Thoughts on 257 Ackley build

Ugly Dog

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I have a couple different short actions I'm thinking of building a 25 caliber. Had a 257 AI back in the day and loved it. With all the new 25's these days is that still the most efficient 25 out there to get close to 25-06 velocities.
 
I have a couple different short actions I'm thinking of building a 25 caliber. Had a 257 AI back in the day and loved it. With all the new 25's these days is that still the most efficient 25 out there to get close to 25-06 velocities.
Forgot to mention it's a .470 bolt face and I want to stay with that.
 
I have a couple different short actions I'm thinking of building a 25 caliber. Had a 257 AI back in the day and loved it. With all the new 25's these days is that still the most efficient 25 out there to get close to 25-06 velocities.
270 WSM necked down to .257?

90gr Absolute Hammer to 3900+ maybe?
.
 
I would advise you to make up some dummy rounds and conduct some feeding tests with the bullets you plan to use at the cartridge lengths you can/plan to load to. I built my 257 AI on a Mauser 98 action and had to work over the feed rails and ramp in order to get it to feed properly - all part of the process. I can load out to lengths a short action can't reach, but I intend to shoot out my current barrel then put a 7 twist on and shoot the new heavy .257 class bullets that are now on the market - love'n it. Speeds with its current 9 twist barrel are comparable to the 25-06 that it was before I changed it to the 257 AI. I couldn't be happier with it. Do your homework and have some fun. Mine takes deer and black bear with authority.
 
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Ponder this, simply neck 280 Ackley Sammi brass down to 25-280 Ackley
 

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If you plan to put the new longer heavier bullets in the 257 AI you may have trouble with max mag length in a short action.
 
If you plan to put the new longer heavier bullets in the 257 AI you may have trouble with max mag length in a short action.
I have had a 257 AI for about 30 years and use 100 Nosler Partitions just off the lede. You just have to size some short to fit the magazine. I know if I don't shoot the one in the chamber that fits the chamber, I have to back the bolt out when I unload it. No problem!!! The round in the chamber is supposed to get the job done!!!!
 
I have a standard 257 Roberts varmint rifle that I load at 3000 MV and it is accurate. You can get into the 25-06 range easily with an AI. I will add that my rifle is a LA BDL.

 
I have a couple different short actions I'm thinking of building a 25 caliber. Had a 257 AI back in the day and loved it. With all the new 25's these days is that still the most efficient 25 out there to get close to 25-06 velocities.
A longer barrel will help your quest for close to .25-06 velocities.

What new bullets are you looking at? The heavies like the 131 BJ, 133/135 Bergers, 145 BH, and fast twist barrels have re-sparked people's interest in the .25 cal, including myself.
 

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