.222 Rem rechambered to .223

[Catpop]

I've got a chance at a used 721 Rem in 222.
Question: Can a .222 Rem be rechambered to .223 using a finishing die only (not barrel setback). It looks like it can, but I wanted the threads opinion/experience. I'm not sure if the difference of the shoulder will be resolved by the extra length of the case body.
Please don't respond with "WHY". I know the 222 is a great cartridge, just don't need another caliber to deal with.
thanks, catpop

 

[MachIVshooter]

I wouldn't.

.222 has a shoulder that is .003" wider and .174 further back, and the .223 case has a .84* total taper (.42* per side); you'd end up with a pretty good step in the chamber

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, I think it can.

But the problem you will run into is the rifling twist rate.

The rifle is actually a Model 722 if it is a factory chambered .222.
And it has 1/14 rifling twist, which is to slow to stabilize much over 50 grain Spitzer bullets.

Typical .223 bullets weights could not be used in it.

rc

 

[Catpop]

Thanks rc, I hadn't even thought of the twist! I need to do a little more research.
Yuz guys is great!
Catpop

 

[Kp321]

It will work, I did several a few years back. They worked well with the 55 gr bullets that were all that was available then. I personally have three 222's that won't be re chambered. Nothing wrong with the 222 and I have scads of brass.

 

[loose noose]

I've got a Savage Model 24V with the .222/20ga, in fact when I first got it (used in excellent shape) I was going to have the chamber re-chambered to .223, until I talked to an older gunsmith friend, who stated basically the same thing as RC just mentioned. When the coyotes out here were getting over populated, I reloaded a bunch of 50 grain Hornady spire point, and was able to take quail as well as my share of coyotes. It really is decent round and very accurate to boot.

 

[witchhunter]

I gotta ask....why? The 222 is one of the most accurate cartridges in history. I am building one now. Load up some 40 grain VMax's in that baby and have some fun!

 

[Catpop]

Hum--------why? I love it! You guys are great!
Catpop

 

[257]

222 to 223

ditto on the twist rate, personally I like the 222 over the 223

 

[Jim Watson]

The twist rate? Has the rotation of the earth slowed down or something?

The .222 was brought out with the long time standard varmint rifle twist of 14" for a 50 gr spitzer. It did well with 52 gr boattails, too.

The .222 Magnum was brought out with the long time standard varmint rifle twist of 14" for a 55 gr spitzer, equally stable at the velocity possible from the larger case.

The .223 was brought out for the AR with the long time standard varmint rifle twist of 14", just adequate for a 55 gr boattail. It did ok in range tests and in early engagements in the tropics. The Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab found that the cheap 55 gr FMJ boattails were insufficiently stabilized in cold dense air, so the Army went to a 12" twist. Rumor has it that it gets cold in Russia. History has it that it gets cold in Germany.

But folks got exaggerated notions of rifling twist rate requirements.

There have been a lot of perfectly good .222s rechambered to .223. They seem to do ok with varmint loads but not so hot with surplus or cheapmart imitation surplus. And of course not at all well with the longer heavier bullets now standard in military ammo.

But I wouldn't do it. I have a soft spot in my heart for the Triple Deuce, it was one of my first calibers to reload and it did very well.