257 Ackley improved and 6.5 staball powder

[Sandhills]

Does anyone use 6.5 staball in their 257 Roberts or 257 Ackley improved? I picked some up yesterday, a long with some Winchester large rifle magnum primers ( the only thing they had on the shelf). I'm pretty new to metallic loading, I've only loaded for my 44-40 colt, 50 or so bullets for a cousin's 32-20, and a box or so for a buddy's 30-40 krag Springfield.

The Ackley rig I have is built on a 1937 Winchester model 70 action with an Apex 1:12 twist barrel. Not an ideal twist rate but based on what I've seen on a ballistic calculator I can get away with the 80 grain Barnes, 100 grain speers and Nosler, I think 100 grain Hornady, and surprisingly enough the 117 grain flat nose interlock. The rifle will eventually be used by my kids ( 2 and 3 weeks old so they got a couple years) and my wife. I'll probably get to shoot it some myself.

 

[jfk69]

I picked up a pound to experiment with in my .257AI, but I have not tried it yet. I’m giving Ramshot Magnum a try first, then Staball 6.5 if the Magnum doesn’t work out. The only thing I can tell you from researching it is that it seems to do better across all calibers at close to max, but it is also sensitive from the standpoint that it goes from max load to “hot” somewhat easily. Seems a little persnickety. Some also claim it’s a dirty powder. I’m trying these powders, along with Ramshot Hunter if the first two don’t work, using 115 Bergers, 120 Speer BTSP and Sierra 110 TGK’s.