Loading 8mm-06AI

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littlephil

New member
Hello all, I'm wondering if there is anyone who loads for an 8mm-06ai rifle. I'm thinking about chambering one of my mausers to 8mm-06, and wondered if the AI version is worth the extra cost of the dies. I like the idea of increased case life that I hear is associated with the AI cases, although 30-06 cases aren't exactly scarce. This is just an idea I've been kicking around in my head and I won't get around to it real soon probably. Thanks in advance for any input.
 
Littlphil, you need a plan, if you cut the chamber you will need a reamer. And then you will require that lecture about cutting the chamber. There is another option; you can replace the barrel with the 8mm06 chamber.

It is possible for someone to measure the receiver dimensions then have someone cut the chamber based on the dimensions. With a few more tools you can get a long chambered barrel.

Things get complicated if the barrel requires sights.

Let me know what you decide.

F. Guffey
 
I could work up loads for the 8mm-06 AI quickly.

A basic set of dies $150
http://www.midwayusa.com/8mm-06-ackley-improved-40-degree-shoulder/br?cid=9591

A reamer $130
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/34...pringfield-ackley-improved-40-degree-shoulder

If you are thinking about reaming out an 8x57 miliary chamber and getting the magazine box to be longer, that can cost another $85 unless you are a gunsmith
http://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...-metals/mauser-98-bottom-metal-prod73356.aspx

$150 + $130 + $85 = $365

And what do you get for $365?

I can measure 2600 to 2625 fps with a Sierra 2420 bullet, 220 gr in an 8x57mm military chamber.

Shoot that a few times before you think you need a few extra fps.
It really kicks.
 
Can't speak to the Ackley version, but I recently picked up a Mauser that had the original chamber reamed to the standard 8mm-06. Dies were not expensive and were in stock. Using IMR-4064 or Re-17 I'm running 2,800+ without pushing my Sierra 175's too hard. I'm sure I could go a little more.

Frankly, I will probably rebarrel this rifle to 9.3x62 some time. The 8 mm-06 doesn't offer a lot more performance than the 8x57 and really none over 30-06. It's a good round and interesting, but it's reason for existence is no more. If you have one, enjoy it, I will. But I wouldn't create a new one.
 
Littlephil, I do not believe I misunderstood your intensions. Had I thought you wanted someone to talk you out of going from 8mm57 to 8mm06 I would not have responded? I would not go to the Improved version.

Let me know what you decide to do.

F. Guffey
 
Thanks for the input fellas. I'm not really concerned about getting more fps over the original 06 wildcat, I've just heard that brass can last longer, there's less trimming, etc. Plus the reamer is on sale at midway for almost half price. But I didn't really think that would justify the extra cost of the dies. I'm not really looking for a huge performance gain either way, just something different and to get some practice reaming chambers. I'll probably just end up going with the plain 8mm-06, if I don't change my mind and decide to rebarrel between now and then.
With that said, anyone who wants to share some more data on either of the 06 wildcats is more than welcome. I'm more interested in running heavy bullets in this one, but all info is welcome and appreciated.
 
If you want the AI version, get it. Can't hurt, and it offers a small bit of exclusivity. Who else around the campfire is going to have what you have? I like the 'cool' factor.
 
littlephil
Thanks for the input fellas. I'm not really concerned about getting more fps over the original 06 wildcat, I've just heard that brass can last longer, there's less trimming, etc. Plus the reamer is on sale at midway for almost half price. But I didn't really think that would justify the extra cost of the dies.
Click to expand...

When I was a kid in the 50s and 60s, I heard the phrase "cart before the horse" and always thought it was about the order of purchase. Finally in 2015 did I find out it was the order of procession.

I think it goes something like this:
Die cost -> stop.................never reaches load data.
Similar to when Paul Steinhardt says when you can't rule out the null hypothesis, per scientific method, you stop. No further analysis of the Theory being supported by the data is allowed.

What make me such an expert? I bought a 250 Krag Ackley Improved reamer from Midway last year, and then found out what the dies were going to cost me.
 
I didn't really think that would justify the extra cost of the dies.
Click to expand...

Littlephil, I have little to no interest in going to an Ackley Improved 8mm06 chamber. I would not be concerned with the cost of the dies if I had the reamer.

If you decide on an 8mm06 chamber it is possible to use a 30/06 sizing die with an 8mm sizing plug. Yes I know and understand that procedure could ‘work the brass’.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/519985/rcbs-2-die-set-8mm-06-springfield

F. Guffey
 
Thanks again for the input. I think I may just stick with the plain 8mm-06 if I decide to just rechamber instead of rebarrel. I'm just not keen on spending $150 on dies when I likely won't get to use the rifle for much anyway. I have a set of 30-06 dies already and may check into getting just the expander plug. Thanks again for all the info and suggestions.
 
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