T-3 .223 to .221 Fireball conversion
- Thread starter KDX
- Start date
Just by looking at case dimensions, I would say it shouldn't be a big deal.
You'll have to spin the barrel back about a half inch or so to re chamber it.The OAL is about 7/16" shorter on the fireball,but the shoulder angle remains the same, so the magazine should work, although you may need to load towards the back of the mag so the feed lips hold properly.
If all you need done(and I'd check with your smith on this) is spinning the barrel back, and recutting the chamber , the whole works shouldn't be more than a couple hundred bucks.I think the last rifle I had rechambered cost me 150.
Scott
You'll have to spin the barrel back about a half inch or so to re chamber it.The OAL is about 7/16" shorter on the fireball,but the shoulder angle remains the same, so the magazine should work, although you may need to load towards the back of the mag so the feed lips hold properly.
If all you need done(and I'd check with your smith on this) is spinning the barrel back, and recutting the chamber , the whole works shouldn't be more than a couple hundred bucks.I think the last rifle I had rechambered cost me 150.
Scott
- Location
- Thunder Bay ON Canada
Because it's a silhouette pistol cartridge?
On the other hand, I wouldn't necessarily not want to get a bolt action rifle chambered in this cartridge, if I were to send it to a remanufacturer like Canada Ammo that specializes in shorty firearms.
Since barrel length rules don't apply to manual operated centerfires, you can have a 10 or 12 inch barrel on your gun, which is the length the fireball shines in; right?
Just a thought.
Glock4ever
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Edmonton, AB
.221 Fireball actually shines in a rifle length barrel - with lightweight bullets and lil'gun it almost achieves .223 velocities with 40% less powder.
Because by the time it's done you bubba'd a decent rifle and spent approx. $1000, for less velocity. But whatever turns your crank, I would recommend purchase of a new rifle in the chambering then a conversion.
Interesting link to Todd's post, but that was a test of Barnes bullet, not the cartridge.
How do you consider this "bubba-ing"?
There is nothing done to the rifle, that couldn't be returned to normal, although it would likely require a new barrel.
As far as the cost goes, it certainly wouldn't be $1000.You could spend close to that if you wanted to throw a new, custom barrel into the mix, but then you would have your old barrel to return the rifle to original.
I don't know that I would bother , a .223 is certainly efficient enough for me, but everyone marches to their own beat.
Scott
.221 Fireball is an excellent round in a rifle--more jam than a hornet so it handles wind a little better--very quiet, very accurate, whole lotta fun.
If you are converting a .223 you should try feeding some dummy rounds through the mag before you start--I suspect there might be feeding issues. The remington factory 221's have s spacer at the rear of the mag box and I am not sure if the feed rails are the same--don't have a 223 bolt to compare it to.
44Bore
If you are converting a .223 you should try feeding some dummy rounds through the mag before you start--I suspect there might be feeding issues. The remington factory 221's have s spacer at the rear of the mag box and I am not sure if the feed rails are the same--don't have a 223 bolt to compare it to.
44Bore
Well I might be a bit on the upper range, but you must always allow extra for unforeseen expenditures. Just get hold of a gunsmith and get a estimate.
This conversion is a bit more involved then a simple re chamber.
I am not familiar with this particular rifle but will the barrel need cuts for the extractor, are you going to have bedding issues after the conversion?
Best regards..Mike..
