New stock for the ...........257AI

[muleman]

I just put the finishing touches on the bedding job for my new stock. This project was done one a real tight budget because I wasn't really planning on this one. It sort of fell into my lap. This total project came in under $600 including dies, brass, scope and stock. I picked up the gun(with plastic stock,dies, brass and scope mounts for under $400. I then got the stock at Stocky's for $98 and the scope for under a $100 on Gunbroker.I had to open up the inletting at the magazine, front of trigger guard and the bolt cut out(stock was made for comercial mauser and this is a '98). Then I bedded the recoil lug and 3" of the barrel with black acraglass. So far I've only shot 50 rounds of fire forming loads and she's doing between 1.25' and 1.5". Load work up will start soon with 85gr C/Ts and 110 Accubonds.

 

[JD338]

Scott

Nice looking rig! Keep us posted on the load development.
The 257 AI is a very cool round.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

It is a good looking set up. You've performed an aesthetically pleasing transformation. Congratulations. What load are you planning on running in this rifle?

 

[cloverleaf]

Just wait 'til 257Ackley see this one...... He may have pet load or two to share with you. Will be looking forawrd to your range reports myself. The old 250 liked those 85 gr CT's pretty well. SHARP looking rig! CL

 

[BK]

Nice looking rig there, Scott!

 

[nvbroncrider]

What color is that stock? I want to say it's coffee but i'm not sure can you post a couple more pictures of it, I'm just getting ready to order a stock myself.

 

[muleman]

Dr. Mike,
First up will be the 85gr BSTs with IMR4350 and Win 760 and then on to the 110 A-bonds. I don't know the twist of this barrel yet but I'm hoping it'll shoot the light ones.

Nvbroncrider,
The color of the stock is actually a forest camo with green, black, brown and grey. The low winter sun rather washed out the color. The black in the stock really sets off the deep, high polish bluing of the metal and the black bedding is all but invisible. The pictures don't due the rifle justice. Here are couple more picts that may show the color better.

 

[DrMike]

It is a handsome stock, and yes, the colours do pop out beautifully.

 

[nvbroncrider]

Dr. Mike,
First up will be the 85gr BSTs with IMR4350 and Win 760 and then on to the 110 A-bonds. I don't know the twist of this barrel yet but I'm hoping it'll shoot the light ones.

Nvbroncrider,
The color of the stock is actually a forest camo with green, black, brown and grey. The low winter sun rather washed out the color. The black in the stock really sets off the deep, high polish bluing of the metal and the black bedding is all but invisible. The pictures don't due the rifle justice. Here are couple more picts that may show the color better.

[/img]

[/img]

Sure is a pretty piece of craftsmanship.

 

[257 Ackley]

Nice looking rig Muleman 8) . I use H414 with the 85 BT and R19 for 110 AB. 4350 and 760 should give you some good powders to work with.

 

[efw]

Muleman,

I took advantage of that exact deal for my Czech Mauser in 257 AI, but mine isn't the "forest" color scheme but the "standard" brown one.

I like the cheek piece and engraved checkering quite a lot. The fit/finish was great, especially for the price!

My 257 AI LOVES 100 gr Interlocks and IMR-4350 (approx 3250 fps); this was shot at 200 yds w/ JD338 as my witness:

but it likes a combo of 75 gr VMax & H-380 (approx 3550 fps), too (three right above red dot are "group"):

and I've just recently tested it w/ 90 gr GMXs & RS-Hunter (haven't chrono'd), which did VERY nicely as well:

Mine did about MOA w/ bullets longer than the 100 gr Interlock like the like-weighted NBT & 115 gr NBT, but not as nicely sub-MOA as w/ shorter pills. That is why I haven't done a ton w/ the 110 NAB or 100 gr ETip. Obviously YMMV...

The 100 gr Interlock or NBT seem to me to be the best "general purpose" bullets if you're looking for a "one stop shop". The powder that has intrigued me most w/ my rifle is RS-Hunter, although I'm getting around 3300 fps w/ 100s & IMR-4350 and, as you can see above, its plenty accurate.

I look forward to seeing your results! Don't hesitate to PM me w/ load data if you want any. I've put about 1200 rounds through mine and keep pretty detailed notes.

 

[DrMike]

Scott,

You missed every one of those varmints! They were fine groups, but you didn't hit a single varmint! :mrgreen:

 

[6mm Remington]

What neat project and it turned out beautifully my friend! Great cartridge for it as well. That should prove to be a great hunter!

David

 

[efw]

You missed every one of those varmints! They were fine groups, but you didn't hit a single varmint! :mrgreen:

So I did! Here is the only PD I've ever put down, along w/ a couple of 3-shot groups I tossed up from prone:

You called me,

Eric

 

[DrMike]

Sorry 'bout that, Eric.

However, it is good to see that at least one of those varmints got plugged. :grin:

 

[efw]

No prob Mike... I don't have one of those handles that makes it easy !

Someday I'll get out after PDs for REAL. Until then gotta settle for whistle pigs...

 

[257 Ackley]

What is it about you guys from Michigan and your whistle pigs...gotta get you out to the wide open plains so you can shoot more than twice a day .

 

[efw]

Preach on brother... preach on!