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varmint round, which is better?
5mmgunguy
Member Posts: 3,092 ✭✭
Which is better the factory 22-250 or the 22-250AI. I think you have to fire form the 22-250AI as you can not buy it as factory brass. I think you can just fire factory 22-250 in a 22-250AI chamber to make the 22-250AI brass, correct?
Comments
As far as forming AI brass, you are correct. Fire factory 22-250 rounds in the AI chamber and you will form AI brass.
"I think you have to fire form the 22-250AI as you can not buy it as factory brass."
The Ackley Improved cases are definitely not available from our factories like Federal, Remington, Winchester, etc. There might be some 'factory' cases available these days from one of the custom brass makers such as Conley and Jamison but you'd have to ask them to be sure. Otherwise, yes, you have to either go through some sort of fireforming process or use a hydraulic set up to form the cases.
"I think you can just fire factory 22-250 in a 22-250AI chamber to make the 22-250AI brass, correct?"
You can fire standard factory .22-250 cartridges in a properly cut Ackley chamber to achieve the Improved form. That is one of the benefits of this style of case.
"Which is better the factory 22-250 or the 22-250AI."
The term 'better' needs to be qualified.
I don't think that one is better than the other unless you outline specific uses. I load and shoot both simply because one performs where the other does not and vice versa. As an example, I have a long range target rifle that is chambered for the standard .22-250 because it performs better ballistically than the AI cartridge does in that rifle with specific bullets and powders. On the other hand, I have a couple of varmint rifles chambered for the Ackley version which I like over the standard factory version of the same cartridge. A great man once stated that 'Form follows Function' which I believe is applicable here.
Best.
ADDED:
Several companies got carried away after the buyout by ATK and their prices went out of sight:
Commercial Accessories
Alliant Powder
Champion
D-tect Systems
Gunslick
Outers
Ram-Line
RCBS
Shooters Ridge
Weaver
Not the least of which was RCBS and their outrageous price increases on die sets other than those few mundane standard sets. However, fortune still smiles on those of us who enjoy shooting cartridges other than the standards and offers us a selection of dies priced in a somewhat more affordable vein. Also be aware that gunshows sometimes have 'junque' tables that contain all sorts of disparate dies and oddball reloading gear. I've discovered many a jewel in the boxes and bins of one of these seeming disorganized tables. Sometimes you just have to dig a little deeper or pull out that last dusty box on the bottom of the pile...
Die prices:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=555036&t=11082005
$67.99
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=115514&t=11082005
$28.99
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=770836&t=11082005
$59.99
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/40720-53584-1731.html
.22-250 Ackley Improved Limited Production Rifle 2-Die Set
Item #: 40720
Our Low Price: $27.85
Club Price: $25.07
While RCBS has a good reputation, it's certainly NOT the only player in the reloading die game and therefore there are alternatives for us to choose from.
Best.