.223 to .223AI

[Game_Stalker]

Heya peoples. I've got an Encore in .223 and I'm thinking about having it changed to a .223AI. Would somebody(s) be so kind as to explain to me the process to go through to have this done and what kind of cost I'm looking at?

[Nobade]

You can't do that. In order to rechamber a barrel to the same AI caliber the barrel needs to be set back. Obviously that's not possible with an Encore. What you can do, though, is make it a 222 Rem magnum (regular or AI) or a 22-250 or my choice, a .225 Winchester. You just have to pick something longer than the existing chamber so it'll clean up what is there. If you go running a 223 AI reamer in that barrel you'll end up with a chamber that's neither here nor there and is not safe to fire factory 223 in, the whole point to the AI rounds to start with.

[knight0334]

As Nobade mentioned^^

Near ALL Ackley Improved cartridges require a .040" +/- crush fit. That requires either the barrel being turned/moved back or a complete rechamber from a much shorter chamber to provide the required fit.  Without the crush fit, the chance of ruptured cases greatly increases.

Hinged/break-open actions like the T/C or NEF cant be turned back.

Find yourself a smaller cartridge chambered barrel with the desired rate of twist and ream it out to your 223AI.

[gunnut69]

Or even better, if you're looking for more power just buy a 22-250 barrel..