Has anyone done extensive testing in a .257 Ackley Improved with Berger 115 VLDs and established a pet powder preference?

I use Reloader 15, Federal primers, and Berger bullets usuially. But I also like Sierra and Hornady bullets too. A buddy of mine shoots Coyote's at 600 yards and more with his gun. The 257 Ackley Imp. is one very fine arm

Swampdoc are you jumping the lead or to the lead just got some info from berger on reloading the 115 vld but have not formed any cases yet since my build. will keep watching for more 115 vld results.

So far I am into the lands +10 but have not completed seating depth testing. LVDs are wierd. I just finished up on a 7mm Rem Mag with 168 VLDs and it liked to be back -15 the best. Here is a quote from Walt concerning establishing seating depth for a hunting rifle:

"We do not recommend jamming the bullets into the lands for a field rifle as you could stick a bullet in the barrel when you extract a loaded round. If you want to fine tune I would start off the lands 0.015 and move toward the lands in increments 0.003 shooting three shot groups as I looked for the best three shot group. If I did not find the accuracy I was looking for I would go back to my original starting point and move away from the lands the same distance as I went toward the lands. If this did not produce the accuracy I was looking for I would change powder and repeat this test."

I can tell you that Walt personally always was at a jam measurement with his target rifles.

It's funny I always had a formula for most of my reloading by bieng 1+orminus .5 mm from the rifling and this worked with everything. I used mm not because I'm in Canada but because the caliper I use has these really visible 1 mm hash marks and you can easily see a half. Everyone I know has trouble with VLD's except that when they're good they're really good. I'm planning to do some cases as soon as it warms up a bit here. I got Walts new info like what you have and am going to try the formula he sent.

Has anyone here tried Reloader 17 in the AI? I'm having a .257 AI built now. I have read that IMR 4831 and H 4350 will work in it. But Reloader 17 is almost brand new and I was just wondering. I've heard some pretty optimistic claims about it.

After 40 years of using the cartridge,I settled on 4831 as the most consistent performer. When I had the Ruger 77 rechambered,I had the lead extended to accomodate the 120 gr. Nosler solid base seated to the neck/shoulder tangent.Gives maximum case capacity and has been outstanding in accuracy and long range preformance.Makes for a long OAL cartridge,but the long action Ruger takes it easily.I only use 120 gr bullets in the Ackley Improved.

It's been some time since I'd owned that .257AI. Back then mine ran well on IMR4350 or Win 760 and Sierra 100 flat base spitzers. If the VDL's don't work I'd guess this load would make a good baseline.

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My custom mauser in 257 AI loves AA3100. My 117 gr Hornadys trip the screens at over 3000 fps. I have a 26 inch barrel but it is still fast for what the load calls for. Its one of those deals where you get more than you expect and dont look a gift horse in the mouth. IMR4831 and H4831 are always good, as well as the RL offerings.

I agree with Bill Mannatt. I have shot the AI .257 since 1966 and this is the most consistent powder I could find. I use a Barnes bullets but accuracy isn't a problem nor is consistent performance. If I shoot it, it seems to fall over every time. I think that is great testimony to consistency
Normbc9

Had a Ruger Ultra Light M77 chambered in .257 AI. Existing records indicate IMR 4895, IMR 4350 and VV135 worked the best in it. H414 was a dismal failure. Shot Nosler BT's from 85 to 100 gr. It definetely did not digest 117 grainers at all!

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