.260 RemGuy,
I think I probably have to agree with you when you put the .250 AI gains in terms of 500 fps increase. Probably somewhat optimistic. However, given that the .250 AI shows a 15 to 17% increase in powder capacity, it is still going to show more gain than most of the other Ackley cartridges. Pressure remaining equal, the Ackleys that increase the most in volume are going to show the greatest increase in velocity, right? If we accept this as being true, then realistically, according to MD, we can expect about a 4% increase in velocity for the .250 AI over the standard chambering. That should put a 100 gr bullet out at about 2900, if we keep the pressures the same. But wait..... The industry standard pressure for .250 Savage is 45,000 CUP (Speer #12). If we boost the pressure to 52 or 54,000 CUP (25/06 & .270 Win pressures), we gain quite a bit more (I couldn't find the industry pressure for .250 Savage in PSI). Some guys have quoted me 3200+ with a 100 gr bullet from the .250 AI. I expect 3100 will be reasonable. Of course, load the standard .250 Savage up to 52,000 CUP, and it is probably going to give 3000 or so with the 100 gr bullet. My Sierra manual shows several 100 gr bullet loads at 3000, and Hodgon shows one load at 3100. Add 4% to 3100, and the .250 AI might give 3214! Hmmm. Not far from some of the quoted figures. But..... even if the AI version doesn't turn out to be a ballistic miracle, the standard version sure doesn't look as cool <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />!
John
