Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 257 Roberts AI Cases

I am interested in w/w +P cases -- new, but in full Ackley Improved trim. Does anyone make them commercially?

I am wary of privately made cases that may have seen too much use and some rash in terms of over max loads.

I can always shoot the commercial standard Bob rounds to get AI cases but I'd rather jump right into reloads for regular use. Loading and blowing out filler loads is not for me either -- total waste of time and powder.

Thanks for any tips,
1B

No one to my knowledge makes 257AI brass but even if they did you'd still have to fireform them tou YOUR chamber for a good fit. It is not an exercise in futility to load fireforming loads and shoot. These new loads will tell you alot about your rifle and what might be promising as a load. You're attitude towards an Ackley seems shallow to me and just a lazy way to achieve an accurate load. Might want to stick to a factory chambering. If you decide it's not a total waste of time and powdr, a good dose of a medium burning powder w/ the bullet slightly jammed into the lands will yield you custom brass for YOUR rifle. No better brass can be bought! powdr

Just load factory brass with a medium load for the standard Bob and shoot them. Open the bolt and you have brand new AI Brass! I find that the fire forming loads group well on paper and they kill game too! I will never understand all the worry over making AI brass. In a properly chambered rifle BANG! = Brass. Now stop worrying and go have some fun, Bear BTW +p cases are not needed standard work fine.

I have been delighted with how well standard loads have performed in my 257AI. Accuracy and velocity often exceed expectations.
Powdr & 4xbear offer valid points, worthy of your consideration. I would add that it is worth knowing that you can hunt standard loads in your AI, with confidence.
Old PO had his act together when he developed this beauty.

I love my 257AI's, but true be known, they only provide about 50-100fps more than the standard Roberts, loaded to similar pressures. The real advantage in the AI case, IMO, is that you "never" have to trim the cases.

Sounds to me like forming the cases is a PITA for you, so I'd recommend just getting a standard Roberts, or if you want a little more zip, get a 25/06. No case forming required.

Guys,

The rifle in question is a Ruger #1 custom wtih a 21" barrel. I heard such good things about the AI version that I always wanted one to play with. I have 2 .25-06s but none in a short barrel and they perform best with the +P cases.

Sounds like I am best off just shooting commercial Bobs and then going forward from there.

Thanks,
1B