Ackley Handi Theory

[mattparliament]

From the reading I've done it seems that one of the benefits of the Ackley rechamberings is that the improved cartridges don't generate as much bolt thrust as the "unimproved" cartridges do.  Therefore, does a magnum cartridge in an ackley conversion become a candidate in a handi?

Food for thought.....

[Fred M]

mattparliament

From the reading I've done it seems that one of the benefits of the Ackley rechamberings is that the improved cartridges don't generate as much bolt thrust as the "unimproved" cartridges do.

.

This statement is not true, it has bee perpetuated over the years. Some tests have been made with low pressure AI cartridge to prove this point.

For any moderen AI cartridge at pressures of 50kpsi or more the theory does not apply.

No, the magnum AI or otherwise do not make good candidates for a Handi rifle. It has been done with unsatisfactory results, like a shot loose and streched action.

This subject has bee thrashed about on this forum in the past. You can do a search on it if you wish.

[knight0334]

Theres one factor that must be considered when reaming out a 30-06 for example..   Ackley Improved chambers are supposed to have a .04" crush fit.    ...you cant turn a Handi barrel back to have that.    All the rimless AI cartridges require it.  ..the rimmed cartridges dont have that issue being their head space is set by the rim.

If you want a proper rimless Ackley Improved rifle, you must start from a much smaller chamber and ream out to the spec'd AI chamber.

I personally think an AI is a good alternative for Handi's.  You can have the same velocity as the standard cartridge, but with slightly less pressure.  And the 30+ degree shoulders help eliminate case stretching.    ..or you can use the added case volume for faster loads.