This cartridge is nearing the top of the list of chamberings for a Sako L579 action that I am going to have barreled and stocked.I'd like to hear from anyone who has/had one.It will probably be a 22" barrel, fairly light,like a Rem 700 MR.

[ 07-07-2002, 10:46: Message edited by: rembo ]

I love the 7-08 AI. I have one that was built on a Remington Model 600 action. It's bedded in an HS Precision stock and has a Hart #4 barrel on it. The barrel and bolt have been fluted out and it weighs less than 7lbs. It can push a 140g ballistic tip 3000fps and is very accurate.

dont have one, but start with 139 gr horn flat base, and use 708 load data. I'll suggest varget, to start. If you want my starting loads, email me,
thanks
jeffe

that's pretty impressive Mike.Your in 284 territory with that velocity.How long is your barrel Mike?What twist rate?Any overall length problems with the mag box?

REMBO,
Ackley's improved cartridges all have one beautiful trait. Fire forming standard cases will result in nicely fire formed cases. Use a middle of the book standard 7mm-08 load, standard 7mm-08 cases and 140 grain bullets and have a ball. If you want, seat the bullets out far enough to engage the lands to help insure good headspace. I tried several different powders and bullets in my daughters and my 7mm-08. Both rifles showed a strong preference for Nosler 140 grain Ballistic Tips and Hodgdon's Varget. Accuracy and velocities were great. Both rifles had 22"barrels. I've had a couple of custom rifles over the years and am well aware of the dreams that go into them. I don't want to rain on your parade, but I strongly suggest you go with at least a 22" barrel or even a 24" barrel. I believe that a 20" barrel will reduce your performance of the AI to below that of a standard 7mm-08. If you have plans to use a particular bullet weight have the person doing the work for you install a barrel with a twist that is conducive to the best accuracy with that weight. That's one of the benefits of a custom rifle. The most accurate .30-06 I've ever had was a custom barrel with a 1-12" twist instead of the common 1-10" twist. I hope that this is of some help. Good luck.

The barrel is a 21" Hart #4, 1/10 twist. The 1/10 was chosen as I planned on using 140g bullets exclusively. Knowing this, he was able to throat the chamber so that I can seat 140g bullets in the lands still fit them in magazine.

Here is a picture of me, the rifle, and it's first victim.