I'm going to add to my other post concerning 30-06 Ackley.

What do you use for dies, measuring devices, favored brand of brass.

I've thought about using a Lee Collett die for neck sizing. Then use a Redding body die to set the shoulder back when needed. Finally, Forster will make a floating P-30 chamber for my current 30-06 Ultra Seater die.

If I was using an 06 case it would be Lapua or maybe Lapua.

The 06AI has dies made by anyone. On the couple AIs I still load for I simply use a full length die and touch the shoulder. If need be I can then bump. I can't see then need for 2-3 dies for a hunting round. But that's me.

Since most of mine are now full wildcats I have my dies custom made from the factory by sending them some fired brass. That is not needed for the 06AI.

Redding dies and RWS or Lapua brass. RWS is nice and hard.

My '06 AI uses the basic Redding dies, and Lapua or IMI brass. The IMI has given surprisingly good results in this rifle. Favorite bullet is (or has been) the Nosler Ballistic Tip in 180 grain weight. Propellant is IMR 4831, and Federal 210 match primers. Since the rifle is built on a Sako magnum action, the rounds are loaded long. Velocity is 2840 and accuracy is 1/2 MOA.

as far as dies go---you have the ticket---as far as brass goes----- lapua----lapua----lapua
i bought some nosler brass and after fireforming they looked great. the necks split after the FIRST hunting load firing, so i paid a little more for my education. i have lapua with as many as 15 loadings.
you'll love your new piece i believe, they perform admirably

b h

Redding dies and Norma brass. My 280AI and 338-06AI love it.

GSSP I can only assume that the reason you are shooting an Ackley Improved is for the increased performance. If that is the case I would suggest you use the brass that has the largest internal capacity. The increase in case capacity in MY 30-06 Ackley is barely 3 grs of powder. Comparing Winchester brass to GI brass there is almost 3 grs . So in my rifle if I used GI brass and fireformed it to the AI form it would then have the same capacity that std 30-06 Win cases have. The shape of the case is not going to provide any increase in performance other than possibbly longer case life due to less stretching. Several of the brands already mentioned are very good quality brass. I would suggest finding which case has the largest internal capacity and then make your decision on capacity & case quality.

quote:

Comparing Winchester brass to GI brass there is almost 3 grs .

I've found that Norma brass usually gives me the largest capacity. But, after shooting AI and Gibbsa type wildcats for 28 years or so. 3 grs isn't going to make much difference. Evereything I found in the 06 based case simply proved 1% velocity increase for 4% powder increase at equal pressure.

ramrod340 - You just stated what P.O. Ackley said about the .30-06 IMP (including his version) that it was hardley worth the effort. You want a .30 cal to improve velocity? .300WSM, .300WINMAG, .300Weatherby