Every few weeks it seems like someone asks the question "Is it possible to get an AI AT in 223 Remington?". As most will probably know, it is not practically feasible due to the basic design of the action. However I saw someone mention in the last tread about using a 22 PPC as a close stand in for the 223 rem in an Accuracy International, this got my attention.
This is what I've found out so far; 22 PPC has a similar velocity to the 5.56 with similar powder consumption, I am assuming that the barrel life should be close to 5.56. Granted this is with load data for 50 to 55 grain projectiles as data using 60 grain plus bullets is hard to come by for the PPC, although from my limited research the PPC should work just fine with the heavy stuff. The bolt on the AI AT seems like it will work for the PPC without modification. I've played with some 7,62x39 (same case head as the PPC) in my AT and the bolt maintains control of the case as it is pulled past the breach ring, the round is then ejected cleanly out of the rifle.
Feeding looks like it would take some trial and error but it should be possible, the rounds seems to start in the breach well enough. I don't know if someone makes PPC compatible AW magazines but a standard magazine only works for a down and dirty mock up (using 7,62X39 for this) as they only feed well from the right hand side and don't stack nice.
I'd like to know what peoples opinions on this are or if I'm missing something.
This is what I've found out so far; 22 PPC has a similar velocity to the 5.56 with similar powder consumption, I am assuming that the barrel life should be close to 5.56. Granted this is with load data for 50 to 55 grain projectiles as data using 60 grain plus bullets is hard to come by for the PPC, although from my limited research the PPC should work just fine with the heavy stuff. The bolt on the AI AT seems like it will work for the PPC without modification. I've played with some 7,62x39 (same case head as the PPC) in my AT and the bolt maintains control of the case as it is pulled past the breach ring, the round is then ejected cleanly out of the rifle.
Feeding looks like it would take some trial and error but it should be possible, the rounds seems to start in the breach well enough. I don't know if someone makes PPC compatible AW magazines but a standard magazine only works for a down and dirty mock up (using 7,62X39 for this) as they only feed well from the right hand side and don't stack nice.
I'd like to know what peoples opinions on this are or if I'm missing something.