HEAD0001

To all you AI shooters out there. I learned something last night, and I would like to know if it is true. I thought the AI improvements were shoulder improvements only? I had a fellow tell me last night that on the 22-250 AI- not only was the shoulder changed, but the body taper was also changed. Is that true? The same fellow told me that 22-250 case capacity was increased by 20%-I find that hard to believe. Does anyone know if that 20% figure is true? Is the body taper affected on the 280AI? Tom.

Dan in Alaska

As far as I know, both the body taper and shoulder are changed wtih all of the "improved" designs.

Roskoe

20% might be a bit of stretch. But your friend is right - all the ackley improved calibers have minimum body taper and most have a 40 degree shoulder. This is generally good for 150 fps or more increase in velocity.

Pawildman

BigBob 30-06---
Thanks for explaining the use of the .270 casings. I was about to do that, as that's exactly how I'd been doing it years ago to make .280 cases when they were scarce........

BigBob .30-06

Pawildman,

Always glad to help.

Roskoe

Although I have never tried necking up .270 cases, this sounds like a good procedure. At least, unless you also own a .270 Ackley Improved

Dan in Alaska

Talked to my gunsmith today. I asked him about headspacing. He said he uses the regular .280 Rem "go" gauge as a "no-go" gauge for the improved, and he has a special "go" gauge he made. It should take some effort to close the bolt on factory ammo, in order to hold the brass against the bolt face for fire-forming. Like you were referring to, Roskoe, bullet seating depth shouldn't matter.

The rifle should be done next week. I plan to use lightweight Talley rings, and a 3.5-10x Leupold VX3 with the B&C reticle. The range I usually go to closes for the month of December, so I may have to wait a while to shoot it. There's another range, further out of town, but I rarely go there. I may see if they're open.

BigBob, if you ever find yourself making a return trip to Alaska, please look me up. I'd be happy to take you out halibut fishing.

BigBob .30-06

Dan,

Thank you for the offer of fishing. Due to health reasons, I doubt if I'll ever make it to the north country again. Ah, but thanks for the memories. I get my Alaska fix nowadays by reading Robert W. Service. There are parts of "Dan McGrew" that I think I have camped in exactly the same places.

Dan in Alaska

Just picked up the rifle yesterday. It seems to be headspaced perfectly - it takes a little umph to close the bolt on a resized & empty regular .280 case. I put together some loads for fireforming last night. I need to slap a temporary scope on rifle, and I will be set for shooting this weekend. I plan to use the fireforming session to break in the barrel (regular cleaning during the course of fire) and hope to get into some real load development soon. I am anxious to see what this baby can do.

BigBob .30-06

Dan,

Thanks for the up date. Please keep us posted.