6m22-250 ackley improved?

one2hutn

Hello Everyone,
I'm new to here and looking to get more serious about shooting rifles. I've recently read an article about the merrits of this cartridge. Some questions; is this a completely different bullet than a 22-250? If so, can I buy a 22-250, say a Howa as I've recently come to like these rifles based on accuracy/value, and when I'm ready have the barrell or whatever it is that needs to be done to the gun changed? Is it neccessary to just build this gun from the bottom and handload for it.
Thanks for any info
Chris

mrbruce

It is just a plain old 22/250 that has had the neck opened up to .243 (6mm) and the sides of the case blown out to a straighter taper, and probably a 40 degree shoulder. Now instead of taking .224 diameter bullets, it takes .243 diameter bullets..
To change to this you only need to replace the barrel on the Howa, nothing else... you will need to reload for it........

bpost

Before embarking on a trip like that you may want to check out the 6MM BR cartridge.

A good site for information on it is www.6mmbr.com

Welcome to the forums!!!!!!!!!!!

nononsense

one2hutn,

Welcome to the Gunbroker Forums!

Here is an article about the 6-250 Ackley Improved cartridge:

http://www.the-long-family.com/6mm_22-250.htm

"...is this a completely different bullet than a 22-250?"

Yes, as pointed out above, the .22-250 bullets are 0.224" in diameter while the 6mm bullets are 0.243" in diameter. These numbers appear to be small but you can't substitute without having serious problems. When a cartridge calls for 6mm bullets or 24 caliber bullets, that's what you need to use.

"...can I buy a 22-250, say a Howa as I've recently come to like these rifles based on accuracy/value, and when I'm ready have the barrell or whatever it is that needs to be done to the gun changed?"

Yes you can. The problem that can come up is the fact that the Howa barrels are threaded metric, M26 x 1.5, so the gunsmith you pick to do the work needs to have a lathe that can adjusted to run metric threads. This may incur an additional cost depending on the gunsmith.

I understand being thrifty especially nowadays with the economy being in the dumper but I suggest that you look at the Savage rifles in 22-250 because you can switch barrels by using the barrel nut. Many companies will make you a barrel without having your action. Then all you need is the barrel nut wrench and a 'Go-gauge' to set the proper headspace.

http://www.savagearms.com

I shoot both the standard 6-250 Savage and the Ackley Improved version. The AI version performs better with the heavier bullets but needs a faster twist rate to keep them stable. This is actually a great cartridge for the AR crowd.

Best.

Hawk Carse

The 6mm 250 AI is a good round but seems a lot of trouble at the entry level. If you are not a proficient handloader and willing to pay for a custom barrel installation, non-standard dies, and the extra work of necking and fireforming brass; I think you would be about as well off with a plain vanilla .243 for which there is a ton of information and readily available guns, dies, and brass.

one2hutn

Thank you all. A bit intimidating stepping up to ask people who know what I wish I did. Anyway, I'm fine with Savge rifles, I shoot both Savage and as of late picked up a Howa in 243 because it was just to good a deal to pass up. I have enough guns at this point that I am focusing more on getting everybit of accuracy out of them and setting up to reload before I make anymore rifle purchases>that's the plan anyway>if it's a deal, it usually comes home with me. I have a little bit of reloading experience, I used to own a press and loaded for 9m and 357. I hadn't quite reached the rifle game yet but now I'm all about it. Anyway, no need to be the new guy that runs on. I'm happy to be here and look foward to following your threads with anticipation>Thanks all>Chris