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.
Thoughts on 257 Ackley build
- Thread starter Ugly Dog
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Forgot to mention it's a .470 bolt face and I want to stay with that.
25x284 is fantastic even in a short action.
choprzrul
Well-Known Member
He wants to keep the 470 bolt face.
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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I believe the short actions may not be long enough - could be wrong tho. That'd be one zippy 25.
lancetkenyon
Well-Known Member
I had a .250AI (.250-3000 Savage Imp 40°) for a long time. Fantastic round.
23" 1:10". I was getting 3200fps w. 100SMK and 100 TSX. 115s would run 3080.
23" 1:10". I was getting 3200fps w. 100SMK and 100 TSX. 115s would run 3080.
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RiverShooter
Well-Known Member
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!!!!
Culpeper
Well-Known Member
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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.
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257 Roberts Ackley Improved Load Data
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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.
sierracharlie338
Well-Known Member
Love my 257 AI. It is a hammer and I don't even have it maxed out. Can't go wrong with this choice IMO.
