Author Topic: 223 rem possibilities. (Read 612 times)

Bearwolf · « **on:** January 05, 2005, 04:41:57 PM »

I am thinking seriously about buying a Howa 1500 stainless steel heavy barreled varminter in 223 rem. If I eventually decide that the 223 doesn't have quite enough umph for me is it possible to rechamber the 223 rem to a 22-250 rem or 220 swift later on down the road. If so what all does this process entail and what is the typical costs involved. I may also rechamber a 308 if possible since I already have all the stuff for it.

Thanks for the replies.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 06, 2005, 06:23:55 AM »

To alter the Howa from a 223 (small diameter casehead) to a standard case head such as the 22-250 or 220 swift the bolt face needs to be opened, and the barrel re-chambered. The magazine may also have to be changed to accomodate the larger cased rounds. The 308 and the 22-250 or the swift would all fit in the short action, magazines would have to be changed... Usually I would council that trading for a rifle of the caliber you wish would be a cheaper and better alternative..

Bearwolf · « **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2005, 07:45:00 AM »

Hum, something to consider then. What would you guess would be an average barrel life (stainless heavy barrel) between the 223 and 22-250? I know the 22-250 would be ~400fps faster than the 223. I usually shoot for the least amount of powder charge that is accurate for my reloading and it will be with a 55gr spitzer bullet.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 07, 2005, 08:32:34 AM »

Well the 223 would live an awful lot longer all else being equal but any rifle can be destroyed in a day. A lot depends on how you shoot the rifle. If you avoid getting it so hot thru long strings of fire the barrel will last a lot longer. Neither of these rounds is my favorite. Both have been finicky to get to shoot well. Of course I've only owned 3 22-250's and 4 of the 223's. the easiest 223 was the CZ 527FS. Hardly any work at all.. But I've never found a 222 that wouldn't shoot well unless worn out.. The 220 has always seemed more tractable a round to reload for.. I would bet with care the 223 barrel would last 2 times as long as the 22-250, even if both were well cared for. Those extra 400 or so FPS are paid for thru 50% to 100% more powder and that's the real culprit in wearing out a barrel. Of course that's really irrelavent as performance is the name of the game. If your need the power of the big 22 centerfires the 22-250 is ubiquitous. The swift is a bit less common.. I seem to remember reading that the 22-250 in factory fodder has the highest pressure of any factory cartridge..

Bearwolf · « **Reply #4 on:** January 07, 2005, 08:59:34 AM »

Well I bit the bullet and went and put the howa 1500 ss variminter in 22-250 on layaway. I'm not one to load up my rifles as fast or hot as I can, I will most likely get a lower dose of IMR4064 and live with it as long as it is fairly accurate, then I guess once the barrel becomes toast, I will have it reamed to a 243 or 6mm rem if thats possible.

Thanks for the reply.

Racepres · « **Reply #5 on:** January 07, 2005, 10:24:03 AM »

1) If you could ever possibly cook that bbl throat, if I was you I would set the bbl. back, ream, and Hit it again. BUT I am no Expert. 2) I heard thru some darn place that "ball" powders burn cooler somehow than "stick" powder. If you can determine any truth to something like that I suspect it may be worthwhile to use a "less errosive" powder. Heck I probly just proved I don't know beans bout nothin' but some stuff I "acquired" that I'm passin.... Like gas... May be good ... maybe not!! ... Marty

gunnut69 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 07, 2005, 07:37:32 PM »

It's not a bad idea but while the throat is where the most damage is done the first several inches of bore will show the effects of the hot gases. Still we're not talking about a few rounds here. If care is taken, I would guess many thousands of rounds would have the be shot before the barrel went totally sour. A good quality SS barrel should last a long time before it is toast. Shoot it with sane loads and unless you are heavy shooter indeed your kids may get a crack at it before it's rebarrel time.

Bearwolf · « **Reply #7 on:** January 08, 2005, 04:52:34 AM »

Yeah, my kids are one reason I wanted to get the 22-250 and in a heavier barrel so it wouldnt kick as much. I figure I will start him out on a 22LR then move up to the 22-250 then if the opportunity to go deer hunting presents itself then the idea of reaming up to a low recoiling 243 or 6mm for him to use hunting deer would be great I think. :grin:

gunnut69 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 08, 2005, 07:49:16 PM »

Remember changing to a different caliber will require a new barrel.. Still not a bad idea. It is possible to kill deer with the 22-250 if bullet selection is carefully studied. The 243 though is a much better idea.. Be sure they always wear gooooood hearing protection... Kids ears are very delicate and hear lost is gone forever..

earschplitinloudenboomer · « **Reply #9 on:** January 09, 2005, 01:27:02 AM »

I tend to agree with gun writer Jim Carmichael, a lot more bores are damaged by poor cleaning practices than by shooting. A good one-piece rod and proper cleaning (not overcleaning) and a 22-250 barrel will last a surprisingly long time, especially if not loaded to max.