Have a Hepburn in 219 Zipper that I am going to re barrel because I don't like the barrel that is on it and am contemplating going to 219 AE . What if any advantage would they be and could I just reform the original brass.


JMH

The Ackley version will give you more case capacity and usually better case life. Strangle Ackley did not go with his normal 40 degree shoulder on the Zipper, instead it is 28 degrees. I am barreling up a standard Zipper for a client now and just formed 100 30-30 cases for him. I didn't have much luck fireforming 25-35 to the Ackley version when barreling up a High Wall for myself, 80% case loss. I used 30-30 cases and a series of 3 other dies with excellent results. Possibly the reason Ackley went with the 28 degree shoulder was to preclude ace loss during fireforming. Good luck on your project.
Keep us informed on your results.

I have several singleshots in various Ackley Improved chamberings and I believe if I was going to start over I would go with the standard chamberings.  The 219 original case taper sure makes it a breeze to slide into the chamber.  If I was going to rebarrel a strong action like a Hepburn I would look at the 219 Donaldson Wasp as it was a tested accurate cartridge back in the day.  You don't need to load it up to maximum velocity.  Making cases is more work but that is part of the fun of having a wildcat!  Tom

If time is important enough to you, and to help mitigate case loss, not to mention also saving some other components at todays primer and powder prices, I would recommend having a hydraulic die made for your cartridge. Hornady makes them for a reasonable price considering the above. They do work quite well, especially when you have spent time and resources to get the case to proper neck diameter and length, and then to lose it in fireforming. Annealing can be critical at some stages also. Or just put on a happy face as Jack recommends, and enjoy the process!!