.270 AI owners sound off ...

[Heavyiron]

Back in Ackley's day the 270ai was not recommended because 4831 was the slowest powder they had beside some surplus machine gun powder. There was also the issue of no virtually no commercial bullets heavier than 150 grains. In a phone conversation with him years ago he said with more modern powders and better bullets that he would recommend it. He told me that when he chronoed the standard 270 vs the 270 weatherby that there was only about 125 fps difference then.
Powders have greatly improved since the 1980's. The 270ai is a worthy contender with the newer powders and better designed bullets. If there is a 270 sherman, that would be the optimum salute, to the 277 bore. I would go for it.

 

[Frog4aday]

About $400+ for a set of custom dies and a hydra form die from Hornady.

I've been poking around; can't find anyone selling .270 AI dies. Looks like a special order situation. How much is it just for the .270 AI reloading dies (withOUT the hydra-form die?)

RCBS did NOT show a .270 AI in their 'custom die' list, but did show a ".270 Win w/40 degree shoulder" die. Not sure that would be the same thing.
https://rcbs.com/Products/Dies-by-C...h-Die-Set-Group-G-Special-Order-Bottlene.aspx

 

[Frog4aday]

Looks like Redding offers about the same:
https://www.redding-reloading.com/online-catalog/11-die-caliber-reference-chart

 

[Frog4aday]

Finally found someone showing the cost for a "custom" resizing die...
https://www.whiddengunworks.com/custom-reloading-dies/
They are showing it as $125 for a 'bushing' SIZING die
I'm guessing you could then just use a regular 270 Win 'seating' die?
If so, that's not too outrageous.
Looks like all these custom die people want about 14 to 16 weeks to make you a die. And they want three fired cases, so you have to get the rifle made first, go shoot some .270 Win ammo through it, then send in your cases and wait about 3.5 to 4 months.

 

[FEENIX]

Finally found someone showing the cost for a "custom" resizing die...
https://www.whiddengunworks.com/custom-reloading-dies/
They are showing it as $125 for a 'bushing' SIZING die
I'm guessing you could then just use a regular 270 Win 'seating' die?
If so, that's not too outrageous.
Looks like all these custom die people want about 14 to 16 weeks to make you a die. And they want three fired cases, so you have to get the rifle made first, go shoot some .270 Win ammo through it, then send in your cases and wait about 3.5 to 4 months.

John and his team does awesome work. They built my .30 LARA dies and forming dies. It takes a while because they only do a certain things each month and in small batches.

My .270 AI is from Redding, IIRC it was around the same price but I cannot find the invoice anymore. It is best to call them for the current price.

 

[xsn10s]

If I read this correctly, you are saying the guys at Rokslide are shooting 165 and 170 grain bullets from the 1-10 twist?

Some guys over on Rokslide tested them with 1-10" twists, 24" barrels, and RL26. I'll post a link later this evening.

 

[Frog4aday]

Hey @xsn10s, thanks! I look forward to reading up on the testing they've done. If a 1-10" twist can work with the longer bullets, that would be a game changer right there. I wouldn't need to buy a new barrel to enjoy all the benefits the AI change can bring.

 

[Frog4aday]

<SNIPPED STUFF>My .270 AI is from Redding, IIRC it was around the same price but I cannot find the invoice anymore. It is best to call them for the current price.

Hey @FEENIX, your picture of the Redding dies answers my earlier question (is the .270 AI the same as ".270 Win Imp 40 degree".) Looks like it is. That helps. Thanks!

 

[JM97850]

Hey @FEENIX, your picture of the Redding dies answers my earlier question (is the .270 AI the same as ".270 Win Imp 40 degree".) Looks like it is. That helps. Thanks!

It is. I got lucky when I ordered my dies. Midway happened to have a set of Redding dies in stock for $199.95.

 

[xsn10s]

Hey @xsn10s, thanks! I look forward to reading up on the testing they've done. If a 1-10" twist can work with the longer bullets, that would be a game changer right there. I wouldn't need to buy a new barrel to enjoy all the benefits the AI change can bring.

I think there might be some diminished BC due to the slower twist. but only testing will tell. https://www.rokslide.com/forums/threads/berger-170gr-eol-vs-matrix-165gr-vld-plus-freebies.43228/

 

[Alibiiv]

I've been poking around; can't find anyone selling .270 AI dies. Looks like a special order situation. How much is it just for the .270 AI reloading dies (withOUT the hydra-form die?)

RCBS did NOT show a .270 AI in their 'custom die' list, but did show a ".270 Win w/40 degree shoulder" die. Not sure that would be the same thing.
https://rcbs.com/Products/Dies-by-C...h-Die-Set-Group-G-Special-Order-Bottlene.aspx
View attachment 147279

I just ordered a set from Hornady, had to send them three pieces of brass shot from my rifle. About a 6 month wait for them. Around $430 for the dies and a hydra form die.

 

[Don A Parsons]

If you want top quality brass for a 270Al, the idea of necking down Lapua 30/06 brass could improve accuracy...

Keep the expander ball high in the sizing die to lesson the chances of run out,,, I sized a bunch of 6.5 A-square cartridges out of Lapua 30/06 at a frugal price at $119 for 100 brass Cnd funds...

Just an idea on the above...

Awesome thread by the way...

Cheers from the North

 

[sedancowboy]

Feenix are you bragging about your custom dies or how much RL-26 you have lol.
I would think RL-26 would be the cats meow in a 270AI.
Someone asked about a Sherman 270 and yes Rich does have one check out his web page. https://shermanwildcatcartridges.com/270-sherman

 

[FEENIX]

Feenix are you bragging about your custom dies or how much RL-26 you have lol.
I would think RL-26 would be the cats meow in a 270AI.
Someone asked about a Sherman 270 and yes Rich does have one check out his web page. https://shermanwildcatcartridges.com/270-sherman

LL! I didn't even think about that as it happened to be the most convenient part on my bench without moving anything. I heard the same thing about others getting more velocity with the RL-26. Unfortunately, time these days is a premium due to school and have not had a chance to do any load development.