Ackley improved chamber of 30/06

8mm/06 · 06-25-2004, 05:30 PM

As you know, by my name I own an 8mm/06. I am taking it in for some work and was wondering if anybody out there with a 30/06 Ackley improved chamber believes that such an improvement to my 8mm/06 chamber would be worth it. Many of the articles discussing the benefits of the 8mm/06 wildcat often mention that the Ackley improved version offers benefits beyond the slight boost in speed. It also assists in case life because of the way the case is supported in the chamber.
Any thoughts.
I'll be taking this to the reloading page also to get as many responses as possible.

Vapodog · 06-25-2004, 09:07 PM

8mm...the Ackley improved versions of just about every cartridge ever tried is expensive and of marginal value.

If 100 feet/second is valuabable to you then go for it.....but I doubt seriously if you'll ever notice the difference nor will anything you ever shoot at.

8mm/06 · 06-25-2004, 09:11 PM

I knew the fps was only a small window..but is there any advantage to the case life issue?
Please remember also that for my purpose the Ackley offers no real further expense b/c I already am dealing with the wildcat of the 8mm/06. The initial ream to extend my 8mm/06 chamber to the Ackley improved 8mm/06 would be the only expense.

DM · 06-25-2004, 09:37 PM

I'm with vapodog,

I have a 338-06 imp rifle, and i'd not do it again. I really don't think it's worth it. The fact that the cases are harder to make alone, negates the little improvement in performanse. I can't see case life improveing either.

The std. 06 case design is one of the best ever designed, and if it was me, i'd leave yours as is!!

Drilling Man

8mm/06 · 06-25-2004, 10:33 PM

Thanks guys.....but I already have a wildcat that must be handloaded and whose case is non standard. The question is really this........
Do Ackley improved cases receive any case life advantage???? Since I already have to handload my 8mm/06 case, I was curious about gaining the extra 100-200 fps especially if I also gain a little case life.
My chamber is already just a standard 30/06 case dimension cut into a 8mm bore.........it would only necessitate a slightly deeper ream of the 8mm/06 chanber to gain the Ackley improved version. I'd still get to use the 30/06 as the parent case and the first firing becomes the fire-forming stage.

DM · 06-26-2004, 08:03 AM

I stand by my post. It sounds like your grasping for a reason to "do it", so if you want it that bad, go for it!!!.

Keep in mind you loose one or two fireings just fire forming the cases, then you will loose one every once in a while while fire forming. Then there's the fact that your bbl may not be long enough to use the little extra powder in the first place, and on and on.....

Been there done that! I'd stay with the std. 06 case!!

Drilling Man

8mm/06 · 06-26-2004, 08:18 AM

Ok...makes sense
But when i start another project on one of my other 8 X 57 Mausers (got a few decent ones laying around) I think I'll try it with the 8mm/06 Improved.

Charley · 06-26-2004, 10:19 AM

I don't think the AI chambers can be cut properly without setting the barrel back a thread. Some people love the AIs, some don't. Me? I think Mr. Ackley owned a VERY friendly chronograph.

8mm/06 · 06-26-2004, 10:58 AM

Well if I have to set the barrell back to do it I'mm DEFINITELY not doing it with this current 8mm/06.
Still might consider it with one of the other "project" 8 X 57's though.

aunsaber · 06-26-2004, 12:36 PM

From my experiance with A.I.'s you would have to have the barrel set back as someone else has already said.
For case life use a tight chamber.
A.I's are usually good for 5%+ or-, more powder, but as we all know that doesn't equate to 5% more speed etc.
As a former racer and hot rodder I would do it just to say I did it.
As you have said, you already have a wildcat.
If you do it, I would be interested to know how it turns out.
Good luck