233 Ackley Improved @1200 yards

[stuff]

Finally got my 223AI up and running. Barreled action was put together by L.R.I. I'm using a Surgeon action, Bartlein 27" 1-7 5R barrel, Nightforce 3x15x50 F1, and the evil Mcree Precision G5 with Manners T4A adjustable cheek rest.

 

[stuff]

LRI set up the chamber to shoot the 90s at a COAL of 2.670", I actually don't have any on hand right now so I'm using the 80gr ELD-M. I'm also using CFE223 power, both of which aren't ideal at 1200 yards.

I haven't been able to make it to the range that much but I did fire form 300 cases. Most of my 5 shot groups were under an inch, some under 1/2 inch. Velocity was a little slower than I was expecting, 2830 fps, I guess it works for fire forming.

I can make regular hits on an 8" steel plate at 615 yards, if there's not much wind. I also put 3 rounds on a 15" rock at 1010 yards. But when I try for my 1200 yard rock I don't see anything. No dust signature at all. I know the bullet is going transonic, but I was hoping to at least see hits on the right hill.

 

[Hondo1]

Try IMR8208 XBR. You shouldn't have a problem breaking 3000fps. 1400 is where mine would start to fall apart and lose all consistency but that was with the 75gr amax. It was still crazy consistent at 1200.

 

[Sixfivesavage]

I'm running 75 grain Amaxes with XBR from my 18" AI at 2886 fps, I would think you'd have good luck with XBR and your longer tube.

 

[BoilerUP]

24.9gr XBR gets me 2950fps with the 80gr Amax from a 22" 223AI barrel and 24.9gr Varget gets me 2750fps with the 90gr VLD; your 27" should be good for at least 100fps more than that in both combinations.

 

[cageli]

The major issue with 223 even 6mm at 800+ range is indeed the lack of impact signature, make it quite hard to spot misses.

 

[Steel head]

The major issue with 223 even 6mm at 800+ range is indeed the lack of impact signature, make it quite hard to spot misses.

This.

 

[stuff]

My hope is that the new fire formed cases and better powder selection will yield a higher velocity, 3050fps, keeping the bullet supersonic with more foot lbs on target. This hopefully will payoff with impact signatures.

IMR8208 XBR seams to be the unanimous favorite powder for the 223AI. How does it complete with Varget or Power Pro 2000-MR? Will the velocity not be there or to get there these powders will be to hard on my brass? It just happens that XBR is not in stock at my local gun shop.

Thanks

 

[padom]

8208XBR for sure. Heres a link to my 223 26" thread I have going a few down from yours. I tested Varget, RE15 and 8208XBR with 75/77g bullets. Check out the last 2 pages, I have actual targets posted with chrono numbers on them for every charge weight. Varget and RE15 were too slow for me. I started seeing pressure signs with my last 2 charge weights of Varget. 8208XBR had zero pressure signs even at 24.6g and velocity was just shy of 3050. Both 1# and 8# jugs are in stock at Powder Valley if you cant find any locally.


https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...and-prefit-switch-barrel-testing-review/page5

 

[cageli]

Xbr does provide better velocity, but SD and accuracy are not on par with varget, my experience. Have no intention to rain your plan, but I only consider 223 family for <700, if reliable hit rate is needed like competition matches. It does not serve well for training either if main rifle is a different larger caliber. I focus on shoot better within 700 when changing to 223 AI instead of going further from 223, as there really is no material difference. Again it's a fun round to fiddle but there is no replacement for displacement IMO

 

[Dai Bando]

ES/SD sucked with 8208 for me. The go to powder in my .223AI's has been Leverevolution with 75 Amax and CCI 400's.

 

[Sixfivesavage]

Xbr does provide better velocity, but SD and accuracy are not on par with varget, my experience. Have no intention to rain your plan, but I only consider 223 family for <700, if reliable hit rate is needed like competition matches. It does not serve well for training either if main rifle is a different larger caliber. I focus on shoot better within 700 when changing to 223 AI instead of going further from 223, as there really is no material difference. Again it's a fun round to fiddle but there is no replacement for displacement IMO

My load is with xbr is showing an ES of 8 and a SD of 3 or 4 from my memory over 10 shots on a magneto speed. I've never run varget in my life on anything but I have a hard time seeing it being better than the XBR for me. This is with formed Winchester cases from copper creeks 77smk loads.

 

[Seandradamus]

I also found good speed with 8208 but in 3 different guns could not get the accuracy. I found spectacular performance with h4895 though. Its basically a slightly faster burning varget.
great case fill, low sds and the fastest speeds to boot. If there is a down side it doesn't meter as well as 8208 but I don't throw charges anyways.

 

[shoot4fun]

My 223AI is a 22" 1 in 8. I've not shot it past the 800 yard mark. I'll take it to my range with a 1250 yard steel next trip just to see what goes.
I have an accuracy load that has worked very well and a speed load. Mostly shoot the accuracy load that uses RL15 and 77SMK but I'll tell you that one would never make the 1250 mark. I have no doubt that my "speed" load would. I use 80VLD and AA2520 to get to 3100 FPS with the 22" tube. While Lapua brass does the chore for the former I use "disposable" WW brass for the latter. Primer pockets don't last long in that one.

 

[Dai Bando]

My load is with xbr is showing an ES of 8 and a SD of 3 or 4 from my memory over 10 shots on a magneto speed. I've never run varget in my life on anything but I have a hard time seeing it being better than the XBR for me. This is with formed Winchester cases from copper creeks 77smk loads.

Those are great numbers for sure. I'd be interested to see how it holds up over several lots of powder. If I remember right, 8208 was an attempt to recreate a popular surplus powder for 6 ppc bench resters. Never really took off in the short range races because of lot to lot inconsistencies.

 

[stuff]

ES/SD sucked with 8208 for me. The go to powder in my .223AI's has been Leverevolution with 75 Amax and CCI 400's.

I've heard interesting things about Leverevolution in the 223AI. What has your experience been like, consistency, velocity?

Thanks

 

[Dai Bando]

3,150 ish with an hbn coated 75 Amax in formed cases thrown on a Dillon 550b with really low es/sd is hard to beat.

 

[Sixfivesavage]

Those are great numbers for sure. I'd be interested to see how it holds up over several lots of powder. If I remember right, 8208 was an attempt to recreate a popular surplus powder for 6 ppc bench resters. Never really took off in the short range races because of lot to lot inconsistencies.

Prime will tell. I've had this 8lb jug for years and years and never used it for anything. Got this jug when it first came available, so that's how long I've had it. I'm sure a new jug won't be the same from what I've heard. Doubt I'll have to worry about it with this barrel though. For sure won't have to worry about it with the 75 grain Amaxes I have. They will be long gone.

 

[Dai Bando]

I've got enough 75 Amax I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever get to shoot an eld.

 

[stuff]

Have no intention to rain your plan, but I only consider 223 family for <700, if reliable hit rate is needed like competition matches. It does not serve well for training either if main rifle is a different larger caliber. I focus on shoot better within 700 when changing to 223 AI instead of going further from 223, as there really is no material difference. Again it's a fun round to fiddle but there is no replacement for displacement IMO

This is my fun and good times gun. I'll predominately be shooting under 750 yards, with an occasional poke out to 1010 and 1200 yards. I have much more capable long range rifle/cartridge combinations that sit in the safe and collect dust for various reasons, cost, weight, recoil, and comfort to name a few. I'm not under any delusions that I'll be posting lots of sub MOA 1200 yard 5 shot groups. I just want to be able to hit some rocks at 1200 yards and have some fun. My backyard range is a bitch to hike to and dragging 2-3 rifles plus gear sucks. I built this 223AI as a fun do everything gun that I can shoot all day long, carry all day long, and it won't beat me up or brake the bank.

Thanks,
stuff

 

[Sixfivesavage]

This is my fun and good times gun. I'll predominately be shooting under 750 yards, with an occasional poke out to 1010 and 1200 yards. I have much more capable long range rifle/cartridge combinations that sit in the safe and collect dust for various reasons, cost, weight, recoil, and comfort to name a few. I'm not under any delusions that I'll be posting lots of sub MOA 1200 yard 5 shot groups. I just want to be able to hit some rocks at 1200 yards and have some fun. My backyard range is a bitch to hike to and dragging 2-3 rifles plus gear sucks. I built this 223AI as a fun do everything gun that I can shoot all day long, carry all day long, and it won't beat me up or brake the bank.

Thanks,
stuff

I'm with you on your thoughts. Mine serves the same purpose. Unfortunately my backyard range only goes to 850 and it's not a hike at all to get to it I'm just in a habit of carrying a rifle around the farm with me anyway so I wanted something I could shoot a bunch whenever I have a few spare minutes.

 

[Sixfivesavage]

I've got enough 75 Amax I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever get to shoot an eld.

Wish I could say the same. If you can spare some let me know!

 

[spaniel]

I can make regular hits on an 8" steel plate at 615 yards, if there's not much wind. I also put 3 rounds on a 15" rock at 1010 yards. But when I try for my 1200 yard rock I don't see anything. No dust signature at all. I know the bullet is going transonic, but I was hoping to at least see hits on the right hill.

You are asking for too much out of the round. I had issues spotting misses with my 243AI throwing 105gr at 3200fps past 700 yards, and you think you will spot a 223 at 1200?

 

[Dai Bando]

I spot hits/misses at 1,350 easily with my .223AI's.

It's all in the set up.

 

[stuff]

I'm with you on your thoughts. Mine serves the same purpose. Unfortunately my backyard range only goes to 850 and it's not a hike at all to get to it I'm just in a habit of carrying a rifle around the farm with me anyway so I wanted something I could shoot a bunch whenever I have a few spare minutes.

What's your favorite firearm for strutting around the farm?

 

[Dlwheel]

We run 25.3 8208XBR in our 223 Wylde with 75g AMAX@3120fps (26” Rock Creeks). SD’s are 8-9fps. 800yd hits on 1MOA steel is entirely possible. No pressure signs on LC brass. Since AMAX is no longer available, I’ve got 1500 ELD’s on the way. The 223 is our practice barrel on our TL3’s.

 

[Sixfivesavage]

What's your favorite firearm for strutting around the farm?

So far here lately it's this .223AI that RWS built for me. Nothing special, just a trued stainless 700 with badger knob, 18" stainless Kreiger with a legacy surefire 212 can and brake, single stage Calvin elite I had laying around thrown into a manners Eh1a with a crooked new style mini chassis lol. Pierce a primer once in a while, like one every 150 rounds maybe but not surprising since the pin hasn't been bushed and I'm running these things almost 2900 from almost 16" of rifling. It's short with the can, hearing safe, balances nice and isn't heavy at all which is a nice change of pace from my 6.5. Shoots great and is enough for any targets of opportunity I may encounter out to my most likely distances of 500 yards plus great for impromptu steel sessions. Has a rail but it only ever wears a sling and no bipod to save weight and it forces me to work positional skills.

 

[tansinator]

Heard very good things about Leverevolution powder in 223 ackley. 3000fps is easy to get with the heavies from what I have been told. I have not tried it personally. I plan on it soon though.

Eddie

 

[stuff]

We run 25.3 8208XBR in our 223 Wylde with 75g AMAX@3120fps (26” Rock Creeks). SD’s are 8-9fps. 800yd hits on 1MOA steel is entirely possible. No pressure signs on LC brass. Since AMAX is no longer available, I’ve got 1500 ELD’s on the way. The 223 is our practice barrel on our TL3’s.

That's really moving from a straight 223. I've got to get my hands on some of that XBR and see if my baby likes it.
"We" and "Our", you have a team that practices with the 233 on a regular basis?

 

[stuff]

So far here lately it's this .223AI that RWS built for me. Nothing special, just a trued stainless 700 with badger knob, 18" stainless Kreiger with a legacy surefire 212 can and brake, single stage Calvin elite I had laying around thrown into a manners Eh1a with a crooked new style mini chassis lol.

Sounds nice, a versatile, handy, light tool that's perfect for most occasions.
I looked real hard at the Manners EH1 as a replacement for my "Evil" heavy ass Mcree Precision G5. Cost and wait times influenced me to stick with what I have for the time being.
What's up with the crooked mini chassis? You get a deal or something? Manners should fix that crap.

 

[Sixfivesavage]

Sounds nice, a versatile, handy, light tool that's perfect for most occasions.
I looked real hard at the Manners EH1 as a replacement for my "Evil" heavy ass Mcree Precision G5. Cost and wait times influenced me to stick with what I have for the time being.
What's up with the crooked mini chassis? You get a deal or something? Manners should fix that crap.

It actually came directly from them with it that way. It's not off by much and I didn't notice it until I opened up the Bolt handle cutout out some for the factory Remington swept Bolt handle to fit. Had contact on the barrel channel for a few inches and ended up sanding it to get a free float. I don't know if they would fix it or not since I had already opened the Bolt handle cutout out by the time I noticed it. Ultimately I have just been dealing with it since I didn't want to not have a stock for the season and am tired of dealing with their office people anyway.