.222mag to .223
I just came across a Sako Vixen heavy barrel in 222mag. Im considering a rechamber to 223. I know the shells are close, but can expect to lose any accuracy? Im not too worried about value..im in it good and dont plan to resell. Any thoughts or idea's?
-Kid
www.acebuyers.com
GB... Land of the Free, Home of the *POOF*
-Kid
www.acebuyers.com
GB... Land of the Free, Home of the *POOF*
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Why rechamber it? I know the availability of 223 ammo appeals but the 222Mag. is so inherently accurate and although only small amount but is faster than the 223! If you need load data contact me. I've been shooting the 222Mag. for over 20 years and even rebarreled one last year using a 40-X barrel. Technically speaking you can't rechamber directly to 222 Mag. as the Mag case is 1.850 inches and the 223 is 1.760 inches. It could be done the other way but to rechamber the barrel you would have to cut it and thereby lose some length and rechamber. Again, my answer is NO DON"T DO IT! GHD 0 -
I forgot to address the accuracy question. The 222Mag actually saw some BenchRest duty in its early life. Exceptional accuracy! Never ever heard of a 223 being used in BenchRest! You already have a gun chambered in a superior cartridge, why back up? GHD 0 -
Hmm good input. Ill look into 222 loads then. I dont currently reload, but it would give a good reason to.
thanks,
-kid
www.acebuyers.com
GB... Land of the Free, Home of the *POOF*0 -
I am not aware of any currently available factory loads for the 222MAG but I do know of a shop that has some if you are interested. It's Blue Ridge Guns and Ammo in Fairfield, VA. 540-377-2428. Owners name is Allen Groh. There is also another shop just down the road from him, J&H Guns 540-377-6627 that has some also. The factory loads were mostly 55 gr. PTD SOFT PT Remington. GHD 0 -
Thanks for all the info GHD. I'll look into the ammo, it just doesnt exsist out here. Im reading a 1 in 14 twist, so 55gr is about it. Silly question but both cartridges use the same bullet? If not what bullets are common in 222mag? Thanks again, this is turning out to be a fun project.
-Kid
www.acebuyers.com
GB... Land of the Free, Home of the *POOF*0 -
In my 40-X (1-14 twist) I get good accuracy and varmint smacking performance from 40 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips ahead of 30 grains of Varget. Getting 30 gr of Varget into the case is tough! It is full! Also get good performance from 26 gr of IMR 3031 and 50 grain bullets. The best groups overall are from 26.5 gr of 3031 and 52 gr. FOWLER BenchRest bullets(custom bullet maker in NC). This barrel is only 20 inches and the 40 gr BT load chronographs 3491fps! Add anothe 4 inches on the barrel and you've got a very respectable little varmint round! GHD 0 -
My opinion, don't rechamber it.
If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.
The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !0 -
The little .222 Mag did have a small following prior to the advent of the .223.....(the mystical appelation "Magnum" was used rather loosely in those days!) Years ago, I built one using a short action BSA and it was reasonably accurate with 52 grain Sierra HP BT ammo. Once took 5 shots at an old white enameled coffee pot at about 300 yards....it didn't budge--I discovered the palm-sized group penetrated cleanly through the metal without knocking it over!
You might want to check the cost of conversion versus reloading...
.223's are available virtually EVERYWHERE. I've seen inexpensive steel cased ammo selling for $2.24 per box in bulk quantity.
The .22/6mm PPC calibers pretty much eclipse almost any .222 Mag if serious target shooting is your desire.
Good Luck!0
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