A Rem bolt face can be opened uo to another ctg. base quite easily if you would prefer to do so.

Most people will tell you that the benefits of improving the 223 is not worth it. It all depends on what else you have in your collection. I have three 223's so i just dropped one off at my smith to have it reamed to a 223 improved 40. (I don't think Ackley ever made a 223 version even though it is often called an "Ackley" whenever the taper is reduced and the shoulder bumped to 40 degrees.) I have heard that improving the 223 and loading with 40's or 50's can come close to a 22-250. I decided to have mine done because I don't know anyone else with one and I have three normal ones already. Plus you can still shoot normal 223 Rem ammo in it, and the ammo is cheap for fireforming.

To Improve or Not?

I think the question depends on what you intend to do with the rifle and the twist of the barrel you are fitting the action with.

In my opinion, the standard .223 shooting up to 55 is a fine choice. You need to remember that there is an accurate velocity range (more is not always better) and some bullets are built to go only so fast and then fall apart when driven faster.

I think the "improved" .223 would be a GREAT choice if you were using 68/69/75/77/80/90 grain bullets. These bullets take alot of room up in the case (if loading to ML) and the extra case capacity offered by the imporved would be welcomed. However, in order to use these longer bullets, you need to be working with a slow twist barrel (1-8 to 1-6.5[for 90's]).

These heavier bullets are designed for target shooting - not hunting.

So, again the question becomes: what are you doing with the gun?

Just my two cents,

Gurrie Fandozzi

I'd say just leave it in .223 Remington!

I don't think the AI would be much of an improvement!

I would leave it .223, ammo is cheap and available. Yes you can fireform to AI, but why?

If you need more capacity, how about a .222 Rem Mag? With the new .204 Ruger based off of this case, brass is realitively easy to find and there are plenty of bullets out there.

The 1-12 twist is great for varmint bullets, 55g and less, so they don't overstabilize, but I would go with a FASTER twist if I was going for over 55g bullets. You can use hollowpoints in most cases for hunting small critters, although they are primarily target rounds.

Gurrie is correct on the recommendations for twist, but I think he meant "faster", not "slower" twist.

Have fun with your new gun!