The 7x57 Ackley round is very appealing to me (as is the standard X57). Visually it strikes me as very balanced and efficient. Just what is involved when you Ackley-ize a round like this? Is it just a ream job on the chamber? On a Ruger M77R MkII would it make the chamber even longer (renouned for a long chamber already)? Can you fire-form standard 7x57 rounds in the Ackley chamber? Would it even be recommended for a handloader? Interested in what those who have done this have to say. If this is old stuff what thread is it in? Thanks, BusPilot

BusPilot,
To properly rechamber to ANY Ackley Improved the barrel should be set back one thread and an equal amount off the barrel shoulder. Headspacing for the Ackley should be .004 short.

The 7x57 Ackley Improved should be an outstanding cartridge with all the new powders(such as VitaVourhi and Ramshot & others). Using a modern action such as the Ruger, you can load to higher SAFE pressures. The 7x57 Ackley is a very efficient cartridge obtaining a good powder/velocity improvement. The results I feel sure would be what you may be looking for. Probably one of the best of the Ackley Improved cartridges---P O Ackley sure thought so.

Ol' John

The 7x57 is one of the cartridges that benefits the most from an Ackley improvement. Done by a good gunsmith an AI gun shoots factory rounds without any problem. I have a 30-06AI, and a .35 Whelen AI. My stepfather and his brother both have .257roberts AI, (necked down 7x57)and I still have the dies for the 7x57 AI my uncle had.

The 7x57 is a great cartridge, and a great parent case (.257 roberts, 224 clark). And Ackley imrpoved cartridges are great for reloaders.

Red

In your particular case BusPilot, you could have the barrel of you Ruger set back and re-chambered for the 7 X 57 AI, and shorten the throat at the same time (if that's what you want). And yes, you can fire factory ammo in it, and it will come out all nice and Ackley-ised. - Dan

I've noticed a couple of things about AI users. They tend to report their ammo goes critical more easily when used in warm weather. The theory seems to be the fire formed brass doesn't warn one easily when approaching the too hot a load point.
I've also noticed some giddy claims about AI "efficiency". Like "my .280 AI performs as well as a 7 mm Mag. and is more efficient because it gets the same velocity with less powder". There aren't any free lunches. The only way to do that is with a hotter load.
I had a 7X57 for almost 30 yrs. When I rebarreled my rifle, I went to a larger case. But not an AI, or a shorter throat as I had originally planned. I just went to a .280 case. I fire form nothing. I've got a short throat, and plenty of velocity. E