Help from Handi onwers about rechambering .222 to .223

[DsrtRat]

You handi guys seem to have info about everything.

I need some help. There is a local fellow here that has a Wichester M70 (1970s model) that has been Match rechambered from .222 to .223. It has a 1:14 twist (I shoot 40 gr V-MAX).

What is involved in rechambering from 222 to 223? Is this  safe mod? The 223 has higher pressure, correct? Is an M70 Varmint ok to do this rechambering? I lik ethe newer M70s, were the old ones (1970s) goo guns?

Any info would help!

[myarmor]

I am no expert to say, but as long as the Smith did a good job on it and headspaced it correctly, it should be fine. The Model 70 has always been a good workable strong action, even the post 64 that so many were displeased with. I have a model 70 270 and love it, good strong gun and can handle pressures easily.
Just , as always, watch for pressure signs for the loads you work up.




-Aaron

[knight0334]

I agree with myarmor.   

It should be ok.  The 223 should completely clean up a 222 chamber.  And the M70 receiver and barrels used were made of steel rated high enough for the 65K PSI pressures of the 270Win.  Even the short action receiver versions were rated for cartridges higher than the 223Rem.

Key thing is though- HEADSPACING..  Its not like lengthening the chamber of a 357mag or 44mag to their respected Maximum or Supermag big brothers.

The 1:14" twist wont be much good for heavier bullets.  fast 40gr pills should be the heaviest you go for accuracy.

[bill439]

The 1 in 14 twist is too slow for most all military loaded ammo.  However if you choose to handload using bullets 50grs and lighter you will have a very good conversion.  I have done several of these conversions and was always disappointed in the performance of military ammo in them.  In retrospect I don't think there is a whole lot to be gained by doing the conversion if military ammo can not be used.  The .222 is a great cartridge in it's own right and if brass is a problem then just reform .223 to .222.  Wish you luck.  Bill439

[PHATINJUN]

I am not real familiar with this conversion but the chamber part will be fine what I have heard to be problems is how the shell comes out of the clip into the action and that transition as I said I am not familiar with the bolt stuff just kind of a heads up as I had a friend who did one 220swift to 22-250 or visa versa and has trouble with the transition from clip to bolt to chamber so you may want to ask 's about that. Kurt

[.375 Hawk]

With a .223 Rem. in a 1 in 14 twist barrel my smallest groups were shot with Sierra MatchKing 53 gr. HP.  The Wilson barrel also really likes Sierra 50 gr. BlitzKing over 25 gr. of H335.  Each bullet with H335 powder grouped three shots at or just under 3/8" @ 100yds.

The same rifle does not like the 55 gr. FMJ stuff groups about 1 5/8". The rifle is a Cooper Classic single shot bolt action.

[gendoc]

I am not real familiar with this conversion but the chamber part will be fine what I have heard to be problems is how the shell comes out of the clip into the action and that transition as I said I am not familiar with the bolt stuff just kind of a heads up as I had a friend who did one 220swift to 22-250 or visa versa and has trouble with the transition from clip to bolt to chamber so you may want to ask 's about that. Kurt

why would anyone rechamber a swift... i know they were bad on errosion but thats a shooter
that people have been try'n to replace for over 60 years.
i've got  a #1 ruger in swift, i've shot it over a few thousand times with no signs of errosion
my other one is a springer with no model# made in the early 40's i've been told its a 407 model
its more of a conversation piece than anything, but she's still on fire!!!!!!!
i wish i could rechamber a handi to swift, but i don't think you can get there successfully......
i know you said visa versa.... i just thought i'd throw my reply in there for the heck-of-it

[bilmac]

I had a 700 Rem rechambered a long time ago. It works fine, I have always used whatever 223 loads I wanted. The rechamber didn't clean up the 222 chamber completely, if I look hard I can see a slight ring part way around a case fired in this chamber, but it has never affected the way the rifle shoots at all.

[LaOtto222]

1. A 223 should clean up a 222 chamber.
Issues - If the chamber on the 222 was to the large side, a 223 may not clean it up totally, especially if it is truly a match chamber. as     said above, there may be a slight ring where the shoulder was on the old 222, but should not hurt any thing. Chances are good that it would not be an issue.
If done improperly, there could be head spacing issues or the chamber off center to the bore. That is always a chance that is taken when enlarging a bore or even boring a fresh chamber.
2. The 222 was designed with a 1-14" twist. They had 52 grain bullets in mind for it. Of course they were flat based bullets. A 1-14" twist barrel should be able to stabilize a 55 grain bullet so long as it is not of a long design, such as a boat tail or an exceptionally long hollow point. It should stabilize any of the flat based spitzer style bullets (soft point). Of course you will need to shoot your rifle with them to try it out. Some will and some will not. You are reaching the ragged edge and slight crown issues and velocity really come in to play. If you are going to shoot 40 grain bullets, there should be no issues with any of the 40 grain styles, unless it is of a non lead core. Some of those bullets get real long for their weight. Even so, there is a good chance it will stabilize them.
3. The Winchester model 70 is a good rifle and should take any thing you can come up with, on this side of even a proof load for a 223 - which is way over safe pressures.

Good Luck and Good Shooting

[PHATINJUN]

After rereading my post I should clarify that it wasn't really my buddy who did the rechamber he bought the gun very cheap but I do believe it was 220 to 22-250 as he has shot it for a few yrs as a 22-250 and is very accurate but what I found out about a yr ago is that he shoots it single shot why get rid of the 220 is also beyond me.Kurt

[gendoc]

hey kurt,
glad ta know we'uns are on tha same page !!!