I've been a fan of Ramshot powders for many years and have built three rifles based on P.O.Ackley's Improved cartridges. The only thing that I would do differently than what you are doing is that I would start with Sierra Matchking bullets. I have a 22-250AI that doesn't care what bullet you feed it,it shoots bug-holes no matter what.That rifle is a freak.The thing that first drew me to Ramshot powders is how well all of their powders meter. Then I noticed that they tend to burn cleaner ans don't vary from lot to lot as much as the older powders. It took a few years to figger that out and I'm glad that more folks have gotten the message. I was worried when they merged with Accurate then I was really worried when Hodgdon took over but nothing has seemed to changed. I just wanted to throw that out and thank you for taking the time to do these videos. Thanks again.
I like your channel because I can watch you shoot when I can't. I was at the range yesterday in a blizzard. 25 degrees and the dang snow would not quit!! Had to call it quits. Found a good load for my new 308, despite the adverse conditions. 5 shots into .4" good enough for me. You approach your loading and shooting like I do and you always bed your rifles. That is a must for consistent accuracy. I don't even shoot one until I have the bedding right and the trigger fine tuned. Thanks for the great videos.
Great video. I have 2 AIs. A 9 inch twist and a 14 inch twist. The 14 is 6 contour shilen on a Howa action. I have a bunch of 50 and 40 gr bullets for it. The 14 inch twist 27.2gr AA2460 and a 50gr tnt at the lands 3555 fps fireforming 3/8 inch groups too. The 9 inch still making a stock for it Savage action no barrel nut. Both same Manson reamer. Thanks for the videos.
X-Terminator is a great powder in .223. I first bought 10 pounds in 2008 when Midway has a sale on it. Somewhere around $14 a pound shipped if I remember right. I found that it left less junk in the action in the AR's than the H335 and 748 I always used. X-T seems to be less temperature sensitive on the high end than those two, good velocities and as accurate as anything I've ever tried. For some reason it is available at Sportsman's for 24.99/lb right now, when everything else is $10 + more there.
I also have a 223 AI and have loaded 40 gr to 50 grain bullets. With 40 grain you can push close to 4,000 fps without pushing pressure, etc. Great chambering with many bullet and powder choices. For me accuracy does not vary alot between any of them. The round just "shoots" in most well made guns. I have a 12 twist barrel...that can matter.
6:18 "The more powder I get in there, the better she gonna be." I swear! You have to be KINFOLK!!!!! Pawpaw, on Mom's side...avid Ground Hoger....loads powder to the max...loves to tinker with/tweek his reloads. So any relation to the WV Thompson Clan, originally from Carolinas? 🤣🤣I still have a lot of his reloads.....shake the cartridge....not even a hint of movement of the powder. 🤣🤣 Its been 27 years..so thanks for the Flash Back!! GOD I miss that feller!
I love Exterminator powder, especially in my Marlin 45-70. Did you mention what primer you were using? Sometimes Exterminator and A2230 prefer magnum primers. Love your YT vids. Keep them coming!
Have an older Howa 1500 .223 that I've been considering rechambering to the AI. Is it worth it? Do you ever chronograph your loads to see what your actual velocity gains might be over the standard .223?
50g V max, 28g of H335, Rem 7 1/2, bullet seated .003 off the lands, 14-12" twists, 3800 fps on 26" barrels, shoots bug holes in most 223 AI, but 7,8.9 twists change this load combo so start lower and work up. I found the 50g Blitz kings to be the most explosive of any 50 or 55g bullet. 50 and 55g SX lead tip are extremely fragile bullets, and they will not take a lot of rpm, heavily fouled barrel, fire cracked worn barrels. I like zero to .020 freebore reamers for 40-55g. Xterminator 2230 748 335 Benchmark All shoot their very best close to a max load. Xterminator = AA2230
You can buy pre-chambered & threaded Savage barrels thru lots of different dealers. I get mine thru Northland Shooters Supply in somewhere North Dakota. He didn't have what I wanted,, 22" varmint bull, 223AI, threaded 1/2x28 for the suppressor. He just ordered from Shilen and they dropped it on my front step. They can whip you up anything you can think of.
Got to thinking about years ago when I shot the SX bullets. The SX have a velocity limit, and that is in the upper range of a std 223 with 1-14T. You are limiting yourself on velocity by using the SX, not being able to take advantage of the AI extra capacity. 50g V max is a very accurate bullet, so is the 50g Nosler ballistic tip!
