Hornady's new 257 Ackley Improved (Improved) or AII

[Blkram]

I read a note in the new Western Pursuit magazine's Quarter-Bore War article on the 25 CM vs 25 RPM by Joseph Von Benedikt, that Hornady is playing with an improved version of the 257 AI (hence the name 257 AI (Improved), or AII for short) for fast twist enhancement of the old wildcat. It should improve velocities over the 25 CM by 100-200 fps (the RPM is in the 200-300 fps range faster than the 25 CM). This places it midway between the CM and RPM, at 2900-3050 fps with 128-135 gr bullets. Indications are that is less finicky to handload than than fast twist 25-06 rifles.

Google search did not come up with anything...

Sounds interesting!
Might be a project for next year...thinking long action.
Then I would have 250 AI with a 1:10 twist for standard bullets and a 25 CM with 1:7.5 twist for the high BC bullets, and a 257 Roberts in a 1:10 twist for standard bullets and a 257 AII with 1:7.5 twist for the high BC bullets...
As I am fairly confident that once Susan shoots my 25 CM that she is going to try to lay claim to it, just as she is trying to claim my 6.5 CM, as it prettier than hers!

 

[DrMike]

As I am fairly confident that once Susan shoots my 25 CM that she is going to try to lay claim to it, just as she is trying to claim my 6.5 CM, as it prettier than hers!

Don't let Susan touch your rifles, Gil. That has never turned out well!

 

[SJB358]

I heard their podcast and it’s sounds like they just kept tight CM/PRc tolerances on the throat while doing a standard Ackley case. By all accounts it should be a great little rifle.

 

[Hunter26]

I'd be all over that if it's true, but I can't imagine them coming out with that after they just released the 25 CM. Not much of a performance difference. If anything, maybe a 25 PRC? Though a 257 Roberts AII does sound very intriguing! My favorite caliber is the 257 Roberts, killed my first deer and hog with one. Actually still have the rifle too.