223 Ackley Improved project

[bobbyfairbanks]

I picked a Rem 700 in trade a while back and I’m going to rebarrel it in 223AI. I have a Magpul stock Calvin Elite Trigger and a Bartlein 5R 7 twist 31” blank to build with. Right now I’m planning on 28” finish length. I’m building this rifle for shooting pdogs and yotes. I’m looking for load info. Anyone shooting this and have some good loads? I was thinking about going with Hornady ELD 75.

[Grant H.]

One of the guys I shoot with runs his .223AI on the following load:

75gr Amax
24.2gr Varget
Federal GM205M primer

I sent him a text asking for his velocity data and barrel details, but I am pretty sure he has a 28" 1:8 barrel.

It's a great load for his rifle, and the results show it. It's a pleasure to shoot, and is extremely accurate.

[bobbyfairbanks]

Hey! Thanks man

[Grant H.]

Hey! Thanks man

Of course!

It is a 28" Barrel, with 1:8 twist, and that load gives him ~2835fps (caveat is, he's not home so this is what he has in pictures on his phone.)

But it at least gives you some idea of a workable load for a rifle similar to yours.

[ar15shooter]

Is the reason for going 223AI to use existing 223 brass and bolt face (which I fully understand if so)?

If not have you given a look at a bolt gun 224 Valkyrie?

[bobbyfairbanks]

Yes 223 brass is cheap and the 700 host rifle is currently 223

[ray1970]

I did a 223 Ackley years ago. Mostly did the rechamber to try and get a little velocity back when I took the 28” barrel down to 22”.

I’m sure I have records from back then buried somewhere. I mostly ran the 69gr Sierra match kings.

[AKA-Spook]

I did a 223 Ackley years ago. Mostly did the rechamber to try and get a little velocity back when I took the 28” barrel down to 22”.

I’m sure I have records from back then buried somewhere. I mostly ran the 69gr Sierra match kings.


this , anything that the 223AI can accomplish, can be handled with a 22" barrel. I shoot Varget and 80 Amax in mine.

[Hoser]

My 223 bolt gun shoots excellent with Varget and 80s. For critters my old barrel shot excellent with 55 Ballistic Tips, it was an absolute hammer on critters.

Right now I am playing with Varget and 69TMKs in my gasser. I don't have any more room left for powder (27.9) and still no pressure. Velocity is around 3100 or so.

[longrange2]

I'm accumulating parts for a .223AI rifle right now. Brux #6, 7.5 twist, fluted and will have it finished out at 24 inches with TBAC compact brake. I've got a Manners mini chassis stock and am just waiting on the custom action to arrive. Can't wait. I think this one is going to LRI for the build. Their turnaround time is tough to beat and their work is excellent.