Building a .223? Ai?

[RickyRodney]

I want to build a .223 and have no idea where to start. And I have a ton of questions. The main question is where should I turn for a builder and what custom action should I use? Or does it make sense to just do a rem700? What barrel? Should I do an AI or not? I plan to reload. I want to spend no more than 2k on the barreled action. Less would be better looking for more of a bang for your buck deal since SAC is dragging their feet on the .223 kit for the DTA.

Only plans

22" barrel
AX or AI stock
Suppressed
Hand-loading.

Help me out. Pick me out a smith? I have no idea!

 

[Big Dog Steel]

Stuteville Precision, Crescent Customs or GAP would be my first choices for smiths.

What are you planning on doing with the rifle?

For a hunting/tactical rig I would go R700 action (if you can find a deal on one), 223 AI, medium palma contour Bartlein barrel 1:7.5 twist in a Manners chassis. The manners would be significantly lighter than an AI or AX chassis.

 

[BoilerUP]

Definitely Ackley.

I have a 22" 1:7 with a shorter-than-optimal freebore and get 2950fps with 80gr A-Max over 8208XBR, 2750fps with 90gr Berger VLD over Varget.

 

[RickyRodney]

Shooting steel for 90% of time. Some groundhogs too probably. I've considered the thumbhole manners.

 

[MarinePMI]

When you say "AI", do you mean "Ackley Improved" or are you talking about the stock only, as in an "Accuracy International" chassis? Your post is a little confusing (or maybe I haven't had enough coffee yet this morning)...

 

[RickyRodney]

AI as in Ackley Improved. I can see why thats confusing

 

[KUSA]

Shooting steel for 90% of time. Some groundhogs too probably. I've considered the thumbhole manners.

The T5A is sweet. Get the mini chassis. You will love it!

 

[Big Dog Steel]

Yep, The T5 for a hunting rig is absolutely great...The T5A for tactical is the perfect stock for me.

 

[tt66]

I recently had a .223 built by Scout Supply Co. Remington 700, Broughton 1-8" twist #7 Contour, cut and threaded at 16.5", bedded into a Manners T5A. I am shooting 80gr SMK and 75 A Max mostly, but I have had some decent results playing with the 52gr SMKs. I went with the non Ackley just for laziness I suppose. For my purpose, I really don't need the extra speed of the AI. I like the T5A so much that I bought a T5 for my .243 hunting rifle.