Calibre conversion Question

[c1979]

A friend has an old savage bolt action .222 , is it possible to convert it to a .223
without finding a new barrel. Can the old barrel just be reamed to fit a .223 cartridge. Thanks

 

[gunrunner100]

First it would help to know what model of Savage it is. If it's a 340 series, it can be done but the mag will probably not work due to the increased case size. Also the twist rate for the 222 versus the 223 is different. You may need to use lighter bullets ie: 40-45 grain for the faster twist of the 222 barrel, otherwise accuracy will suffer.

 

[River Rat]

I did a 222 with a 1-14 twist to 223 and it will shoot 64 grain bullets no problem.To do it properly you have to set the barrel back or you end up with a little shinney ring on the 223 brass where the 222 shoulder used to be.

 

[Rembo]

I did a 222 with a 1-14 twist to 223 and it will shoot 64 grain bullets no problem.To do it properly you have to set the barrel back or you end up with a little shinney ring on the 223 brass where the 222 shoulder used to be.

first 223 I owned was a 700 rechambered from 222...it had the ring....

the twist is a non-issue..

 

[River Rat]

first 223 I owned was a 700 rechambered from 222...it had the ring....

My first 223 had the ring also,was the most accurate 223 that I ever owned.The ring don't hurt anything just some guys seem get excited about it.

 

[Rembo]

first 223 I owned was a 700 rechambered from 222...it had the ring....

My first 223 had the ring also,was the most accurate 223 that I ever owned.The ring don't hurt anything just some guys seem get excited about it.

you're right River Rat.....nothing to get excited about...at least I could tell my brass from my buddy's when we were picking it out of the grass ...this was back in '91-'92...still have some of that brass here.......now a 223AI reamer will clean up a 222 chamber.....not that I would advise such a move however....