Does anyone have any information about this cartridge. I have a 308 that I am considering having rechambered to 308 Ackley Imp. Is it worth the effort in you guys opion? Any loading data? Thanks for your advise.

Shoot Safe, Shoot Straight.......RiverRat

Rat------I am in the process of doing the same thing to my 308----- I am inquiring of maybe going a 308 Gibbs---getting just a little more capacity. From all the posts I have made this past year it looks like you & I are the only guys who are leaning this way. I am just waiting for my smith to get the time---------if you get yours done first I sure would like to swap info------loads etc---------rustyspur2000@hotmail.com
RL

The 308 Ackley Improved (which, by the way Ackley had nothing to do with)could as well be named the 308SSC (Super Stupid Cartridge). Why? I'll tell you why.
Ackley developed his Improved cartridges for a number of reasons. The primary one was to reduce case taper and increase powder capacity. The sharp shoulder was to maximize the capacity gain and realize theoretical improvements in case life due to reduced stretching.
In the case of the 308 Winchester we have a case which already has little body taper. The shoulder while not super sharp cannot be said to be a problem in any way. Reshaping the case to an "Improved" design will give a miniscule gain in capacity.
In standard configuration the 308 is very efficient, easy to work with, and inherently accurate. Any so called "AI" version is primarily an opportunity to pay more for dies.
Re-loader, if you are set on doing something of the sort then an easy way is to simply run a 300 Savage reamer in far enough to utilize full length .308 brass. Then you have a sharper shoulder and a really short neck. Who could ask for more? You could buy ordinary 300 Sav. dies and just don't screw them in all the way. Regards, Bill.

RiverRat,
Pros:
1. Velocity gain(highly debated)
2. Longer case life
3. Able to still shoot factory version
Cons:
1. Must fire-form brass - can be done for practice sessions
2. Increased barrel wear(minimal I suspect)
3. Cost of extra dies
4. May encounter feeding problems(there are remedys)
5. Subject to criticism from peers

That said I own two of em - a 243AI & 7mm08AI. The 243 version is an impressive performer, I would recommend as others would. The 7mm08 version pushes 140gr at 2950fps out a 22.5" barrel, .5 sub MOA. You be the judge.

Darrell Holland has used the 308AI with great success. I know he is fond of the 7mm08AI as well. He can be reached at 541-439-5155. sure-shot

Ackley himself didn't think much of the idea, so thats good enough for me...SAme applies to the 30-06 Ackley....

I don't think there is such a thing as improving the 308 or 30-06 as they are as near to perfect as a caliber can be......

------------------
Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

I bought a Rem 700 in 308 Ack Impr at a bargain price and chronographed it before I rebarreled the action to another cartridge. This gun had a 21" bbl and I was unable to conclude of any velocity increase !!!!! I would not recommend rechambering a 308 to 308 Ack Impr but if you rebarrel, then I would recommend the Ack Impr version. I love the Ackley Impr's and have six of them...... I really like the 7mm-08 Ack Impr as well.

308 Ackley Improved? In my book, that's like putting a tail fin on a good pickup.

If you want more power out of a 308, I would go with the 30-284, you get about 500fps more than a 308 with most bullet weights.

DanD,
There was apparently a typo on your post. It seemed to say that the 30/284 would give you a gain of 500fps over the 308. I'm sure you meant to say 200fps. You won't be getting 3000fps with 200s or3100 with 180s or 3350 with 150s. However the 30/284 is a respectable cartridge as is the 30/350Rem. Both will equal a 30/06 in a short action if that is important to you. Regards, Bill.

You are correct, I was justing using some data from a website since I don't actually have 30-284. But my point still remains, you get 308Imp performance without having to change shoulder angle or taper. If anyone has any 30-284 velocities I would be very intrested.

DanD,
With the 30/284 you can reasonably achieve about 2850 with 180s and around 3100 or so with 150s. This is assuming a barrel of 24". Like I said the performance is much the same as a 30/06 loaded to the same pressure levels. Personally if I am going to equal a 30/06 I will use a 30/06! Regards, Bill.