Gun Smithing- 270 AI Chamber Question

hankle

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2023
Messages
96
Location
Geneva AL
I Just dropped my Rem 700 off at the smith for trueing, new barrel, and chambering. I'm going with 270 AI.

I hear some horror stories of Ackley chambers being cut too long and factory brass not head spacing properly for fire forming. Some have to jam the lands to fire form. My choosing of this cartridge was based on a surplus of factory ammo. It would be a terrible waist if my chamber turned out bad.

I'm renting the reamer and gauges from 4drentals.com Does this come with a print/schematic that will help guide my smith?

To be clear my smith is a very talented machinist. He is a full time machinist and has patents on suppressors. He did my target rifle and it turned out great. He just doesn't have experience with Ackley chambers.


What information should I get him to make sure everything goes well? Or am I worrying for no reason?
 
What is wrong with jamming the lands to fire form?
It is my understanding that if the chamber is cut correctly the AI should have a .004-.006 crush fit to the neck/shoulder junction on the factory case.

If the chamber is too long, you can't head space factory brass. This negates the original intention of the improved cartridge.
 
I Just dropped my Rem 700 off at the smith for trueing, new barrel, and chambering. I'm going with 270 AI.

I hear some horror stories of Ackley chambers being cut too long and factory brass not head spacing properly for fire forming. Some have to jam the lands to fire form. My choosing of this cartridge was based on a surplus of factory ammo. It would be a terrible waist if my chamber turned out bad.

I'm renting the reamer and gauges from 4drentals.com Does this come with a print/schematic that will help guide my smith?

To be clear my smith is a very talented machinist. He is a full time machinist and has patents on suppressors. He did my target rifle and it turned out great. He just doesn't have experience with Ackley chambers.


What information should I get him to make sure everything goes well? Or am I worrying for no reason?
I have a .270 AI and never had any issues. I ended up with load development for a .270 Win and .270 AI.
 
I am pretty well versed in AI and other Improved chambers. I have/had/shot numerous AIs (and other "Improved" cases).
.22-250AI
.243AI
.250AI
.25-06AI
.260AI
6.5-06AI
6.5-.270AI
6.5-.280AI
.280AI
.30-06AI

6.5SLR
6.5SS (long before 40° brass was available)
6.5PRC/SI
6.5 Sherman Max
7SS (before 40° brass was available)
7 Sherman Max
7-.300 Norma Mag Imp 35°
.300 Norma Mag Imp (33°, 35°, & 40°)
.338 NMI (35°)

Probably some more I can think of right now.

But my question still stands. What is wrong with seating to the lands for fire forming? Unless it is for the fact you want to shoot factory ammo for your fire forming loads. Then I understand why you can't do this.

Most "Improved" cartridges are a slight crush fit. Your .279AI should be .004" shorter. I know I can always feel significantly tight chambering of virgin larent case brass when fire forming.

As long as your gunsmith is competent, you will be fine. But good to verify, as you are doing here.
 
I am pretty well versed in AI and other Improved chambers. I have/had/shot numerous AIs (and other "Improved" cases).
.22-250AI
.243AI
.250AI
.25-06AI
.260AI
6.5-06AI
6.5-.270AI
6.5-.280AI
.280AI
.30-06AI

6.5SLR
6.5SS (long before 40° brass was available)
6.5PRC/SI
6.5 Sherman Max
7SS (before 40° brass was available)
7 Sherman Max
7-.300 Norma Mag Imp 35°
.300 Norma Mag Imp (33°, 35°, & 40°)
.338 NMI (35°)

Probably some more I can think of right now.

But my question still stands. What is wrong with seating to the lands for fire forming? Unless it is for the fact you want to shoot factory ammo for your fire forming loads. Then I understand why you can't do this.

Most "Improved" cartridges are a slight crush fit. Your .279AI should be .004" shorter. I know I can always feel significantly tight chambering of virgin larent case brass when fire forming.

As long as your gunsmith is competent, you will be fine. But good to verify, as you are doing here.
But my question still stands. What is wrong with seating to the lands for fire forming? Unless it is for the fact you want to shoot factory ammo for your fire forming loads.

Yes sir, a surplus of a factory ammo and brass is why I chose the cartridge. Not to mention the availability of 270 win ammo on the shelf.
 
But my question still stands. What is wrong with seating to the lands for fire forming? Unless it is for the fact you want to shoot factory ammo for your fire forming loads.

Yes sir, a surplus of a factory ammo and brass is why I chose the cartridge. Not to mention the availability of 270 win ammo on the shelf.
Nothing! And I believe that is also what Lance is saying in #4. BTW, I appreciate your PMs.
 
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