222 Rem or 223/AI

AWS

AWS

Custom Accessory Maker & Retired PM Staff
I've got a nice little SS Savage small boltface action with the short mag(early 2.320 not later 2.410). I want to build a 20" HB rig for targets and a little PD control on my daughters ranch nothing long range. Trying to decide if I want a 222Rem(have brass and dies already)or build a 223/AI(have both die sets and plenty of brass) and down load it for quiet work on the PD's.

I already have a 22-204, plus the reamer so I can build as many as I want and a couple of 22-250's so I don't really need the horse power.

For some reason I've found it easier to get good groups with a 222Rem than the 223 but only had one rifle in 222 so it could have been the rifle. I haven't gotten around to a 223AI haven't found a need with the 22-204 I already have.

Any thoughts on this build would bea apreaciated, especially from guys shooting light bullets from a 223AI and down loaded rounds.

Thanks
 
I had my Rem. LTR .223 rebarreled last fall and went .223ai on the new barrel. It shot pretty well with the factory barrel but I've always wanted a 223ai so I went that route. Mine has a 22in. Hart 1-9tw Sendero taper and the only bullet I've shot in it is the 53Vmax. It shoots that bullet extremely well and it shoots the fire forming loads as well as it does with formed cases. My dad has a 1-9tw Lilja barrel for his little Howa .223 and when he gets around to having it rebarreled he's having it chambered in .223ai also.

Mine was throated a little long, with the 53Vmax 2.40 is just touching, so I have quite a bit of usable case capacity. I don't exactly, without looking, remember but I think it picked up around 100-125fps
 
222....with no reservations.

You know I'm a huge fan of the 22-204, as are you, but with the criteria you set forth, there's no reason to go any bigger than the Duece.
 
Just throwing a 17-222Rem out there to ponder. My M70 222Rem has always had a pitted bore due to improper storage by previous owners and needs to be cleaned quite frequently to remain accurate. I'm thinking either 222Rem or 17-222Rem on a rebarrel. The 17-222Rem is supposed to be a very efficient and accurate round. Pushing 17Rem performance with less powder.
I've got a Stevens SA staggered feed small bolt face that wants to be a 223 AI though too.
 
I have the customs on both 223 and AI. Both are super accurate with 40-55g weights. I have Hart 1-12 and 1-14 twists. I did the 1-9 thing, not again for me because I do not to shoot heavy bullet weights.

You may want to rethink your barrel length because the 20" sure is LOUD!
 
Originally Posted By: Displayed NameJust throwing a 17-222Rem out there to ponder. My M70 222Rem has always had a pitted bore due to improper storage by previous owners and needs to be cleaned quite frequently to remain accurate. I'm thinking either 222Rem or 17-222Rem on a rebarrel. The 17-222Rem is supposed to be a very efficient and accurate round. Pushing 17Rem performance with less powder.
I've got a Stevens SA staggered feed small bolt face that wants to be a 223 AI though too.

My first foray in the 17 world was with a 17-222. Luckily the smith loaned me the dies to form the cases, so I didn't have that expense, but now days, I really see no reason to go with that case, except for nostalgia. To me, it was a long way around the block to get to a 17 Rem.

To keep things simple, I'd stick with the 17 Fireball if you're looking for efficiency, or the 17 Rem for a bit more performance.
 
Ever since I rebarreled my Savage 112 from .223 Rem to .223 AI it has become my favorite varminter. From ground squirrels on up this gun is just the first thing that I grab when going out in the field.

70 yards to 700+ yards this gun has done it for me. Should I ever be forced (God forbid!) to take but one gun out on a hunt with me this one would be it.
 
Thank you for all the responses. I'm pretty sure that I will go with the 222 Rem. I will always have the option of rechamberring to 223 or 223AI without even having to set the barrel back.
 
It seems you have chosen the cartridge that actually has a place in your heart. To choose the slower less zippy cartridge goes against the grain nowadays as we all seem to want as much performance as we can get. I think deep down you probably wanted the 222 in the first place cuz there is just something about the Deuce that does it for you. And for that i applaud you. I would have chosen the same. Enjoy!
 
Originally Posted By: AWSThank you for all the responses. I'm pretty sure that I will go with the 222 Rem. I will always have the option of rechamberring to 223 or 223AI without even having to set the barrel back.

You won't be sorry, the triple duece is a great round. here is my 222 in a savage

32A96FA4-E807-4DC7-AD79-95FAB519D7D2-1583-000003CD9C4D9F32.jpg
 
"For some reason I've found it easier to get good groups with a 222Rem" - Amen.

Excellent choice. Easy to load with its longer case neck, plenty powerful, mild/pleasant to shoot, and accurate as heck!

From 40 to 52's, you will have plenty of selection and you can make almost any bullet with almost any powder work - in record time with this caliber. That's been my experience anyway. I'm really liking the 40 V-MAX's in mine currently.

Long live the 222rem!
 


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