The 7mm-08 Ackley Improved cartridge is a modified version of the standard 7mm-08 Remington round. It was designed by gunsmith P.O. Ackley to enhance the performance of the original cartridge. The "Ackley Improved" process involves altering the cartridge's shoulder angle to 40 degrees and minimizing body taper. These changes increase the cartridge’s powder capacity, thereby providing higher velocity and improved ballistic efficiency.
Use cases for the 7mm-08 Ackley Improved cartridge include hunting and target shooting. It is especially favored for medium to large game hunting, such as deer and elk, due to its enhanced ballistics, improved accuracy, and higher velocity. Its design also reduces barrel wear compared to some magnum cartridges, making it a balanced choice for shooters seeking better performance without excessive recoil.
The cartridge is hand-loaded by enthusiasts due to the specific chambering requirements, and it typically requires custom rifles, or re-chambering of existing 7mm-08 Remington firearms.
For factory-produced ammunition, the 7mm-08 Ackley Improved may not be readily available, and reloading is commonly required.