Anybody know the dimensions of this case? I believe it used 257 roberts brass to form. Thanks Jim

It is the .257AI necked up to 6.5. I have one and like it real well. You are right in saying you use the .257 Roberts cases to FF. Like any AI, the chamber has to be cut for a crush fit to get proper headspace.

Craig

Many moons ago (1975) (and just after High School) I had Dwayne Webe build me a 260 AAR (All Around Rifle). I wanted a special rifle and it was in every respect except for: the chamber. George Fulmer in Berkeley (I recall) chambered it but it had a slight head space problem and I later sold it, not because of the head space problem but because I needed money for college. I have hated myself since. Later I learned of the 6.5x284 and yep, that's a better cartridge (for many folks) and the one I "Should have" chamber my rifle for but, the 260 AAR was very fine.
Mr. Ackley knew what he was saying to ALL OF US when he named it the all around rifle.
Now that I have many years of reloading and shooting knowledge I would not go to a 260 AAR but rather to David Tubb's 6XC. If you down load his catalogue: http://www.askfirst.com/catalog/sss_web_catalog.pdf

Or go to his web page:http://www.superiorshootingsystems.com/ you'll see what I call, a perfect cartridge. I love the 6.5's and do almost everything with Berger bullets in all cals. I must say however, I have never posted here and just found this forum. When I saw my beloved 260 AAR mentioned, I had to peek and now, post.

My only advocation is that if you are considering a 260 AAR, please take a moment to read the pdf file (above) and also consider the 6XC. Our collective scientific advancements in cartridges sine Mr. Ackley broke new ground has changed a great deal. I would never say a thing bad about any cartridge. A cartridge is personal to all of us. I would go to the 6XC over the 260 AAR but, that again, is a personal choice. No matter which you decide upon, also try the Final Finish on davids site. I had a 7-08 that was once superb but after 10 years of shooting (Hunting) it began to lose accuracy. Because of sentimental feelings, I hesitated on giving it a new barrel. I bought a box of the Final Finish bullets and followed the directions. It restored accuracy back to 1/2 MOA. Now, how long that will stay is a guess.So far it has been three years and that's fine with me.

My new toy is the 1907 351 Winchester Self-loader. It brings to me some complicated thoughts as to how well I'll survive the loading learning curve with this little baby. But, that's why we have toys.... to play with.

Take care
John Rock
Jagerdad@clearwire.net

Craig

What are you getting for velocities with the various bullet weights? In particular the smaller bullets.

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I have a Swede 1941 Husqvarna that is customized into a 6.5x257 Robt's AI. With 129/130 gr bullets, I'm able to produce velocities up to 3150 fps without undue pressure indicators. However, I've found for best accuracy, loading down to around 2950 fps with this weight bullet to produce the best groups. Presently, the 129 Hornady SST is the bullet of choice, using H4831SC powder and BR2 primers. Since chambers vary greatly with this custom cartridge, I won't list powder weights.

Thank you Craig

I am using the same powder in the 257AI so we are burning pretty much the same powder charges. I am at 3250 with the 100 grain and 3500fps with the 87gr.

My reamer arrives today for a new chamber based on the case we are talking about. Take the Ai case and move the shoulder forward and change the shoulder angle to less steep. Gibbs Look actually. I made the reamer to accomidate the thick 7X57 mauser RWS case as these cases are just plain tough. Over the years I have used this case manufacturer for all of my Gibbs cartridges and stopped loosening primer pockets.

With different chambers and reloading techniques I am also hesitant in sharing load data with those I do not know.

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