I'm pretty happy with the results, thanks. It will be interesting to see how the loads develop.

Range results: Loaded up two different loads of IMR4320 with the two bullets I intend to use, grabbed the chronograph and off to the range we went. No extraction problems, no pressure signs.... 48.5 gr. with the Barnes TSX 180 gr. gave me an average velocity of 2652 48.5 gr. with the Nosler E-Tip 18...

Dang 'enter' key!...

20.0 gr. of SR4759 and the 100 gr. Plinkers worked well for fireforming. Max COAL to work in the mag is 3.195, and I want to use a 180 gr. bullet. Seated a 180 gr. Nosler E-Tip and a Barnes 180 gr. TSX; Nosler gives me 55.23 gr. (water weight) case capacity and the Barnes gives me 56.26 gr. Powley a...

True enough about the ability to use standard loads or factory ammo - in a pinch. As for the reason(s); I have 120 cases to fireform. My shoulder would rather take 120 lighter hits than 120 heavier ones at one sitting. I have a coffee can full of SR4759 that I can't use in anything else I load. I ha...

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g107/xhogboss/IMG_3005.jpg L-R; New 30-40 Krag case, 30-40 Ackley fireformed/sized, 30-40 loaded with 100 gr. Speer Plinker over 20.0 gr. SR4759 for fireforming I'll try this load for fireforming this weekend and see if it forms the brass to the chamber. If not, I'...

Bought a set of FL AI dies from Eabco and have some new R-P brass to fireform this weekend. Lots of opinions about full-house loads vs. reduced loads for fireforming - I'll try 19-20 gr. of SR4759 and a 100-110 gr. bullet and check the cases.

Shot a couple boxes of 30-40 reloads - gotta put a recoil pad on it! Crescent butt plate bites. Functions well, and the brass looks smooth with no trace of tooling marks from the reamer. Next test will be to see if it will tolerate neck-sizing only or if it needs FL sizing.

Rifle's back from the smith and assembled. Hope to shoot it this weekend.

tman wrote:3006 will do everything a 30-40AI will and a lot better. Some 30-06 specialty factory loadings turn the 06 into a 300 mag. Lot of versatility without the expense and modifications. But you do what makes u happy

True enough, but this is a 'project'...

Booger Bill wrote:I am going to leave mine alone.

I'd leave that one alone, too!

Updating the conversation - I've pulled the trigger and sent the action off to be reamed to 30-40 AI! It will no longer be a safe queen, but is destined to be carried, scratched, rubbed, dinged, used and shot. Now the hunt starts for brass and some AI dies. I plan to neck-size after fireforming if i...

I know the results would more or less be in the 30-06 range. If I believe some of Ackley's writings, it could rival .30 caliber magnum performance. Seems like a stretch, but going AI does give the 30-40 a 19% boost. I'm thinking it will make a respectable and classy elk rifle.

It's a Browning, circa 1984, I believe, that was a gift from a friend. The AI idea was something he'd dreamed of doing to the rifle, and something I'd like to follow-up on. The rifle originally belonged to his uncle and we both agree that it's something he'd approve of. Besides, it's a bit different...

Seems there's quite an advantage to making my 30-40 into an AI. I'm a relative novice when it comes to working on the 1895 - hoping to tap into the considerable knowledge base here. Since the 30-40 headspaces on the rim, would this involve something as simple as running an AI reamer into the chamber...

Yep. You're right. I'm remiss in my responsibilities. Photo to follow, probably tomorrow so I can get one in the daylight.

Thank you, gentlemen, for the replies. I'll try the slip/lace-on pad first, and just try to be careful not to ding the stock too bad. Having said that, I do plan on hunting with it, and I think that's a use the original owner had in mind.

Thanks again.
Fred

I have a 1985 Browning 1895 in 30-40 that's been passed down to me. Beautiful gun with a very nice custom stock set. I'd like to use the gun, but the buttstock is too short for me, and I really don't want to screw the stock up. Will a 1895 Winchester stock set fit, or is the 1985 Browning something ...