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99 sav- 223/243

rusobr2
fellas, i have a chanch to buy a 99e savage 243, in rough condition at a cheap price, i already have a 99f in 308, and i love shooting this gun , and i can buy nato ammo for it, my question is can the 99e 243 be rechambered to 223 or 7.62x39 with out to much trouble, or is this a pipe dream,thanks,rusobr2
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9 comments

Date Votes
  • nononsense
    rusobr2,

    "...can the 99e 243 be rechambered to 223 or 7.62x39 with out to much trouble,..."

    The simple answer is No.

    Both the .223 Rem. and the 7.62x39 cartridges are smaller in diameter and length. This is totally wrong from the standpoint that the .243 chamber is the .308 Win. necked down to 6mm (0.243") and is larger right from the start.

    The other part that causes trouble is the rotary magazine which is cartridge specific. So if you have a .243 Win. rotary magazine, the smaller and shorter cartridges will not be controlled and as a result won't feed.

    Best look for an alternative idea..

    Good luck.
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  • dfletcher
    I don't think the 7.62X39 would give any pressure problems and I think the bolt face and cartridge head would be pretty close - comparing 243 to 7.62X39 - but I think you'd have feeding issues with the 7.62X39. The casing is pretty sharply angled and I don't think the 99's rotary feeding system would accomodate it very well.
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  • RCrosby
    Now a .223/243 wildcat; that might work.
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  • babun
    A .223/.243 wildcat is known as a .22/250 remington. It would be so close .....BUT the 22/250 remington runs at chamber pressures that may be too high for your gun. bob
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  • RCrosby
    Close, but no cigar.
    A .223/243 would be similar to the old .224 Durham Jet. The 22/250 is based on the .250 Savage case, not the .243.
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  • ern98
    The Savage M99 project that I considered for a couple of years was to send a 243win off and have it rebarreled in 358win. But in your case you seem to like the idea of shooting milsurplus ammo. The Savage M99s are not getting any cheaper, while the SKS & AKs are still on the inexpensive side and plentiful. And, if you don't yet own an AR15 type rifle then thats where you should be going, IMO, for a good 223. Buy the rough M99 as an investment and see if you can't bring it back/restore it as the 243win is a great cartridge in its own right.
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  • sandwarrior
    rusobr2,

    As noted the bolt face is different. And the case taper is different. What you could do, if the 99E was a takedown is find a spare .250 rotary mag and have a spare barrel made up in .22-250. the rifle that was made for the .243 has plenty of strength for a .22-250. When you swapped barrels you would have to swap rotary mags. Or have a .224 middlestead barrel made up. (.243 necked down to .224). The whole thing hinges on whether or not it's a take-down. Which I'm assuming it's not. It could still be done but with a lot more work involved. You would be better off buying a whole new rifle.
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  • rusobr2
    thanks guys, now tonight i mite be able to get some sleep,as i went to bed thinking about 243 is larger and not smaller, so this is not an easy task, i looked the gun over again today, and i think i'll just buy it and restore it as a 243 for a winter project, i do appreciate the(expert)help and thanks again,rusobr2
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  • nononsense
    rusobr2,

    "...and i think i'll just buy it and restore it as a 243 for a winter project,..."

    That's the spirit! You show an exceptional amount of clarity in your thinking.

    Some of the thoughts above are wonderful when you consider just the flights of possibilities that could occur with rifles and parts. But they often flail around in the 'pipe dream' aspect due to lack of parts or really the lack of dollars that the client is willing to devote and invest in the project.

    I've been involved in a multitude of these types of projects back when I could afford to devote my time to learning and experimentation and not realize a necessary profit from my efforts. Nowadays though, that shoe is on the other foot. This project is certainly possible but only with an open check book or access to your child's college fund. It will be time consuming and expensive. Those that advocate otherwise won't be charging for their time. Nonetheless, it's a good mental exercise for the folks that want to work through these types of possibilities and serves for good, wholesome discussion.

    If you have the time and the inclination, please consider taking 'before' and 'after' photographs for posting on these forums. I know many of the members would truly enjoy the comparison.

    Good Luck with your project!

    Best.
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