228 Ackley Mag

[Contenderizer]

Has anyone had experience with the 228 Ackley Magnum? I found a custom gun chambered in that round that I am considering.

Yes, I know the 228 is strictly a wildcat and requires making brass from a 30-06. I'm OK with that (dies are available). I am more concerned about finding the proper bullets ... also, reloading data seems rather scarce.

Lastly, does this round have a reputation for burning out barrels?

Thanks in advance..........

[Jack]

The only information I've ever seen on that wildcat was in P.O. Ackley's books Handbook For Shooters and Reloaders. There is some reloading data in there.
Do keep in mind, those books were published 50 years ago- powders formulations have changed, pressure test equipment didn't exist outside of ballistic labs, and even chronographs were very rare. A lot of data I've seen in those books for various cartridges is downright scary.
Bullets are going to be the hard part. I think Hornady still makes a .228 bullet, but that's the only one I know of from a major manufacturer. Some of the smaller custom bullet makers may produce some.
Should be an interesting project! Keep us posted.

[Contenderizer]

Thanks for the info Jack. I have found a few sources for bullets, but I want something with a heavy jacket so the gun can be used for more than varmints - otherwise I may as well buy a 223.

I haven't committed to purchasing the gun yet, but if I do I'll be back with a ton of questions. Do you have a source for Ackley's handbook you mention?

[Jack]

Contenderizer, I did a quick look for Ackley's book on line, and didn't come up with a good source. Looks like the book (actually 2 volumes) may be out of print.
I looked in my copy last night, curious about the 228 Ackley Magnum. The book describes the cartridge as being based on a 30-06 case, with a belt swaged on. If so, I suspect you could use 240 Weatherby brass as the parent case- I don't believe the 240 Weatherby was around when Ackley designed his.
If indeed the rifle you're looking at uses 30-30 cases, what you may have is a Savage High Power that's been given the Ackley Improved treatment.
I'd make sure I saw some fireformed cases to make sure of exactly what it is you may be getting.

[skeet]

There was also a 228 Improved on a 30-40 case. I have a Wilson(I think) sizing die for it. Don't have any other info on that 'un though.. Will hunt up the die..I could make a cast with cerosafe. You cold bump up a few bullets to the right size but the .228 bullets are usually kinda light jacketed. I have a couple hundred here.. In 22 rimfire plastic boxes..don't know the brand. 70 grains??

[Contenderizer]

Thanks for all of your help guys, but I have decided to take a pass on purchasing the 228AM. Way too much effort, work and expense before I even hear that first "bang." I simply don't have the time or ambition at this point in my life.

I spoke to Rocky and he seems to be reading off the same page. He suggest that if I could purchase the gun cheaply enough to re-barrel, that might make sense. Otherwise, the cost of dies, etc would be prohibitive; not to mention the bullet problem.

Thanks again .......