Convert a 22 Hornet barrel to a .221 FireBall

[223Shooter]

I would like to purchase another barrel for my .223 Handi rifle. I really want a .221 FireBall..its a sweet caliber.  Is it possible to ream the chamber of a 22 Hornet to a .221 FB? If possible, what about barrel twist?  What is the barrel twist of a std 22 Hornet from NEF? Would it work with a .221 FB?  ALL comments appreciated.

[quickdtoo]

Barrel twist rates for all H&R calibers are in the FAQ sticky above.

[jeff223]

i think that would ge a great idea.the 221 reamer will clean up the hornet chamber and you will gain alot better caliber.the 221 is a great round.you will need a 223 ejector and a smith to do the job.do you have a smith in mind?

id like a 221 fireball too.

[cheatermk3]

I did something similar a few years ago, had a Hornet rechambered to 218BEE.  There was minimal reshaping of the extractor; to go to a fireball you may need to recut the slot the extractor fits into.  Should be a minor fit job.

I'd like a fireball too.

[dognot]

Now that sounds like a great idea. If you find out what it entails, post it if possible. would love to do that to my Hornet as well. Does anyone know a Smith that tackles NEF guns.

[marv]

All you need is a reamer, T- handle for it and cutting oil.
 You can get a Ejector from Brownell for 223 If it is wider than
 the Hornett just cut out with dremel tool. I did a Hornett to
 a 219 Zipper Got a 30 -30 ejector, Don't need gun smith
 If you do just a little work yourself.  Pretty simple! Even dummie
 like Me.          Marv.

[dognot]

Ok you got me Interested. I did some checking with a local Gunsmith, The two guns might have a different twist needed in barrell, totally different extractor etc.  But 22k hornet can be done easily, with about 15-20% velocity gain. I might just go that way. I've heard they are more accurate as well.

[Duce]

Shooter: Checked out the case length the Hornet is 1.403" max and 1.393" trim length. While the Fireball runs 1.400" max and 1.390" trim. One thing comes to mind though , if you'll check a rimless cartridge barrel you'll notice the ejector can't be pushed down so it will slid under the rim when you close the barrel, that's not true of a barrel using rimmed rounds like te hornet. Good Luck: :grin: <>< Duce:

[jbtazgrabber]

DID YOU FIND A SMITH WITH A 221 REAMER????IM REALLY THINKING OF MAKING A 357 MAX TO 308 CAL BUT NEED A 221 REAMER??JB

[Fred M]

Chamber drawings are different from cartridge drw

The chamber of the Hornet is 1.415 long

The Fireball has a length of 1.4320.
See Clymer drawings.

I would go with  a 22PPC with its proven accuracy record. May as well get the best, same price, and use the fine Lapua 220 Russian cases, lots of people just chamber for the 220 Russian and eliminate fire forming. .

How easy can you get Fireball cases?

[cheatermk3]

http://www.lockstock.com/cart/webcart.cgi?ZOOMPAGE=YES&TOPPAGE=/products/zoomtop.txt&OCATS=Remington+221+Fireball+Brass&ZN=TEXT&CODE=1994702&ITEM=362

Useta be they were scarce but not anymore.