Looking for a 280AI case gauge

[Shooter2112b]

Good afternoon folks,

Anyone know where I can source a 280AI case gauge?

Thanks in advance,
S-

 

[Hohn]

are you sure you need an AI guage? The standard 280 should headspace the same.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

are you sure you need an AI guage? The standard 280 should headspace the same.

You're missing an important statement he made in the video. The video you posted is showing that there is actually no difference between the hs of a true non-saami AI chamber and the Nosler chamber. Yes, the video starts out showing a std 280 Rem(pre fire formed), but that does not represent the intent of the video. Strictly following P.o. Ackley's instructions, the std cartridge will be .004 longer that the fire formed AI cartridge. Yes, they headspace at two different locations, as do the AI and the Nosler version. That's where much of the confusion comes from. And yes, the reamers are the same.

This subject is quite controversial, to say the least, so I've said what I'm gonna say about this publicly....just to keep it from being a pee'ing match.

I will say that the video is hard if not impossible to argue with and does agree with what I have seen. It's a good video, by a qualified individual, who actually owns a reamer rental company. People will argue all over the place on this specific issue. Some would rather believe what they've read or heard over what the video clearly shows to our eyes.

 

[therifler]

to keep it simple chamber should be about .004 tho.shorter than the standard 280 rem go gauge.to make a good ackley improved chamber .

 

[Hohn]

You're missing an important statement he made in the video. The video you posted is showing that there is actually no difference between the hs of a true non-saami AI chamber and the Nosler chamber. Yes, the video starts out showing a std 280 Rem(pre fire formed), but that does not represent the intent of the video. Strictly following P.o. Ackley's instructions, the std cartridge will be .004 longer that the fire formed AI cartridge. Yes, they headspace at two different locations, as do the AI and the Nosler version. That's where much of the confusion comes from. And yes, the reamers are the same.

This subject is quite controversial, to say the least, so I've said what I'm gonna say about this publicly....just to keep it from being a pee'ing match.

I will say that the video is hard if not impossible to argue with and does agree with what I have seen. It's a good video, by a qualified individual, who actually owns a reamer rental company. People will argue all over the place on this specific issue. Some would rather believe what they've read or heard over what the video clearly shows to our eyes.

Thank you for commenting, and for preventing the blow up of the controversy.

Seems you could use a regular 280 then and just account for the .004 on your depth mic?

 

[Shooter2112b]

So -
First, thanks for all of your thoughtful comments.
I have a 280rem gauge from LE Wilson, but it doesn't tell me everything I need to know upon loading a round, due to how the AI shoulder 'settles' into the gauge. Now - the RCBS precision mic I use is a 280Rem, and it works as I need it to determine freebore and how far I am off the lands - but that is a different reference process altogether.
Call me spoiled, but all of my case gauges tell me darn near everything I need to know, including if the case is too long, and if I 'coke bottled' the shoulder (even so slightly) when I FL sized it.
BTW - I don't fire-form - I use Nosler virgin brass to start..... and yes, it's like gold when I find it.
Thus the reason why I'm looking for a proper AI case gauge.
Given the price of the AI brass, and the fact that every game animal I have shot with my AI has dropped like a stone (incl. a 850lb cow elk @ 425yds last season) I'm willing to pay the freight to have a gauge made.
I love my 280AI, and given the long shots I'm faced with here in Co., I would prefer to do all I can to keep that brass in the best shape I can, the loads I make as 'match worthy' as possible, and subsequently the rifle I use as dependable long-range as possible.
Am I a little anal about my handloading........well yes I admit I am indeed.

I really appreciate the guidance folks - keep it coming!

S-

 

[INTJ]

I used to set headspace on a 6 BRA by having a .004" feeler gauge fit between the action face and the barrel shoulder with a 6 BR go gauge. It worked ok but it isn't the best method. So I had Dave Manson make me a 6 BRA go gauge it's a much faster and more reliable way to set headspace.

 

[Shooter2112b]

Thanks - I sent Mr. Manson a note.
We'll see what I can get!

Thanks!
S-

 

[Shooter2112b]

Update -
So I emailed all of them (Manson, LE Wilson, Dillon, Pacific), and only Whidden Gunworks offers a gauge, or gauge set that indicates proper case prep headspace. I may get that one.
Case closed for now.
Thanks everyone,
S-

 

[VhtN560]

You're missing an important statement he made in the video. The video you posted is showing that there is actually no difference between the hs of a true non-saami AI chamber and the Nosler chamber.
Oh yes there is a diffrence you cannot. Use nosler hornady or petersons 280 ai brasa?in an original ackley wildcat chamber. You will wong up with a massive head space issue
The qoute below is a direct response from nosler thrmselves
.


for anyone who now works with the 280 Ackley Improved you must decide which version of the chamber you will use; the SAAMI or the Ackley; you cannot safely use the Nosler brass in a traditional Ackley chamber, although it would still be safe to fire form factory ammo in a SAAMI/Nosler chamber

.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

You failed to quote me in its entirety, where I said I'm not looking for a pee'ing match.

Did you watch the video?