This is a tough call. Brass life is alot better with the Ackley improveds, and you also get a pretty good bump in velocity - average is around 175 fps. But if you already have a bunch of once fired brass and the standard dies -and particularly if are already half way towards needing a new barrel, it may not be a cost effective solution.

I have three Ackley improved's: a .22-250, and .270, and 25-06. In all three instances, I started out with theAI chamber (in a new barrel)and AI dies. BTW, Lee Collet dies are very useful for neck sizing any of Ackley Improved calibers. Eventually, you are going to need a Redding body die for the specific caliber to set back the shoulder; but I do 95% of my reloading for these calibers the Lee Collet dies. They work great.