OzFclass

I've been reading about 284's and 7.08's and a few shooters have asked about trying the 7x57AI. I built my first in 2003 and have been very happy with the accuracy, ease of tuning, barrel life etc. Started with RWS brass, it has very thick necks so you have to turn twice but it lasts forever. I started using AR2209 with 162 amax @2840fps in a 28" maddco 1:10. Now I use 175 grn Sierra's 53.7 grn AR2213sc @2775fps in a 30" maddco 1:9 shoots alot better than I can. It runs a .311 neck and I'am using batched 8x57 rem brass. I have used norma, winchester,RWS and Rem brass and it doesn't seem to matter as long as they are batched by weight. One of our club members is using necked down 8x57 PMC brass with a no turn neck and has every one amazed with the amount of possibles he is shooting with a high center count. Easy to load I haven't tried to shoot it "hot" and I only neck size, when you hear of 284's only being able to shoot using 168 bergers or running at 2650 to enable them to shoot why not give it a try.

Roger,

There is one in my future for sure, I have a reamer sitting here doing nothing so t seems wrong not to ue. it.

284's will run a 180 at 2820. 168's at 2950. 284Shehane can run 180's at 2950 the only problem is if your pushing your barrel to get that fast you may start losing cases with the primer pockets loosening. Some barrels will let you do it without burning cases, others wont. But your case sounds good for the 168's. I think the 7-08AI can get 168's up around the same speed in a 30 inch barrel, not sure. Another option that is starting to get popular is the 280AI.

roger,
the 7x57 case is very tapered, and so gains a lot when ackleyed.
the 257 Roberts (same case) when improved will turn into a 25/06, and tha 7x57 improved will turn into a 7mm/06.
more than competitive.
nice long neck.
go for it.
keep safe,
bruce.