Who's shooting 223 AI?

[wind gypsy]

done right, you don't need to set it back. AI should clean up the original chamber but still allow factory 223/556 to headspace and fire.
Do it!

Everywhere I've seen it discussed recommended setting it back a bit to get crush fit on 223 brass. I could see it being fine without a set back if a guy wants to jam bullets fireforming or if existing headspace is a bit on the short side though?

 

[longrangelead]

Everywhere I've seen it discussed recommended setting it back a bit to get crush fit on 223 brass. I could see it being fine without a set back if a guy wants to jam bullets fireforming or if existing headspace is a bit on the short side though?

a small set back of a few thousandths might be needed but a big set back and re-thread isn't necessary.
Example, taking .005"-.010" off the breech face and shoulder will set it back without needing thread added to the shank.

 

[Ramem7mm]

I have one and I love to shoot it. I originally had it in a Carbon stock and then put it in an XLR Chassis for some PRS shoots.

 

[V35B]

a small set back of a few thousandths might be needed but a big set back and re-thread isn't necessary.
Example, taking .005"-.010" off the breech face and shoulder will set it back without needing thread added to the shank.

I always set them back a full thread, I cant stand the markings on the barrel to be crooked, but it does not have to have that much.

 

[nrspence]

done right, you don't need to set it back. AI should clean up the original chamber but still allow factory 223/556 to headspace and fire.
Do it!

This is fake info, you need to set back the barrel a bit to get the chamber head space right. The 223ai no go guage is a 223 go guage.

 

[Schmo]

This is fake info, you need to set back the barrel a bit to get the chamber head space right. The 223ai no go guage is a 223 go guage.

@longrangelead is a gunsmith, and a good one. I’d listen to him.

 

[longrangelead]

This is fake info, you need to set back the barrel a bit to get the chamber head space right. The 223ai no go guage is a 223 go guage.

If you're going by the go/no go guages, sure. I've seen SAAMI gauges vary from manufacturers enough that the go gauge from one was the same as the no go from another.
Measure fired brass from the original chamber and compare to the guages, it may or may not be necessary.
If you carefully chamber up to the neck, there is no more headspace at the neck than before. In a snug chamber it works well. In a slightly long chamber, it's a good idea to set it back a few thousandths or one thread if re-timing the barrel.

 

[RockAndSage]

If you're going by the go/no go guages, sure. I've seen SAAMI gauges vary from manufacturers enough that the go gauge from one was the same as the no go from another.
Measure fired brass from the original chamber and compare to the guages, it may or may not be necessary.
If you carefully chamber up to the neck, there is no more headspace at the neck than before. In a snug chamber it works well. In a slightly long chamber, it's a good idea to set it back a few thousandths or one thread if re-timing the barrel.

You guys know of anyone who has ever had an AR chambered for .223 AI? Biggest concern would be feeding reliably, but not sure if it's actually an issue?

 

[Schmo]

You guys know of anyone who has ever had an AR chambered for .223 AI? Biggest concern would be feeding reliably, but not sure if it's actually an issue?

Seems like it should be fine. I mean 22 ARC doesn’t look like it would feed great, but it does.

 

[nrspence]

If you're going by the go/no go guages, sure. I've seen SAAMI gauges vary from manufacturers enough that the go gauge from one was the same as the no go from another.
Measure fired brass from the original chamber and compare to the guages, it may or may not be necessary.
If you carefully chamber up to the neck, there is no more headspace at the neck than before. In a snug chamber it works well. In a slightly long chamber, it's a good idea to set it back a few thousandths or one thread if re-timing the barrel.

I agree. I’ve seen variances in go no go gauges. I think in general folks should know they will have to set back their barrel slightly for the .004 crush.

 

[longrangelead]

You guys know of anyone who has ever had an AR chambered for .223 AI? Biggest concern would be feeding reliably, but not sure if it's actually an issue?

I have both a 223Ai and 6x45Ai, both feed fine.

 

[longrangelead]

Everywhere I've seen it discussed recommended setting it back a bit to get crush fit on 223 brass. I could see it being fine without a set back if a guy wants to jam bullets fireforming or if existing headspace is a bit on the short side though?

it's the easy button for sure. I chambered my 223Ai .020" long so it won't chamber in my 6x45Ai.

 

[KyleR1985]

I had @longrangelead finish a 16” shaw 223ai deep chambered barrel for a Howa mini. Also took a few ounces off the outside of the barrel.

Gun shot moa or less for 5 on fireforming loads of several different flavors, which were known loads for my 223.

88’s were at 2700 in those forming loads with 26gr lever loaded at 2.495. 77’s were pushing 2900 over 26.5gr at 2.395.

I got greedy and rented a uni throater and opened it up for the 77’s to touch at 2.5”(previously 2.390”)

I should be able to load the 88’s around 2.5-2.55”. LC brass showing 32.5gr capacity after forming. I think I’ll be approaching 2800fps with lever, hopefully have some data on the twice fired brass soon.

77’s at 2.375 (125” off the lands) over 24gr 8208xbr shot this rounds 6-10 after throating.

 

[mt terry d]

Had my Tikka AI'd

It seems to shoot my regular 223 loads as accurate or more accurate than before AI'd
75 & 77 grain bullets all shoot extremely well.
(62 gr spbt not worth a damn!)

I have it in a KRG Bravo so am running the MDT AICS mags, no issues.

18" bbl suppressed it's shooting the 77 TMKs at 2900 fps (trued)

Looking forward to trying the new 88 TMKs that are supposed to be coming.

Was (am) toying with the idea of a 6 creed but for what I do there's not a lot of
benefit but a lot more powder burned.

I'm happy with it.