Author Topic: Rechamber a .223 to what ? (Read 1331 times)

Buckeyeppc · « **on:** March 18, 2005, 06:31:14 PM »

I've got a fired brass stuck in the chamber something fierce. The more I try, the worse it gets so I'm going to get a .223 bull and 30.06 barrels. Hate to throw this one away and was wondering what caliber I can get this .223 rechambered for ?

Thanks.

handirifle · « **Reply #1 on:** March 18, 2005, 06:49:33 PM »

Please be more specific. The more you try what? To remove the case?

If it is still stuck, try dropping a heavy rod down the barrel into the chamber. This usually does the trick.

Have you polished the chamber? If not try that before spending the money on a re-chamber. I used a spent case coated with JB bore paste. remove the primer, drill out the primer hole to accept a screw and put the screw into a drill chuck and while turning it at about 300-400rpmrun the case in and out of the chamber lightly touching in the shoulder area.

Make sure ALL lube is cleaned from chamber AND cases BEFORE firing as this is a common cause of cases sticking.

I did all this and polished the bore too, before firing a shot in my 223 ans have NEVER had a stuck case.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2005, 06:57:51 PM »

If you still have no luck removing the case, stick the barrel in a freezer for a couple hours, then try it again. I'd use a one piece cleaning rod to knock it out from the muzzle. Good luck!!

MSP Ret · « **Reply #3 on:** March 19, 2005, 12:51:53 AM »

, Welcome aboard buckeyeppc, sorry you have to enter with a problem. The above are great suggestions, try the full length cleaning rod, and don't get rid of that barrel yet, you should be able to get that stuck case out, I hope you have not damaged the barrel or chamber yet. It is always good to progress very slowly in trying to do things like this, If you do decide to throw it away or get rid of it, damaged or not, please let me know, I would be interested in getting it from you and working on it....Thanks....<><.... :grin:

Coalminer7 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 19, 2005, 01:56:07 AM »

Not sure of situation. You could try to drill out the primer pocket with a # 7 bit, take a 1/4" x20 tap and tap the hole, put some washers on the outside of the casing and get a 1/4 fine threaded bolt. Put a smaller washer ontop and thread the bolt into the casing. It will pull the casing out. If you think it is real bad soak some penatrating oil in the barrel some how. I would not get rid of the barrel before i tried this. What did you do to cause this, are these reloaded shells?

Awf Hand · « **Reply #5 on:** March 19, 2005, 05:01:50 AM »

I'd just like to help a bit with Coalminer's thought.

You'll want a 1/4 -20 bolt (not a fine thread, which is 1/4-28) if you're using a 1/4 - 20 tap.

But, to the beginning. What was it that got this case stuck in the first place and what have you tried to get it out? Was it milsurp 5.56 ammo or off the shelf Rem, Fed, Win, etc...?

The harder you try what, the worse what gets?

Buckeyeppc · « **Reply #6 on:** March 19, 2005, 06:28:31 AM »

Thanks for all your suggestions but I'm in a position now to either throw the barrel away or get it rechambered.

The brass was an Australian military once fired piece that I failed to re-size all the way down to the rim. It was slightly tight going into the chamber but I figured I'd fire form it and it would be ok. I've done everything all of you talked about doing and ripped out the rim so now it's just a hollow shell all the way through.

Seriously, I'm not concerned about this barrel which is a standard .223. I'm ordering a .223 bull and 30.06 and was just thinking of getting this reamed out to maybe a 22-250 which I kinda like to have and what NEF doesn't seem to make now. I was just curious to see there are any other options to rechamber this barrel to.

Thanks again for all the suggestions but I'd like to talk about re-chambering now.

Awf Hand · « **Reply #7 on:** March 19, 2005, 10:23:27 AM »

If you are serious about throwing the barrel away, I should like to know where I might find the dumpster. I would happily pay shipping if you'd like to use my dumpster...

If not, I would suggest a .22-30-30 Improved, or as Eabco calls it, the 22 Benchrest Magnum. This spits a 55gr bullet out about 150-200fps faster than the 22-250, while using about the same amount of powder.

If I found this bbl in my dumpster, I might do just that.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 19, 2005, 11:12:38 AM »

Another good choice would be the 224 Texas Trophy Hunter...it's made by using 6MM Remington cases and a full lenght sizing die...Redding has them.. 55 grain Trophy Bonded bullets at 3840FPS and .the new 60 grian Nosler partition clocks out around 3780 and the 75grain V-Max at 3700 fps...or you could always make it into a 220 Weatherby Rocket as well...50 grain SP at 4005fps...some real barn burners these are...

Mac

mt3030 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 09, 2005, 09:50:21 PM »

Buckeyeppc,
I just found this tread. If you haven't taken any action yet, consider rechambering to 225 Winchester. This is a standard chambering, not a wildcat, so reamers should be easy to find. Also a rimmed case, which Handis seem to prefer. Winchester brass is available from Midway and this caliber performs very well. It operates at about 50,000 psi, and performs just under the 22-250. I once had a Savage bolt in this caliber and it killed a lot of crows sitting in our corn fields. (Of course, this was before crows were protected in Washington state.)
Wally

MSP Ret · « **Reply #10 on:** April 10, 2005, 04:11:22 AM »

Buckeyeppc, How have you been and how is the stuck case barrel coming along? As I posted back about 3 weeks ago I am still interested in the barrel. Any decision yet?. Please let us know how things are progressing, Thanks....<><.... :grin:

Fred M · « **Reply #11 on:** April 10, 2005, 05:36:13 AM »

Buckeyeppc
Her is how to take the case out. Take one of your left over cases and cut the bottom off take a measurement of the inside and find a taper starting tap with a fine thread that will thread the inside of the case. run in the tap as far as the shoulder spray some Liquid Wrench into the bore and from the end and let it penetrate for a while, then tap the case out with a rod.

If you give me a while I will tell yo the size tap to use, I might have one.

Buckeyeppc · « **Reply #12 on:** April 10, 2005, 07:59:16 AM »

The .223 barrel with the stuck brass is at a Tucson gunsmith getting re-chambered to a 22-250. Receiver and forend is at NEF getting fitted with a new bull .223 and a 30.06 barrel. Should get everything back by the end of the month.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #13 on:** April 10, 2005, 08:09:46 AM »

Man, that's some good planning!!! A true Handi-Holic if I ever knew one!!! That makes me want a stainless 22-250 even more, though!!!! Congrats on making that great decision!!! :wink:

Mac11700 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 10, 2005, 08:31:09 AM »

SWEEET... :agree:

Glad it's working out for ya...what 30-06 barrel ya getting???

Mac

Buckeyeppc · « **Reply #15 on:** April 11, 2005, 06:49:05 AM »

Just the standard 30.06. Not into stainless except for my Cowboy Action Ruger Bisely Vaqueros in 45Colt. And that's mostly for show.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #16 on:** April 11, 2005, 08:38:37 AM »

That's too bad, you may have got the .30-06 UltraComp barrel if they still have any left!!

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=59834

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=60187

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=60114

6-24x42 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 11, 2005, 10:11:38 AM »

I like the gun quick. I haven't seen one with a stock quite like that before. Two words. CHICK MAGNET

quickdtoo · « **Reply #18 on:** April 11, 2005, 10:56:58 AM »

Ahem......it's more of a chick repellent when it comes to wives.... :eek: Thanks! The stock is available from H&R if you want one, about $100 shipped....

marv · « **Reply #19 on:** April 11, 2005, 11:29:54 AM »

Buckeyeppc. Welcome to the site here Sorry to hear about
stuck case, those can be bad! but I think got it solved.
Now who is the gun smith doing the work?? I have a ruined
22 Hornett barel want to have bored out to a 257 bore and recambered.
Thanks Marv,

quickdtoo · « **Reply #20 on:** April 11, 2005, 11:49:02 AM »

Marv, how'd it get ruined?? :?

knight0334 · « **Reply #21 on:** April 11, 2005, 12:21:58 PM »

.22-250
222 Remington Magnum
220 Swift
224 Weatherby

any one of which would make a nice woodchuck/prairiedog splatter gun. ..that is, if the chamber dimensions are larger than the original .223(no specs at hand to verify).

the Weatherby would take some extra work, I think its belted.

marv · « **Reply #22 on:** April 11, 2005, 04:30:36 PM »

Quick A young boy tried to knock a stuck brass out with nails, Head cut
off, Got two wedged in middle of the barrel, Marv.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #23 on:** April 11, 2005, 04:32:41 PM »

Oh no!! That's too bad.... :cry: Thx

Buckeyeppc · « **Reply #24 on:** April 11, 2005, 05:45:18 PM »

The gunsmith is a friend of my hunting buddy. Name is Ron in Tucson. I've never met him but my friend took my rifle to him to do some trigger work. Got the trigger down to 2.5 lbs.

I chose the 22-250 because another friend had one and spoke of the long distance accuracy. Don't remember what brand his rifle was but I figure the 22-250 is popular enough I wouldn't have any trouble finding re-loading supplies and it uses the same bullet and powder as the .223.

Buckeyeppc · « **Reply #25 on:** April 13, 2005, 04:23:49 PM »

Great news !! I sent in my receiver and fore end to NEF March 21st for a .223 bull and 30-06 barrel. Got everything back yesterday. 3 weeks from sending to receiving. That's great service. I'm extremely pleased.

Now to wait for my 22-250 from the gunsmith.