This is topic 243 AI in forum Firearms forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.


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Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on March 01, 2010, 06:03 PM:
 
I've never had an AI of any sort, but recently started thinking I wanted one. I came across a deal on a well-worn 243 in 700 ADL and was thiking about having it rebarreled and chambered to 243 AI. The rifle would mostly be a kid/loaner rifle for coyotes and deer, so barrel length and weight would be kept to around 22" and hopefully in the 7.5 lb range.

Leonard, Andy, Tom, I think I remember you guys mentioning having a 243 AI?

Anybody else got any input on the whole AI route or this particular cartridge?

Thanks
 

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Posted by Andy L (Member # 642) on March 01, 2010, 06:20 PM:
 
I have a 223AI and a 25-06AI. I have shot a 22-243AI.

As far as Ackley Improving for performance, Im not sure how much it really helps? I know it helps some. I know they are easy to reload. I get away with just neck sizing most of the time, after a few loadings I have to full length, and dont have to trim often. They dont seem to flow as much at all. And, when fire forming, I load up and hunt or target shoot with standard ammo. They both shoot just as well with standard as they do loaded AI rounds.

My 223AI is fantastic with 52gr AMax. AMax has just enough more jacket than VMax to keep the splashes down and still a good fur bullet.

My 25-06 is great for deer with a good bullet. I had trouble with Nosler Partitions coming apart on impact. Triple Shocks or Sierra GK work great. I do load some 75gr VMax but wont point it at a coyote anymore. It literally blows the living shit out of stuff. Makes a big mess. It would be fine for contest hunting I guess.

Thats my .02.
 

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Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on March 01, 2010, 06:47 PM:
 
Thanks Andy.

The lack of trimming is one reason I like the idea of going AI. The last time I messed with a standard 243 much, it seemed like trimming was all to common.

What do you use for dies with your AI's Andy?
 

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Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on March 01, 2010, 08:21 PM:
 
Lonny, it's a giant killer. I love mine and it'll replace my 7-08 for deer as well.

I'm running a 22" barrel and averaged 3571fps with the 75gr V-Max. I've gone higher but this is good enough.

I'm using Redding 243 Win Imp 40* dies. Way better than any Lee or RCBS die I've ever used.

I haven't had much time to get out this year and have only killed 7 coyotes with it but it's been fur friendly on all but one. I hope I get to wear the barrel out next year.

I'd do it again without a doubt.
 

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Posted by TA17Rem (Member # 794) on March 01, 2010, 09:28 PM:
 


[ March 28, 2010, 09:53 PM: Message edited by: TA17Rem ]
 

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Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on March 01, 2010, 09:39 PM:
 
Tom, did you punch out a factory barrel or did you rebarrel?

Thanks for the info.
 

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Posted by Andy L (Member # 642) on March 01, 2010, 09:52 PM:
 
Lonny, I use Redding dies as well. I havent tried any others on them so I cant comment.

I use RCBS for most everything else. Except seating dies for 17 and 204. I use Hornady for that because that nifty sliding sleeve they have to take that tiny bullet out of my big ass fingers. LOL
 

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Posted by Dave Allen (Member # 3102) on March 01, 2010, 10:00 PM:
 
Andy I'm with ya,I also use the Hornady dies for my 17 Rem and Fireball. The seating sleeve is great for those little bullets.

Sorry Lonny I'm off topic
 

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Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on March 01, 2010, 10:57 PM:
 
I punched the factory tube.

Tim, you wouldn't understand.
 

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Posted by TA17Rem (Member # 794) on March 02, 2010, 01:50 AM:
 


[ March 28, 2010, 09:53 PM: Message edited by: TA17Rem ]
 

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Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on March 02, 2010, 04:18 AM:
 
Mine is a big, heavy rig for splattering 'chucks off of a table. With a 29" barrel, 3900 fps using 70 gr. bullets isn't hard to do. Groups at 300 yards with that load run about an inch.

The Lapua .243 brass is some really, REALLY nice stuff. Enough of a reason to have interest in the .243AI, by itself, to me.

I use Redding dies too.

- DAA
 

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Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on March 02, 2010, 05:30 AM:
 
Tim, a half a grain more powder yielded me 3643fps (3 shot average) out of the puny 22" barrel. I now believe it could handle more but why? And I'm running cheap WW brass.

I have never had a standard 243 get close to the velocities I'm getting, even with a 24" barrel. But to stay light and compact for a "kid/loaner" gun 22" will work just fine. Remember mine is a Mountain rifle weighing just over 7 pounds scope, sling, shells and all. Balance is perfect. My goal was to hit 3600 fps in a handy, accurate package. I got close enough.

Would a longer barrel get beter velocity? Of course but at a price.
 

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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on March 02, 2010, 09:06 AM:
 
First of all, Lonny. I think you picked a good one, very versatile in a small efficient package.

Now, generally speaking, I do not favor punching a factory barrel, as did Tom, however, rules are made to be broken, and that's just what I did, just for the hell of it with my 223AI. As you might expect, not much of an advantage, when all is said and done.

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If you are not going to use the 243 ackleys full potential by useing a 24" barrel or more you just as well stay with a 243 win...

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