Ackley Improved gunsmith question.

[GRiNGo]

Can a gunsmith re-chamber a regular reloading die to a AI die like he does for a chamber? Looking to maybe re-chamber a 280 to 280AI.

 

[jmc]

The answer is yes. I actually had a 280 Forrester chambered to 280 AI by a gunsmith. I used the same smith who built my gun so the same reamer could be used...not necessary but nice. This was for my seater die. For neck sizing I just use a standard 280 collet die as all standard collet dies work for Ackleys.

 

[GRiNGo]

Do you ever have to bump the shoulder or need a body die? And if so what did you use for a die for that?

And thanks.

 

[Shooter1971]

I have a fl die reamer...ptg made it. Your chamber reamer would open
up a standard fl die to much to do any sizing on your cases

FWIW 280 ai dies are common and not expensive, I bought a set for 70$ on the ee

 

[jmc]

Do you ever have to bump the shoulder or need a body die? And if so what did you use for a die for that?

And thanks.

I always purchase a Redding body die to go along with my collets. I have four fired rounds on my 280 rem brass and will likely need a bump after my next firing.

 

[kawicrash]

I have a 257 Ackley Improved, and I have RCBS f l and neck dies.
The reamer would be the fired dimension as said, so that won't work.

 

[GRiNGo]

Okay, thanks.

 

[BigUglyMan]

Most die bodies are hardened and can pose a problem to ream. I remember Rick tried it a few years ago when eh was first fooling with the 338 L.Imp and buggered a reamer trying to "rechamber" his standard Lapua dies.