#2202889 - 05/14/08 08:50 PM
Thinking of a .250 AI for my next project
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Buzz
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Registered: 05/18/02
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Loc: Georgia
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I have always been a fan of the .250 Savage, and I have been thinking about doing a lightweight custom build on a .250 AI for some time. Not only that, but I have 300 pieces of new .250 Savage brass sitting in the reloading cabinet which makes it even more tempting. Since I am a lefty, getting a donor action is a bit more pricey than most of you fellas. I am looking at buying one of the new 700 Youth models for a donor and ordering an McM Edge and putting a new 22" inch tube on it.
I have several questions:
1) I've read that the .250 AI is one of if not the biggest gainers in velocity over it's parent. Realistically - how much additional velocity can I expect? I am not looking for a speed demon, but I am reading claims of up to 250 fps. Is that realistic or wishful thinking?
2) Has anyone tried this round in a 20" barrel and what was the velocity loss over the 22"?
3) Due to the rifle having a 2.8" box, is it possible to have the throat lengthened somewhat to not have to seat longer bullets such as the 110g Accubond or 100g TSX so deeply to meet the 2.515" OAL of the .250 Savage. I have plenty of additional space in the magazine box. Or is this just the case of a solution in search of a problem?
4) Am I likely to have any feeding issues with a rifle that started as a .243 Winchester or 7mm/08?
5) For those who've built one, were you happy with the results or would you do a .257 Bob if you were allowed a do-over.
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#2202900 - 05/14/08 08:57 PM
Re: Anyone built a .250 AI
[Re: Buzz]
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BMT
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Registered: 11/09/02
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Loc: Long Tom, Oregon
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Steelhead ahas one (IIRC).
As do about -- Ohhhh -- 40 other guys.
BMT
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"The Church can and should help modern society by tirelessly insisting that the work of women in the home be recognized and respected by all in its irreplaceable value." Apostolic Exhortation On The Family, Pope John Paul II
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#2202926 - 05/14/08 09:29 PM
Re: Anyone built a .250 AI
[Re: BMT]
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Paul Walukewicz
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i dig it....
no feeding issues for me. started as a 260 mod 7. I wouldn't worry about getting a longer throat..
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#2202927 - 05/14/08 09:31 PM
Re: Anyone built a .250 AI
[Re: Paul Walukewicz]
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Paul Walukewicz
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Registered: 10/13/00
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Loc: Alaska
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forgot specs.. 21" Pac-Nor 3 groove 10 twist SS Match light weight contour in a McMillan Rem MTN rifle pattern.
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#2202948 - 05/14/08 09:55 PM
Re: Anyone built a .250 AI
[Re: Paul Walukewicz]
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Steelhead
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Registered: 10/17/02
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I have two rifles in 250AI both on Howa actions. One with a 21" Douglas #2 SS and the other with a Pac-Nor #1 at 22".
It is a 257 Roberts are far as velocity is concerned but they certainly fit nicely in a short action. Zero feeding problems with either of them.
3100 with 100gr TSX, 110's are doing 2950ish but I haven't played with them that much. 85gr X bullets are doing 3350 and is my main load.
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#2203293 - 05/15/08 06:41 AM
Re: Anyone built a .250 AI
[Re: Buzz]
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Redneck
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Registered: 01/28/01
Posts: 7328
Loc: TAXHELLWI. USA
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I have several questions:
1) I've read that the .250 AI is one of if not the biggest gainers in velocity over it's parent. Realistically - how much additional velocity can I expect? I am not looking for a speed demon, but I am reading claims of up to 250 fps. Is that realistic or wishful thinking?
2) Has anyone tried this round in a 20" barrel and what was the velocity loss over the 22"?
3) Due to the rifle having a 2.8" box, is it possible to have the throat lengthened somewhat to not have to seat longer bullets such as the 110g Accubond or 100g TSX so deeply to meet the 2.515" OAL of the .250 Savage. I have plenty of additional space in the magazine box. Or is this just the case of a solution in search of a problem?
4) Am I likely to have any feeding issues with a rifle that started as a .243 Winchester or 7mm/08?
5) For those who've built one, were you happy with the results or would you do a .257 Bob if you were allowed a do-over.
_________________________
Target moving date to Belle Fourche, South Dakota: May 1st, 2010, then I'm OUTTA TAX HELL WISCONSIN! NRA Endowment member Ex - USN(SS) (USS Razorback) '66-'69. 
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#2203306 - 05/15/08 06:48 AM
Re: Anyone built a .250 AI
[Re: Redneck]
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woofer
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Registered: 01/01/03
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buzz, just curious. if you didn't have the brass would you consider the 25 souper? i went through this process with a standard 250 and ended up selling the tube.. (regretfully so now).. didn't like the idea of fireforming if the 08' case was doing the same thing....
just wanted your thoughts.....
thanks
woofer
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#2205452 - 05/16/08 08:07 AM
Re: Anyone built a .250 AI
[Re: woofer]
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shootinurse
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Registered: 05/08/05
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Loc: northcentral PA
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Mine should be ready in a month or so. M70 compact classic. An itch that's beenwaiting to be scratched for 10+ years.
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"And remember: life is like a roll of toilet paper.
The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes."
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#2205592 - 05/16/08 09:25 AM
Re: Thinking of a .250 AI for my next project
[Re: Buzz]
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260Remguy
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A few years ago, I rechambered 2 rifles to 250AI, a Ruger 77 RSI and a Savage 99 CD. The Ruger never would feed very well, or at least it did not meet my expectations, so I got a new 250-3000 factory barrel and chambered it in 25 Souper. Works great. The Savage 99 CD fed fine, but I decided that I wanted more speed and rechambered it a 2nd time to 25-284.
I appear to be the odd man out regarding the feeding issues in the Ruger, but they were there and they were a PITA problem that I never got resolved. That said, the same action feeds the 25 Souper without a hitch.
The other problem that I had with the 250AI was that the Winchester/Olin brass tended to split necks, maybe too brittle, and the Remington brass tended to get loose primer pockets, may too soft. I reload 95% of my 243, 25 Souper, and 260 ammo with Winchester/Olin or Norma cases and haven't had either of the problems.
Jeff
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#2205618 - 05/16/08 09:52 AM
Re: Thinking of a .250 AI for my next project
[Re: 260Remguy]
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JPro
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Registered: 12/13/04
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The 250AI sounds neat, but I'd be inclined to run a 260 instead...
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#2205624 - 05/16/08 09:57 AM
Re: Thinking of a .250 AI for my next project
[Re: JPro]
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biglmbass
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Registered: 07/07/05
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Loc: north AL
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+1
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#2205657 - 05/16/08 10:16 AM
Re: Thinking of a .250 AI for my next project
[Re: JPro]
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BMT
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Registered: 11/09/02
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The 250AI sounds neat, but I'd be inclined to run a 260 instead...
Agreed, sorta. I wold go with the 257 Roberts.
BMT
_________________________
"The Church can and should help modern society by tirelessly insisting that the work of women in the home be recognized and respected by all in its irreplaceable value." Apostolic Exhortation On The Family, Pope John Paul II
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#2205801 - 05/16/08 12:19 PM
Re: Thinking of a .250 AI for my next project
[Re: BMT]
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Buzz
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Registered: 05/18/02
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The 260 isn't in the running but the .257 Bob and .25 Souper might be. I already have a real nice 6.5x55 so I am not looking for another .264 right now. Does anyone have a lead on loading data for the Souper?
Thanks for the responses guys.
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#2206347 - 05/16/08 05:58 PM
Re: Thinking of a .250 AI for my next project
[Re: Buzz]
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shootinurse
Campfire Guide
Registered: 05/08/05
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Loc: northcentral PA
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I believe Rocky Raab did an article on the Souper a few years back. PM him for details. Ackley's "Handbook" has data, as well as Wolfe's "Wildcat Cartridges".
_________________________
"And remember: life is like a roll of toilet paper.
The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes."
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#2206895 - 05/17/08 05:19 AM
Re: Thinking of a .250 AI for my next project
[Re: Buzz]
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Hondo64d
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Registered: 05/17/03
Posts: 1331
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The 260 isn't in the running but the .257 Bob and .25 Souper might be. I already have a real nice 6.5x55 so I am not looking for another .264 right now. Does anyone have a lead on loading data for the Souper?
I've had a couple of .250 AIs, and really like the cartridge. The performance seemed all out of proportion to it's size, and to my eye, it's the best looking cartridge ever. I got 2940 w/ 117s, 3140 with 100s, and 3400 w/ 75s.
I had one with a BDL magazine, and the other with the ADL blind magazine. Sounds weird, but the BDL fed a little smoother if I put four in the mag. I guess there's just a little more room in the box with the thinner floorplate vs the blind mag. I have noticed the same thing with other cartridges too.
If you stick practicality into the mix, then it's hard to ignore the .260. Identical performance with lighter bullets, and added versatility of heavier bullets with factory ammo being available sweetening the deal.
One thing where the AI clearly wins is case trimming. I don't recall needing to trim one of my .250 AI cases ever.
As far as reloading data for the souper, IIRC, it has the same capacity as the .250 AI, so you should be able to use the same data, but you need to verify that. Sierra #5 has good .250 AI data. My favorite powders with the .250 AI were R15 and either IMR or H4350.
John
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For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3: 16-17
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#2206976 - 05/17/08 06:28 AM
Re: Thinking of a .250 AI for my next project
[Re: Hondo64d]
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JPro
Campfire Ranger
Registered: 12/13/04
Posts: 2276
Loc: Northern Louisiana
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That red and black stainless mountain rifle you had was one of the best looking rifles ever shown on the campfire.
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Menace to Society (In other words, a Conservative Republican)
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#2208690 - 05/18/08 10:06 AM
Re: Thinking of a .250 AI for my next project
[Re: JPro]
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wildcatshooterlongrange
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Registered: 12/14/07
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I have both the 250-300 Ack and the 257 Ack. 100 grain bullets or less for the 250. 100 or larger the 257. Look at the down range energy. I shoot the 250 at with 75 grain bullets when I shot Sil. rams at 600 yard. they shoot flatter and hit harder. I built my 250. on a 788 308. donnor gun. From the single stack mag. I have no problems feeding, I also built 22BR and had no feeding problems. As far as the 25 Super, it nice as well. I have built lots of 25 cal. wild cats, 25/223 250 ack, 25 super, 257 Ack, 25-284, 257 Baker. I think 250 ack I have the most fun with. Good luck.
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No matter how good a rifle looks if it shoots over 1 inch groups its ugly.
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#2208848 - 05/18/08 11:52 AM
Re: Thinking of a .250 AI for my next project
[Re: Buzz]
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Savage_99
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If you don't mind an argument against such a project? To me having to fireform brass just burns up money and time. It will wear your barrel, it will burn up your components.
If you must have a .257" bullet going at the speed a fireformed 250 S. case will do it then a standard .257R will come close enough.
Good luck. Been there, done that.
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