.223 Ackley Improved load data please!

[gary/mt]

I can get a custom .223 AI rifle built on a mauser action and a heavy stainless steel fluted barrel with beautiful custom stock for a really good price.  A fellow died and has many rifles for sale at auction prices.  I have researched this on the web, and cannot get reliable loading data for it.  I know I can fire .223 Rem in chamber to fire-form the brass if rifle was built properly.  Can anyone who has a .223 AI or has access to reloading data help me?  Thanks..........Gary   :?

[HL]

I don't have a 223 AI but I do shoot a 222magAI. The only reloading data I could use was the 222 mag data and limit my max charge to 7-10% above the 222 mag data. I started at the midrange of the parent cartridge and worked up slowely.

[gary/mt]

Thanks, HL.  The .223 AI gives aprox. 13% more case capacity, and your advice is exactly what I was going to do from my research on the cartridge.  I figured on going no more than 10% above standard .223 loads, and working up very slowly.  Did you use your starting loads to fireform your first cases?  In my research on the web for .223 AI loads, I found out that most people just used their starting loads to fireform and sight in the rifle.  Most said that the fireform loads were basically as accurate as their final loads.  Thanks for your input...............Gary

[HL]

I believe the powder I used to fireform was IMR 4350. I found this powder kept a low pressure when the bullet was seated and the powder was compressed.

I think I found the data for the 222mag on the IMR web site reloading data.

With the bullets seated out to the lands, the case would not move forward from the strike of the firing pin, and filled out the case very well. I used some cheap surplus russian 55gr fmj for the fireforming.

I am a little leary of using the minimum charge, since the bullet is seated out into the lands, the pressure increases quite a bit. And depending on the powder used, you could go in excess of the pressure limit.

The main thing in using the slowest powder, so that you have a compressed load is to make sure the case does not move forward during the forming process. If it does, it may cause problems rechambering properly.

Good luck,

I'm having quite a bit of fun working up loads. I have yet to chronograph any of my top end loads, but I imagine several will approach 3300-3400 with 50gr pills.

Just as you stated, I limited myself to 10% above what is listed for the standard 222mag.

Good shooting,

HL

[MT4XFore]

Gary, How's things up the road in Ulm?  We here in the "big" city of Gt. Falls are doing well.  Take a look at the following, it should help you along:
http://www.reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=98