308AI?

[Paddyd]

I've been reading about all the different Ackley Improved cartridges and the benefits to them and can't help but wonder why I don't see anything about the 308Win being AI'd. Why not?

 

[Ned Ludd]

The .308 Win case already has a fairly minimal taper, so the bulk of any increase in capacity would be from altering the shoulder angle. It would likely to be a relatively minor increase in capacity and/or velocity.

In some people's minds, the .308AI has been available for a long time...it's known as a .30-06.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

I echo Ned Ludd - some AI cartridges are not worth the effort. An aquaintance built a 223AI. No significant improvement over the standard loading. I have 2 that I use, albeit fairly irregularly these days - a 243 varminter (Mauser/Pac-nor) and a 280, being rebuilt for a not too serious long range rifle.

 

[Texas10]

Would there be any feed issues with a sharper shoulder angle? Particularly in a gas gun?

 

[cjames]

I think it would be cool to have something different. Everyone and their dog has a .308 WIN. I have a 7mm-08 that at the time I didn't do AI because of just being simpler in 7mm-08 and not 7mm-08AI. Now I kind of wish I would have done an AI just to have something different.

 

[fantastic]

Probably not a good idea.

 

[cmillard]

The 308AI was used to hit way out to 3126 yards in the book Precision shooting at 1000 yards, using a 220 small at 2400 FPS. According to the shooter that velocity was what that projectile shot well at but was capable of higher velocity. This was back in 1999 or 2000. I think it does offer a little bit more especially when shooting longer and heavier projectiles

 

[284winner]

You'll gain 100 fps max. I've had a little experience with one. If that's worth it, why not. Keeping it a short action may be worth it to you. The 30-06 still will out perform the 308 AI by 50-70fps but basically it's close to the 06 once Ackleyized.

 

[Paddyd]

While I know AI' ing a case allows more capacity, velocity and less stretching, but does it increase the inherent accuracy of a cartridge?

 

[284winner]

While I know AI' ing a case allows more capacity, velocity and less stretching, but does it increase the inherent accuracy of a cartridge?

No

 

[DirtySteve]

If you want something more than a 308, I would suggest a 300 WSM.. Going from 308 to 30-06 really is not worth it in my opinion. And a 300 WSM on a long action with a match reamer for the heavies would be the best.

 

[swd]

Improving a case only has two possible advantages. One is if it solves a problem like case stretching which some cases are prone to. The other is performance. It is only worth it IF it gets you up to the next accuracy node safely. There is a good reason why you see virtually zero 308 Ackleys. Neither apply.

 

[Tommie]

The .308 Win case already has a fairly minimal taper, so the bulk of any increase in capacity would be from altering the shoulder angle. It would likely to be a relatively minor increase in capacity and/or velocity.

This is the correct answer.