Twist rate cartridge length ??

QuiCKwithTHEfingeR

Private
Minuteman
Nov 14, 2018
7
1
I’ve got a Savage model 10 .223 that I want to put a Shilen barrel on. I’m using AI mags. What’s the max bullet weight I could get by with using these mags. And with that overall length/weight in mind what twist would you get? I’ll be punching paper and target shooting out to maybe 500-600 yards max. Also what’s the best powder for .223 in a 20 inch barrel. Thanks in advance for any help.
 
What is the max OAL you would be able to run in those mags?

A 69 or 77 grain Matchking would easily be able to reach 600 yards and I would think it would easily fit in an AICS mag because I can run them in a steel AR mag.

You may even be able to get away with an 80g.

I use Varget behind a 69g Matchking and it's a shooter for sure.
 
What is the max OAL you would be able to run in those mags?

A 69 or 77 grain Matchking would easily be able to reach 600 yards and I would think it would easily fit in an AICS mag because I can run them in a steel AR mag.

You may even be able to get away with an 80g.

I use Varget behind a 69g Matchking and it's a shooter for sure.
That’s kind of what I’m wondering. I phrased my question wrong. What’s the heaviest longest bullets folks have been able to reliably feed in .223 AI mags?
 
The Accurate brand mags will hold rounds with a max COAL of 2.325"

I'm not sure what the AICS internal dimension is, but according to Hodgdon load data:

The 90g SMK should have a COAL of 2.380"
The 82g Berger should be 2.375"
The 80g SMK should be 2.550", but that seems extremely long for an 80g bullet which is only 1.066"" according to JBM, whereas the 90g is 1.171"
 
If your only going to 600 there's no reason to waste money on the heavier bullets my 26" 223 will hammer out 800 with 75 grain hornady's all day long. I load them to AR mag length so I can use them in both rifles. Your going to need to at least a 7.5 twist to shoot 90"s. 24 grains varget lapua brass