75 Amax's.

 

[Nortex]

Mine is a 7 twist and it's ran everything from 55gr nosler to 80gr vld's.

 

[Mordamer]

I have experience with 2 1:8 twist .223 AI rifles. They both perform amazingly well with 80 ELD-M. I would do a 1:8 if the heaviest bullet you plan to shoot is an 80 grainer. I have seen excellent results out past 1,000 yards with 80 ELD and 1:8 twist .223 AI.

 

[IowaGeologist]

Thanks for the info guys. After reading through everything, I've pretty much decided on a 1-7 twist. I was worried about over-spinning the 50s, but I'm not so concerned about it after reading through some of the posts here. While I might not ever shoot over 80 gr, it would be nice to have the option to go up if I do get the itch.

Thanks again.

 

[SporterII]

That factory barrel will screw right back on. Nice to have with another shouldered barrel OR aRemmage. Minutes.

 

[Longtrain]

My Service Rifle 1:7 shot 52-80’s, the same for my 1:8 bolt gun. If you’re going over 80, something faster is a good idea.