24-06 Ackley Improved

 

I receive a lot of inquires about .243 caliber wildcats. The 24-06 Improved receives the most attention when clients want a long range .243 caliber rifles.

 

 The most accurate .243 cartridge is without a doubt the 6PPC. The 6PPC is the most accurate cartridge ever conceived. It is a fine varmint cartridge with an effective range of 300 yards. But if you are searching for a deer size hunting rifle or a long range varmint rifle then you have to step it up a notch in powder capacity.

 

The 243 Winchester and 6mm Remington are fine varmint and deer size hunting cartridges.  In fact, I received a 243 Winchester for my 13^th. Birthday and used it on everything from prairie dogs to elk.” Yes, I said elk”. I don’t recommend it for an elk cartridge, as there are a lot better elk cartridges to choose from. But I have witnessed many elk succumb to the deadly effect of the little .243 bullet.

 

I have always walked a little off the beaten path when it comes to choosing a cartridge for hunting. I have always wanted to shoot something that Joe Smith did not have in his gun safe. The .243 and 6mm Ackley Improved were a little on the small side for my taste. So I purchased a 240 Weatherby. The 240 Weatherby worked OK.  The velocity was only slightly more than the 6mm Ackley Improved and the accuracy was far from what I wanted out of a rifle.

 

I re-chambered the 240 Weatherby for the 24-06 Improved. The velocity increase was about 200-300 feet/second over the 240 Weatherby with 100 grain bullets. The re-chamber did not get rid of the Weatherby freebore. Therefore, the seated bullet did not come anywhere close to the lands and the accuracy was sub-standard.

 

I liked the velocity I got out of the 24-06 Improved Weatherby, so I decided to build another custom rifle chambered in the 24-06 Improved. I decided to use a FN Mauser action and a Herter’s Stock that I had lying around in the shop. Now, I needed a barrel.  I called Chris at Pac-Nor and he suggested trying a 1 in 12 twist barrel. Because the velocity I obtained with the 24-06 Improved, he figured I could still stabilize the 100grain bullet with the 1 in12 twist.  Also, with the slower twist rate I should be able to increase the velocity without increasing the pressure.

 

It did not take long for me to complete the project. I guess when you have an itch you find any way possible to scratch it!  The rifle reminded me of the classic 50’s vintage varmint/hunting rifle. I am very fond of the classic rifle. The graceful lines and slender look is very appealing. The old time Gunsmiths knew how to build them right.

 

The first test rounds out of my Custom 24-06 Improved went off on a cold September morning. The results were as spectacular as the fall colors on the Aspen Trees on the distant hill side. The first fire form loads were just perfect. I used 85 grain Speers ahead of a full case of IMR 4831 powder. This load produced a nice little clover leaf pattern in the target at a little over 100 yards away.

 

My Custom 24-06 Improved and I have made many wonderful memories since that cold September day. I have harvested three Antelope; I believe 5 deer, and countless coyotes with this amazing rifle. After nearly 2000 rounds thru the Pac-Nor Super Match Barrel, my 24-06 Improved still shoots under ¾ inch groups with any bullet you feed it.

 

 

Loading Data:

Weaver Rifles, Custom 24-06 Improved,  with 26” Pac-Nor Super Match Barrel

 

Powder            Charge             Bullet                            Velocity            Comments

 

Reloader 19     62grs                70gr Nosler                  4132               

 

Reloader 22     64grs                70gr Nosler                  4200

 

Reloader 19     60grs                87gr BTHP                  3808    great coyote load

 

Reloader 22     61grs                87gr BTHP                  3737    custom BR bullet

 

N165               62grs                87grBTHP                   3663    custom BR bullet

 

Reloader22      58grs                95gr Nosler Partition    3641 my hunting load

 

IMR 7828        58grs                95gr Nosler Partition    3523 very accurate load

 

All load data should be used with caution.  Always start with reduced loads first and make sure they are safe in each of your guns before proceeding to the high test loads listed.  Since Weaver Rifles has no control over your choice of components, guns, or actual loadings, neither Weaver Rifles nor the various firearms and components manufacturers assume any responsibility for the use of this data.