.280 AI and .223 question

[ENCOREROOKIE]

how many guys shoot a 280 AI and what are the pros and cons...i reload so it forming the cases will not be a problem. I was just wondering what kind of accuracy is expected and if any problems were had with the round.is it better to get a 24 or 26 inch barrel...what is better for accuracy? .................Now for the 223...i think its the varmit round for me...I 've read alot of posts that say its accurate and is cheap to shoot...should i get a 24 inch tapered or a 26 inch heavy barrel....it will be a TC barrel...the 280AI will probably come from foxridge...do you guys think im making good choices or what are other reccomendations...ive got the bug and the frame is still in the UPS man's hands..thants not good...just wait til it gets here then i'll want it all.....just yesterday i was just gonna get one barrel....now its up to two....just hope the wife don't find out.... :shock:

[lakota]

I think your choice in barrel taper for your .223 would depend on the type of hunting you will do with it. I mostly hunt wood chucks with my .222. I might fire one shot, and it may be 15 minutes or more before I fire again, and I definatley do a lot of walking. So for me a tapered barrel is the way to go for the weight loss. Now if you are hunting where you will be doing a lot of shooting, like p-dogging, a bull barrel would be best because of it's better ability to dissipate heat.

My tapered barrel will keep groups together for about 5 shots, then it starts to get warm and groups open up some, and it is time to let it cool.

I think there are trade-offs  with both- tapered heats up faster, and the bull is heavier.

That's my two pesos

Scott.

[ENCOREROOKIE]

I ordered a 223 in 24 inch tapered stainless...should have it in mid next week...so its off to the reloading bench....i got a box of 55 grn bal tip and a couple boxes of sierras 52-55 grn and a pound of varget...misewell get a head start before the stuff gets here....I'm gonna put a 6.5-20x44  44mag simmons scope on it..it should do the trick....i'll let ya know next week my luck on accuracy...has anyone else tried varget? any secret loads would be appreciated although i know every rifle is diferent

[lakota]

Ah now the fun begins-different powder charges, primers, powders, bullets, seating depths, yadda yadda yadda. It is enough to make a person dizzy. When I had my .223- a Ruger M77 MK II, 50 and 55 grain Remington Core Lokt hollow points always shot real well and they are cheap, and that is a definate plus! :grin: Midawa USA stocks them. Also might want to try Winchester 748 as well as Hogdon BL(C)-2 powder.

Have fun- it is a wonderful puzzle, and when you find the solution, the results are cool!

Scott.

[lakota]

CKnight- If you have that barrel cut down, you might lose some velocity, but I doubt those varmints on the business end will notice it much!  :sniper:

Scott.