T C Diminsion in 223 Ackley Improved?

2

204R

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Researching whether it's possible to A I the Dimension 223 barrel. Has anyone done this? Looking to get close to the 204 Ruger performance and be able to use 223 components.
jim
 
How interesting...I'm in Thornton, TX also. You need to come over and shoot. I have a decent 100 yard range. I'm on County Road 650 about 6 miles west of Hwy 14.

As to your 223, you should be able to shoot the 35 gr bullets just about as fast as the 204 can without going the AI route. That said, I wouldn't mind if my 223 was an AI version.
 
I am sure you can ream the dimension to AI. Never seen a bolt action you could not ream to AI. .22-250 is my favorite .22 cal.
 
Technically you'll have to set the barrel back a thread and rechamber. If you just run an AI reamer down the barrel it won't be correct for the AI chamber. However even with the AI you won't be able to match the .204 Ruger for speed if you use similar BC bullets.
 
"can't use an AI ream without setting the barrel back"

I'm afraid there in lies the rub. You can't set the barrel back a thread cause I believe the bolt lockup is machined into the barrel - I think that's how they made the base receiver take different bolt/barrel combinations.

A 223 kicked up close to the 204 and a quick bolt & barrel change to 7mm08 - all sub 1 moa all in the same carry case just to much to wish for.

Actually - wonder why you couldn't just run the ream in - what problems would it cause? The fire formed brass would never be used in another rifle - just neck size and go with it.
jim
 
If you just ream it, you're going to loose some of your neck on the case. There may not be enough left for adequate neck tension to hold a bullet. Easiest way to get .204 performance is just buy a .204 barrel.
 
Your right - sometimes I just fall in lust with an Idea. Had great results with a 3006 AI & wanted to try it again on 223. So guess it's the 204 and get the B group 7mm08 later.
jim
 
I am not following the having to set the barrel back 1 thread logic. The only Acleys I have built were 375, & 35 Whelen. Neither required a setback. I know the .243 does not require it nor does the 300 Ackley Magnum. You are actually making an A.I. with slightly higher case capacity when doing the reaming without setback. You need to low pressure fire form, but thats no big deal.
 
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To ensure that the AI chamber will headspace factory ammo, the true headspace of the AI is actually slightly shorter than the parent cartridge.
If you simply run the AI reamer into a factory chamber, there's a chance the cases won't fireform properly. Yes, it's been done but it's not what P.O. intended.
In order to do this correctly, the barrel is set back one thread(to make the sights and/or lettering remain on top) and the AI reamer cuts a complete new chamber.
 
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