For those old enough and remember Jack O'Connor, you will well realize the absolute love affair he had with the 270 Win. caliber and at this late stage of life I am going to finally build one. Never had one before and figured might as well do it now before it is too late.
Have the action, pristine Arentine 09, have the stock blank, nice piece of English walnut, now have a barrel I sourced from one our own, but got to wondering about doing an Ackley Improved version of the caliber. Is it worth it, is there a truly "visible" improvment on the AI version, are there any negatvies, positives, etc. Any and all comments would be appreciated.

The 270 is an excellent cartridge as it is. While I do a good portion of business chambering for the Ackley Improved calibers, I wouldn't recommend doing the improved on that particular round. Were it me, I would leave it stock. Nothing like a nice, clean .270 Win.

quote:

Is it worth it,

no

If you want one to say you have an AI go for it. If you are really expecting much of a velocity gain then don't the 270 is already loaded to 65,000.

The 270 is about perfect as is. Yes, it is my favorite hunting cartridge. Likely gains from going the AI route are most likely not worth the extra hassle and expense. If you want/need more velocity, might as well go right to the 270 WSM or Weatherby.

OK, sounds like good advise to leave "as is" regarding the 270 Win. Appreciate the input.

I have one built years ago, and have hunted with it in Africa for several years.

I probably shot several hundred plains game animals with it.

Make sure you only use premium bullets, and you will never regret it.

however if you have the 'itch',,,,,
I grew up reading Jack O'Conners writings. I still think he had a style unlike any other writer. I've had .270s and fully enjoyed them in the game [deer] fields.
Now, I have a .270AI reamer. So far I have not used it. P.O.Ackley said the 270 Win was already overbore as is. But PO has not had any of the much improved powders since his passing!
I still may have to make chips with this reamer,,,,just because. Why be normal.

Again, very much appreciate your input. Always figured if I had an '06, which has been within arms reach all of my life so far, why would I want a smaller bullet?? Well, just old thinking I guess and I definitely plan on pursuing the fabled O'Connor cartridge.

dsiteman

Go over to Saeed's huntig video section. One of them has a video of a baboon shot with his 270 AI.

After you see this video, you will want to build a 270 AI.

I'm with Saeed- it's as good of and AI cartridge as any other.
I always find it strange that people will drool all over a 280AI, but say that a 270AI just isn't worth the effort.

www.duanesguns.com

NO need, you can't improve a .270 WCF, its about perfect as is...Same with the 06, even Ackley himself said that...

O'Connor had nothing to do with the IMP. version, shunned it like a rattle snake....