Bench Talk

Good Morning Guys!

We are back with Cache Carlson from the Varminter Magazine crew and Cache has a very fun caliber to discuss! The 6mm-284 is a variant or wildcat off of the late  284Win and is the predecessor to the now popular 6PRC and 6UM or 6mm short mag variants. After knowing Cache's great success on a standard short action with AICS mags at 2.950" you'll absolutely see me getting a barrel spun up soon and I hope others follow! The 284Win and its wildcat children are very fun and very useful cartridges even in todays modern era of "precision rifle cartridges". 

Best quote I've seen in awhile courtesy of "lr.noob",  "In a world full of 6 Dashers, be a 243AI"  He's 100% correct ;) 

Socials:

https://smallcaliberstore.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoog49zI981eQZnWOKwJoweWF2lyuT5LsU4dUAe91Tc348DpnPuG

https://smallcaliberforum.com/

https://www.varminter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/cachecarlson/

https://www.facebook.com/cachec?mibextid=wwXIfr

Good Morning Guys, I apologize for not having a wildcat for wildcat Wednesday! 

We are discussing my personal experience with the late 284 Winchester. Amazing case design that was ahead of its time and unfortunately did not grow with mainstream popularity but was resurrected and kept alive by its wild stepchildren 22-284win up to 375-284win. This cartridge is a wildcatters playground, with the only only boundaries being the cartridges case walls and your imagination. Please be safe out there, and have fun planning 2026s hunting season! Please tell us in the comments about your new rifle builds/trips/learned knowledge shooting/reloading/etc! Subscribe and leave a review! thank you for all of the support!

https://youtu.be/SaeAlxIDf7c?si=kn_7x1L0eW5eB9ZC

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co.nz/f53/284-winchester-super-bushpig-build-19738/

https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/18%E2%80%9D-284-win-bolt-gun-info.293910/

https://www.gunsite.co.za/forums/showthread.php?63713-The-quot-Bush-Pig-quot-rifle

Good Morning Guys! Welcome Back to another Wildcat Wednesday where we are with Eric who is the owner/operator of the Varminter Magazine, Small Caliber Shop, and the Small Caliber Forum, and the official adopter of the 24 Varminter Cartridge (Mad Dog Precision 24GPC). The 24 Varminter is a 6mm/.243cal wildcat off of the 6.8PSC case and for Eric and his crew is a perfect fit for an AR15 platform 6mm Varmint hunting cartridge! Give Varminter Magazines a follow and keep a lookout for additional information releases on the 24 Varminter through 2026!

https://www.youtube.com/user/varmintermagazinehttps://www.varminter.com/

https://smallcaliberforum.com/

https://smallcaliberstore.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoog49zI981eQZnWOKwJoweWF2lyuT5LsU4dUAe91Tc348DpnPuG

Welcome back to another Wildcat Wednesday! This week we have Robert from Bald Guys With Guns joining us to discuss his personal experiences with running the 6 PRS Moses case which is a 556/223Rem case necked up to 6mm and then improved (Case geometry blown out) with a custom free-bore which allows shooters to achieve increased case capacity and increased velocity and tremendously improved capability from the 556/223Rem case. 

Bald Guys With Guns, 

https://www.youtube.com/@BaldGuysWithGuns

https://www.instagram.com/baldguyswithguns/

https://www.facebook.com/people/BGWG/61587029315227/

Welcome back to Wildcat Wednesday, this week we are joined by G&G Varminting owner/operator Geno. Geno's primary job is large scale wildlife removal with a focus on predatory animals or game species during culling operations. During most of theses outings Geno is running 30" 1-14 twist 243AI's at blistering speeds up to 4400fps with 55gr Nosler Ballistic tips. Geno is a wealth of knowledge so please give him a follow at his social media accounts to keep track of his latest hunts in south Africa!

 https://www.facebook.com/GGVarminting/

https://www.youtube.com/user/GenoCR250

https://www.instagram.com/ggvarminting/?hl=en

Please Subscribe!!!

Welcome back to Wildcat Wednesday, we are joined by Jeremiah Mani, the. creator of the Moses family of cartridges (6 lines, 6 Parent cases, 223/556, 308win, 30-06, 300 Norma, 338 Lapua, 33XC). These cartridges are further improved than a standard AI case, 40 degree shoulder, extra case capacity, and custom throat design to aid in fully achieving top en velocity and accuracy capability from your Moses Cartridge! Thank you Jeremiah for Joining us!  

https://youtube.com/@baldguyswithguns?si=d6YxuCHb0HFTqiUiCaliber list

https://www.facebook.com/groups/974822693431608/

223/5.56 Parent Case:
223 PRS Moses
6 PRS Moses
257 PRS Moses
6.5 PRS Moses
277 PRS Moses
7mm PRS Moses

308 Parent Case:
5.56 Moses
240 Moses
257 Moses
6.5 Moses
277 Moses
7 Moses
308 Moses
338 Moses
358 Moses
375 Moses

30-06 Parent Case:
5.56-06 Moses
240-06 Moses
257-06 Moses
6.5-06 Moses
277-06 Moses
7-06 Moses
308-06 Moses
338-06 Moses
3 58-06 Moses
375-06 Moses

300 Norma Mag Parent Case:
7.2 x 62 Moses
7.62 x 62 Moses
8.6 x 62 Moses
9 x 62 Moses
9.5 x 62 Moses
10.4 x 62 Moses

338 Lapua Parent Case:
33 Moses
35 Moses
37 Moses
41 Moses

33XC Parent Case:
33 Ultra Moses
35 UItra Moses
37 Utra Moses
41 Ultra Moses

The 243 Ackley Improved Cartridge

The 243 Ackley Improved is a popular wildcat cartridge known for its enhanced performance and efficiency. Developed by P.O. Ackley, a renowned gunsmith and cartridge designer, this cartridge has gained a loyal following among hunters and shooting enthusiasts. Let's delve into the characteristics that make the 243 Ackley Improved a noteworthy choice.

Historical Background

P.O. Ackley was a pioneer in the world of firearms and cartridge development. Throughout his career, he focused on enhancing existing cartridges to achieve better performance. The concept of "improving" a cartridge involves modifying the case design to increase powder capacity, which in turn can result in higher velocities and better ballistics.

Design and Specifications

The 243 Ackley Improved is based on the .243 Winchester cartridge, which was introduced in 1955. The Ackley Improved version features a steeper shoulder angle of 40 degrees compared to the original 20 degrees. This alteration reduces the case taper and allows for more efficient powder burning.

Key Specifications:

• Parent Case: .243 Winchester
• Shoulder Angle: 40 degrees
• Bullet Diameter: .243 inches (6.17 mm)
• Case Length: 2.045 inches (51.94 mm)
• Overall Length: 2.710 inches (68.83 mm)

Advantages of the 243 Ackley Improved

Increased Velocity and Range

One of the primary benefits of the 243 Ackley Improved is its increased velocity. The improved design allows for a greater powder charge, which can propel bullets at higher speeds. This results in a flatter trajectory, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooting.

Enhanced Accuracy

The steeper shoulder angle and reduced case taper contribute to more consistent powder ignition and improved accuracy. Shooters often report tighter groupings with the 243 Ackley Improved compared to the standard .243 Winchester.

Versatility

The 243 Ackley Improved is versatile, suitable for various applications ranging from varmint hunting to medium-sized game. Its capability to deliver high velocity and energy makes it a reliable option for hunters targeting species like deer, antelope, and coyote.

Considerations

Reloading Requirements

Reloading is typically necessary for those using the 243 Ackley Improved, as factory-loaded ammunition is not widely available. Reloaders should be experienced and cautious, as the increased pressure from the improved design requires precise measurements and techniques.

Barrel Life

Due to the higher velocities and increased pressures, barrel wear can be a concern. Regular maintenance and proper barrel care are essential to prolong the life of the rifle.

Conclusion

The 243 Ackley Improved cartridge combines the best of both worlds: the proven performance of the .243 Winchester and the enhanced capabilities of Ackley's improvements. While it requires a bit more effort and knowledge on the part of the shooter, the rewards in terms of performance and accuracy are well worth it. Whether used for hunting or target shooting, the 243 Ackley Improved stands out as a superior choice for those looking to push the boundaries of their shooting experience.

The .223 Ackley Improved

This episode explores the .223 Ackley Improved (AI), a popular wildcat cartridge known for its enhanced performance over the standard .223 Remington. From its origins to its ballistic advantages, this discussion dives into why shooters, reloaders, and precision rifle enthusiasts continue to favor this round.

This is very special cartridge for myself because I have wanted a 223AI training rifle for a long time but it took a little bit of patience to come together. I love my 223AI and I think it is a very capable and forgiving caliber. Shoot factory ammo, or Reman 223/556 LC brass ball 55gr FMJ and form brass and them get to really hotroding that little 223Rem case! from 40gr .224 cal bullets to 95gr SMK .224 cal bullets you can do it all! 

Check out Sierra's own 223 Ackley Improved Load Data;

https://sierrabullets.com/content/load-data/rifle/224/223-remington-ackley-improved.pdf

Origins and Development

• The .223 Ackley Improved was developed by P.O. Ackley, a gunsmith and cartridge designer known for modifying existing rounds to increase efficiency.
• The design retains the .223 Remington’s parent case but features a steeper shoulder angle (40 degrees) and less body taper.
• These changes increase case capacity, allowing for higher velocities without significantly increasing pressure.

Ballistic Performance

• Typical velocity gains range from 100 to 200 feet per second compared to the standard .223 Remington.
• The improved case design enhances brass longevity and reduces case stretching.
• Shooters often report tighter groups and more consistent performance, especially in long-range varmint and target shooting.

Reloading and Fireforming

• Fireforming involves shooting standard .223 Remington rounds in a .223 AI chamber to reshape the brass.
• Once formed, the brass can be reloaded with custom loads to take full advantage of the increased capacity.
• Reloaders appreciate the efficiency and extended case life, though careful load development is essential for safety and accuracy.

Applications and Use Cases

• Popular among varmint hunters, competitive shooters, and precision rifle enthusiasts.
• Offers a balance between manageable recoil and impressive downrange performance.
• Ideal for shooters seeking a step up from .223 Remington without moving to larger calibers like .22-250.

Real-World Experiences

• Discussion of user feedback on barrel life, accuracy, and load preferences.
• Insights from gunsmiths and competitive shooters who have adopted the .223 AI for its consistency and versatility.

Final Thoughts

• The .223 Ackley Improved represents the spirit of innovation in the shooting community—refining an already capable cartridge into something even more efficient.
• While it requires more effort in reloading and setup, the performance rewards make it a favorite among precision shooters.

For enthusiasts interested in exploring the .223 Ackley Improved, this episode highlights the technical details, practical benefits, and community experiences that make it a standout wildcat cartridge.

Good Afternoon guys! welcome to a wildcat Wednesday, to start this off we are going over some of the Pro's and Con's and other considerations when choosing if running a wildcat or a not commercially available cartridge is something you personally want to investigate further!

Stay Safe, Joe

Bench Talk Podcast   

Welcome back Ladies and Gentleman. 

This episode is for our up and coming rifleman who are trying to figure out where to start investigating when wanting to get into a bolt action rifle setup. Please comment and add your own opinions and experiences in the comments. 

Stay Safe, Joe 

Bench Talk Podcast