Author Topic: Changing barrels 222 to a 243 (Read 718 times)

Ricci Price · « **on:** July 17, 2005, 11:49:58 AM »

Need some info on what it takes to do this. The gun is a 700 bdl older model I'd say early 70's 24" 222 that is wore out it'll still shoot about an inch group but it is pitted and has seen it's better days. I'm wonder what all needs to be done to the action. I know it needs a new bolt face I'm hoping I can just buy a bolt frame ( I think Numrich calls this a bolt handle) and use my firing pin assembly. I have got a brand new 243 VLS barrel coming. I know its a heavier barrel so the stock might have to also go. I work at a paper mill with a well established machine shop and a very competent machinist (we have built muzzleloader barrels,firing pins,etc.,etc.)while I'm not a gunsmith I do know a little about guns, I thought about doing myself, ofcoarse I don't want to screw it up either. Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #1 on:** July 17, 2005, 02:01:06 PM »

Just an opinion (and you know how that works) but I think you have a lot of work ahead of you. Before you start, I'd get a .243 round and just set it in the receiver of the .222. My first question: "is the action of the .222 long enough to fit a .243? " I think I'd scrounge around and see if I could trade the .222 for a short action 700 of .308 configuration. Maybe one with a shot out barrel.

jimann · « **Reply #2 on:** July 18, 2005, 04:52:18 PM »

Hi
You can use the same bolt....with work!! You need to open the bolt face, and use a "sako type" eextractor Fancy machine work!!! Then get a different follower, spring and mag. well metal.
A new bolt handle will not do anything but make it look like a newer model. I have seen "308" bolts for sale on ebay... easier than all the machining. Remington makes a short action and long action. So if you could find a short action bolt, with a larger bolt face, your there! You could also put in single shot follower, thats easier then getting all the other parts. You might put in a want to buy ad in the classified forum.
Good luck
jim

roper · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2005, 04:16:36 AM »

I think www.pacifictoolandgauge.com sell new bolts may want to post a want ad on www.benchrest.com for a bolt there is another outfit that has new ones may get that info on benchrest name just escapes me. Alittle more work on opening a bolt face and installing a sako extractor than you thing alot of time you have to move the ejector pin sweat a bushing in etc. I've had alot of rem redone and most have had the action squared (blueprinted). Don't mean to sound so negative but alot of time it's best to farm out the bolt work and squaring the action then you do the chamber work. Just my .02

Ramrod · « **Reply #4 on:** July 19, 2005, 01:24:32 PM »

I think it is better to skip the bolt face mods and just re-barrel to something with the same case head size. If you need to go to something bigger, it is cheaper to sell the gun and buy another used one with the boltface you need.

Ricci Price · « **Reply #5 on:** July 19, 2005, 01:25:07 PM »

Yep, just might look for another receiver, I got to lookin at the bolt & opening up the bolt face putting in another extractor & moving the pin is a little more than I want to do everything else will work though, might just buy a whole receiver & build the whole gun and leave the 222 as is maybe rebarrel it when time permits,I've got alot of 222 reloading stuff that I just cant let lay around. Appreciate the responses guys..

BuzzKill · « **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2005, 03:48:06 AM »

Ricci
I'm no smith, but maybe you could kick around the idea of adding a 204 barrel to your 700. Should work with little mods. BuzzKill

jimann · « **Reply #7 on:** July 24, 2005, 06:54:31 AM »

Hi again
To add to what Ramrod said... Maybe a TCU caliber .25 tcu, 6mm tcu, 6.5mm tcu or a 7mm tcu...Also the 6mmx47 All good choices! and a lot easier!
jim