.223 AI questions

[Loki_762]

So, I have read a bit about this .223 Ackley Improved cartridge, and I have a few questions.  First, if I already have a .223 Remington neck sizing die and bullet seating die, do I need to buy specialty dies for the .223 AI?  It seems to me, that if the length of the case and the neck diameter are the same, I should be okay with regular dies.  Second, can I trim my brass using the same trimmer as my .223?  I would guess so, since they are supposed to be the same length, right?  Third, is there a noticeable difference in recoil over the .223?  If I were to get a barrel for an Encore, and I wanted to see my hits, should I get it with a muzzle brake because of added recoil?  I am very intrigued by this cartridge, and any information is appreciated.
Thanks,
Loki

[oso45-70]

Loki,
I don't know if you could get away with just neck sizing or not, I belive you would have to get the AI set to do a good job on your brass. I have never had a 223 AI, I would think its about the some as a 222 mag. But am not sure. I will look into that tomorrow when i go out to my loading shack, Maybe i can find some data on it and let you know. Good luck.
......Joe.......

[Timberghozt]

Loki, I am playing with my first AI now.I just bought dies from Redding for it.I am no expert on the AI, but here is what I have found while dealling with AI`s from both gunsmith and reading.The AI as well as blowing out the shoulder to 40 degrees also blows out the case wall during fireforming taking away some of the parent case`s original taper.This being done, the newborn AI case no longer fits a standard parent die.I too thought about whether or not a standard neck sizing die would work.After looking at Reddings stock numbers the AI die and the standard neck die stock numbers are different.The datum line remains the same as the parent case but the effect of fireforming the case shoulder out changes things.The smith who is building my 25-06 AI bought a 25-06 AI headspace gauge to do my rifle( I BOUGHT THE REAMER as a 25-06AI reamer is not in every smith`s drawer) with as a standard 25-06 Rem headspace gauge doesnot work,all going back to that shoulder being altered.
I may be wrong, maybe some of the serious handloaders who frequent this site could chime in on this one.I too am interested in AI info.I load for 300 win mag,308 win,270 win,243 win and 7x57mm but this is my first go around with an AI cartridge.I look forward to reading more  regarding this discussion.

[oso45-70]

Loki,
I went through all the stuff i had and could not find any thing on the 223
AI. I went through the two P.O. Ackley books and nothing What Timberghozt said is the norm. for most AI custom calibers. You can fire form the brass but then you need the dies to do any reloading. I'll keep looking for info. on the 223 AI. Sounds like it should be a neat round.
Take care........Joe...........

[Loki_762]

Thanks for looking Joe.  I have done a little reading around the Internet, and I am not sure it is worth it or not.  However, I still think it would be fun, just to have something a little different.  I have also read in a few places that it handles hotter loads better for some reason - and not just because it has a larger capacity.  Guys who had guns that shot light to medium charges before having their guns reamed for the .223AI said their gun was now able to shoot hotter rounds well.  That alone might be worth it, just to get a little more stank on some of the varmint rounds for longer shots.
Loki

[PeterF.]

You might want to check Varmint Al's website (www.varmintal.com).  He's a big fan of the .223AI and very experienced (and a machinist, too). He might have some useful info for you.

[roper]

Loki 762,  alot of shooter don't think the 223AI or for that matter any AI is worth the trouble for the gain in FPS etc.  This is just me I do and I have two 223AI plus afew others.  I use Neil Jones 223AI shoulder bumping dies set up for an arbor press also have a set of Wilson.  My fire form load I use PD hunting so not to waste the barrel.  I get alittle over 3400fps with a 52 gr bullet which is about 200fps faster that I get my  factory 223 and for me that gain amounts to about another 100yds out PD hunting.  So far have about 5 firings on some cases and haven't had to worry about setting the shoulder back.  I've never been a fan of the 223  it's one of those rifle sometimes you own but the last one you would take out varmit hunting but the 223AI is a good case.  I've got one set up just to shoot paper now it has a Chanyln barrel,36x scope and 2oz trigger and it will do in the 2's 5 shot groups all day long if I do my part.  Now if you really want something to shine I've got a tight neck 222AI talk about little bug holes  has a 1/12 twist and get 3345fps with a 55gr bullets and thats not pushing that case.  All it is is boys and there toys.