I've got a 243 Ackley built off a trued 700 action, Krieger (1 in 8) 4 groove .875 at the muzzle- 24", HS Police stock bedded over the aluminum, PTG Bottom Metal, bolt knob, Jewel Trigger and a Fox River Brake. The rifle will shoot 4 in the same hole at 100 then throw one 1/2" out or three in the same hole and one 1/2 "left and one 1/2" right. One day it may shoot three shot groups in the 1's and 2's, then I can't duplicate it.
A little background is needed. This is not my first Ackley, I have a 260 Ackley (stiller tac30 krieger) that shoots anything you put down it...fireforming loads are always less than 1/2" and usually better. Match loads will shoot as good as you can hold. The same smith built both rifles. I use a FL Redding 40 degree die and a collect to size the neck, works like a champ. Before I purchased the 243 I asked which dies were to be used and was told Redding FL bushing dies. So, I think Ok I'll use the 260 40 degree die as a body die and still use a collet on the neck for the 243 AI. This does not work, the 260 Ackley die barely touches the fired 243 brass. I take some measurements, call Redding and they don't think they have an Ackley die small enough to size the case.
The reamer was an older Clymer (maybe 10 years old) I call them to get specs...no dice, the company has changed hands. I call CH4D and speak with Dave, he tells me that PO Ackley told him( a long time ago) the 243 was based off a .455 diameter at the shoulder and he had the correct dies. Ordered these, and they work Ok but now great. I had to shave the bottom to get the 1.5k bump on my shoulder. I'm using Winchester mostly, I do have 50 Lapua brass to compare.
After fireforming both brands of brass I tried to just use a collet die on the necks and get 3/4 to 1" groups at 100. I then full length size and the groups shrink, but still not great. After several loadings the brass has the "click" on openening the bolt, so I use a small base body die to size a few test cases. Here is the crazy part, this does not touch the shoulder but the sizing process pushes the shoulder 3k forward. This in turn causes the cases to be a little stiff to chamber, exactly the same as a new non fireformed case. The first few groups shot with this process were perfect nasty little groups....1's to 3's. The next day , same process 4 in one hole then the flyer. This goes on each afternoon. I swapped stock and dropped it in my AICS 2.0, no real change. I take the rifle entirely apart, check all screws, bedding, stock, everything. I even removed a perceived high spot in the barrel channel. Same results. I checked the twist and it was right. I put a piece of tape on the back of a case and it would chamber, seems correct.
I shot this rifle at distance last week and it seemed to do well, even shot a 5" group at 900. Came back home had 75 once fired WW brass, loaded some up yesterday same results.
I'm using mostly H-1000 and 105 Hornady and Berger BTHPs. Velocities up to 3120 with single digit spreads. Best accuracy at 3050 to 3080 fps. Reloads showing 1-2k runnout max.
If anyone wants to discuss this it may be easier to PM me a phone number. Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks,
NCKan
A little background is needed. This is not my first Ackley, I have a 260 Ackley (stiller tac30 krieger) that shoots anything you put down it...fireforming loads are always less than 1/2" and usually better. Match loads will shoot as good as you can hold. The same smith built both rifles. I use a FL Redding 40 degree die and a collect to size the neck, works like a champ. Before I purchased the 243 I asked which dies were to be used and was told Redding FL bushing dies. So, I think Ok I'll use the 260 40 degree die as a body die and still use a collet on the neck for the 243 AI. This does not work, the 260 Ackley die barely touches the fired 243 brass. I take some measurements, call Redding and they don't think they have an Ackley die small enough to size the case.
The reamer was an older Clymer (maybe 10 years old) I call them to get specs...no dice, the company has changed hands. I call CH4D and speak with Dave, he tells me that PO Ackley told him( a long time ago) the 243 was based off a .455 diameter at the shoulder and he had the correct dies. Ordered these, and they work Ok but now great. I had to shave the bottom to get the 1.5k bump on my shoulder. I'm using Winchester mostly, I do have 50 Lapua brass to compare.
After fireforming both brands of brass I tried to just use a collet die on the necks and get 3/4 to 1" groups at 100. I then full length size and the groups shrink, but still not great. After several loadings the brass has the "click" on openening the bolt, so I use a small base body die to size a few test cases. Here is the crazy part, this does not touch the shoulder but the sizing process pushes the shoulder 3k forward. This in turn causes the cases to be a little stiff to chamber, exactly the same as a new non fireformed case. The first few groups shot with this process were perfect nasty little groups....1's to 3's. The next day , same process 4 in one hole then the flyer. This goes on each afternoon. I swapped stock and dropped it in my AICS 2.0, no real change. I take the rifle entirely apart, check all screws, bedding, stock, everything. I even removed a perceived high spot in the barrel channel. Same results. I checked the twist and it was right. I put a piece of tape on the back of a case and it would chamber, seems correct.
I shot this rifle at distance last week and it seemed to do well, even shot a 5" group at 900. Came back home had 75 once fired WW brass, loaded some up yesterday same results.
I'm using mostly H-1000 and 105 Hornady and Berger BTHPs. Velocities up to 3120 with single digit spreads. Best accuracy at 3050 to 3080 fps. Reloads showing 1-2k runnout max.
If anyone wants to discuss this it may be easier to PM me a phone number. Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks,
NCKan
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