Thread: 7x57 Ackley

First thing you should try, if possible, obtain an improved 7x57 case and make up a dummy round to try feeding out of mag. I made up a 257 Ackley on a BSA Hunter (ex 7x57) and it was a great rifle...but it was a bastard to feed if working the action slowly. This was due to the squared off case & shoulder and the Mauser style controlled feed on the bolt face, it changed the angle (increased) in which the case entered the bolt face and restricted it from sliding under the extractor claw. This may not be as big of a problem with the 7x57 as I had due to having a longer projectile, which would be inclined to tip the angle of the case back down when entering the chamber. This problem I had was confirmed by a couple of other Ackley owners running Mauser type actions.
Push feed bolt designs are much better for improved cases as this problem of controlled bolt / extractor engagement does not occur.