Savage model 24 V-A

[pinkerpv]

I have a Model 24 V-A in 20 Ga/ 222 Rem. I want to rechamber it to 556/223 to be able to shoot more common ammo with my ARs. I have read some on the Savage 24 forum about the bbl twist rates being the same and also being different. I would welcome advice on rechambering from 222 Rem to 556/223 and the affect of the twist rate.

 

[nastynatesfish]

Well I don't think the twist would be far to different but most ar bases I've seen like the hevier bullets and my single shot didn't. That being it just depends what you want out of the rifle for accuracy. Running a bit heavier bullet woulnd end your accuracy you'd just have to work with it. The 222 is almost the same as 223. The neck is loncger and the case os shorter but you could ream it out to 223. I don't know how yod go about checking headspace though

 

[natman]

According to this table:

http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reference/pdf/Twist Tables_Rifle.pdf

the Savage 24 in 222 Rem uses a 1 in 14" twist. That's rather slow by modern 223 standards and if your AR uses heavier bullets it may not stabilize them.

I wouldn't do it because Savage has stopped making 24s, their collector value is growing and that will go out the window if you rechamber it.

 

[KosmicKrunch]

I just learned the early twist rates of older Colt AR's is 1:12 and the newer rates are 1:9 and 1:7. The Savage is 1:14. I think depending on the actual bullet you use, it may serve well. If you can find some older AR Mil ammo, that should do the trick. You can even load to older specs.

Most of the 24's being sold on the auction sites are not collectables and are used, although their prices are commanding some hefty sums, I have seen them bid up to $700 easily. The useability of the 24 you have would be greatly enhanced with 5.56 ammo so easy to get.

IMHO - I think the 5.56 would enhance the usability and the price if ever sold.

Redmans does great relining and chambering services, I would contact them if I were you for this job. http://www.redmansrifling.com/

 

[ngnrd]

You want to rechamber to "shoot more common ammo" in your rifle. Why? Lower cost? Availability? Selection? You can get all of that if you pick up a cheap Lee Loader and make your own ammo. Then, you wouldn't have any issues with the 1:14 twist rate, and would keep the collector value of the Savage. Of course, you could always sell it and buy a .223, if that's what you really want.

BTW, I own one. And I thought about rechambering it too, when ammo for it was becoming scarce. But after doing a little research, it just doesn't make sense to me. The .222 is a great varmint caliber with 40-50 gr bullets. And the .222/20ga combo makes a great "walking around" weapon. Can take birds, rabbits, fox, coyote, squirrels, and other small critters at just about any distance you're likely to see em. If you're looking to take anything bigger than that, you really need a heavier (longer) bullet. And, the 1:14 twist just won't stabilize much more than the typical 50-55 grainers.

If you really want one, Savage did make the 24 in .223. Might take a little while to find one, though.

 

[Sunray]

"...bbl twist rates being the same..." Not likely. Typical .222 twist is/was 1 in 14 vs 1 in 12 for the .223. The rifling won't stabilize heavy bullets, but it'll certainly work for 50 grains and under bullet weights. Mind you, for either cartridge, reloading is the way to go. Factory .223 ammo with light bullets may not be easy to find.
"...222 is almost the same as 223..." The .222 is 60 thou shorter and has a 110 thou longer neck. Shoulder is 3 thou wider.
"...the newer rates are..." Faster since the SS109 cartridge was developed.
Had a 24 in 20/.223, very briefly, long ago. Rifle barrel didn't shoot worth beans.
Don't think I'd go to the expense of having it rechambered. Certainly doable though. Can't imagine paying anywhere near $700 for one of 'em either.