243 vs 243 AI which is the way to go?

varmit_master

varmit_master

New member
I was wanting a 243 AI I have a regular 243. I know the AI isn't as hard as on the brass. Will I get 200 fps faster I will shoot 70 gr bullets out of it. Wanting it for coyotes . I wanted a 6mm rem can't find one or the brass . What I have been reading the 243AI Is a little faster than the 6mm rem. Will take all the help I can get thanks
 
Sorry for my lack of knowledge. I just barley bought a 243 tikka stainless fluted, haven't even shot it yet. I ordered my suppressor and dropped it off to the gunsmith to get the barrel threaded.
So after all that what exactly is a 243 AI?
 
AI-Ackley Improved. Usually blows most of the taper out of the case and the shoulder is 40 degree's. More powder, more speed, usually longer case life, in a nut shell answer.
 
Go AI, been using them for a long time, there is absolutely no down side to the AI. In fact, I hunted coyotes fire forming loads faster than the std 243.

Now, All of us used Win 760, Rem brass, and CCI250 primers. Since you want to use the 70g Bullets, go a 12" twist or a 14" twist, and throat the chamber for the 70g Bullet, not a 105g Bullet. Short throat = longer barrel life!!!

If you want to use Lapua brass, then make sure that the gunsmith has an over size reamer to accommodate the over size brass.

I can tell you from firing thousands and thousands of 70g Noslers that they are the hammer of thor on coyotes at 3700-3850 fps.
 
Originally Posted By: ackleymanGo AI, been using them for a long time, there is absolutely no down side to the AI. In fact, I hunted coyotes fire forming loads faster than the std 243.

Now, All of us used Win 760, Rem brass, and CCI250 primers. Since you want to use the 70g Bullets, go a 12" twist or a 14" twist, and throat the chamber for the 70g Bullet, not a 105g Bullet. Short throat = longer barrel life!!!

If you want to use Lapua brass, then make sure that the gunsmith has an over size reamer to accommodate the over size brass.

I can tell you from firing thousands and thousands of 70g Noslers that they are the hammer of thor on coyotes at 3700-3850 fps.

That about sums it up!!
 
Just got one back from the smith after set back and rechambering to an ackley. 22" muzzle to the bolt face. Be about right to hunt with.
 
I doubt that I'll ever own another standard .243 Win. I would AI a .243 even if it didn't give any more velocity. The lack of case stretch is the major bonus. You may wear out a .243AI case without ever trimming it. That said, there is a downside to the AI. The sharp shoulder will not feed as smoothly as the original. Anyone who says otherwise is jerking your chain. You'll most likely only notice it at the bench. When racking another round in on stand, it has never been an issue in my 700. Different feed ramps may handle the sharp shoulder differently. Other than that, no downsides. Go Ackley!
 
There doesn't seem to be a downside to going with the A.I. The only questions I would have is if it shortens the barrel life anymore. .243 has a much shorter life than most calibers I have seen. Just my two cents.

Seth,
 
Go with the 243AI. Velocity is a noticeable step up from the std. case. And fireforming load/velocity will be very similar, if not the same, as with formed brass. They feed fine in a repeater. It's really a win-win.

If you're having a a barrel rechambered, make sure the barrel is set back enough to cut a complete new neck and throat. Also make sure whoever does the work knows to cut the chamber short enough....don't listen to that stuff about .004" crush, get at least .010"crush and .015" is even better.
 
Hi mine is a 700 rem 24 inch barrel I think is a 1@10 not for sure. I just had him to redo the factory barrel . And I bought another pull off that's never been shot for a back up. I have nosler brass to use. If I buy the redding 243AI die can you use regular 243 neck sizing die on them? I won't go heavier than a 87 gr v max in it. I shoot it to sight it in and next time would be at fur. I will never shoot the barrel out. One guy told me imr 4064 and win 760 is the best powder to use. Does anybody make just a AI reloading book? He did say something about setting it back .015 Thank so much.
 
My fur rifle is a ten twist. I shoot 87 V-maxes as a contest load but use 58's for fur. Surprisingly, the 58's are even more accurate than the 87's out of my ten-twist. Sounds like you're on the right track. You're gonna dig it.
 
I have a bunch of 70 gr berger HP they should work good. Could you adjust the full length die to just neck size the brass? I have done it on my 223 until I got a neck sizing die. Of should work.
 


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