Frenchieboy Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 I have just been reading the thread by CZ452 where he is talking about changing his rifle from a .223 down to a .222 rifle. While I don't think this is a think that is a good option it really is a case of "Everyone to their own"! One thing that I have picked up from his thread is that the .222 and the .223 cartridges are basically the same except for the neck length and that you should be able to get the chamber reemed out so that you could in effect convert your .222 to a .223 cal. I have a .222 Bruno Fox that I am very attached to which, for an old and cheap rifle is extremely accurate. One thing that I do experience occasionally is a bit of difficulty in getting ammunition for it. I always used to use Partizan, which the rifle worked well with (I never ever had a single fox get up and complain) and it was "affordable" compared to Sako or Federal and the likes so I am "thinking" of any ways around this situation. From what I can see if it is possible to get the chamber reemed out from a .222 to a .223 would help to ease the problem as the .223 ammunition seems to be more readily available with an added bonus that there is a little more variety in weights etc: so would it be practical to have my .222 reemed out to a .223 and if so where would one get this type of work done, what price might I expect to pay for the work, would I really be gaining anything and what are the legal requirements appart from getting a variation from .222 to .223 on your FAC please or would I be better just selling the .222 and getting a variation and buying a .223? Your wisedom, experience and thoughts please guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hornet 6 Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 What twist rate is your .222, 1 in 12 is considered slow these days for a .223. My X-bolt is a 1 in 12 and shoots 40 grain bullet very well, but that means re-loading, which I do. It shoots ok with factory 55 grain bullets but nothing like as well as the 40's Neil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchieboy Posted October 20, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 I'm not sure on the trist rate of my barrel, maybe it's something I should check on. This is why I have asked the question in a "generalisation" type of way - So that I can get the more experienced members to help me to understand all of the ins and outs of it - I like to think that I am fine firing a rifle but when it comes to balistics, twist rates loads, etc I am well out of my depth so I rely on other members advice, knowledge and "words of wisdom"! I thank you for your feedback Hornet 6! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steel100 Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 Frenchieboy, Others have already mentioned the issue of barrel twist rate. Also, consider the cost of having the chamber reamed out to .223 - not cheap! Referring to my Speer 12 Reloading manual you might need to think about cartridge overall length. Max. ctg. length for .222 is listed as 2.13"; for .223 it is 2.26". Have you tried feeding .223 ammunition through the magazine of your 'Fox'? At best you might end up with a single-shot .223" All the best Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 It would be a lot cheaper to up your ammo allowance so you can buy in bulk or start home loading so you never run out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowz Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 (edited) if you dont know your twist rate here is a great video of how to find out, also check out his other videos, they are very informative hth Richard Edited October 20, 2010 by snowz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve42 Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 (edited) Bought a tikka M55 off a friend that was originaly a 222 and he had the chamber machined to 223 , it shot fantastic up to 55gn bullets anything above that it just key holed the target (twist was 1:12) also cycled the amo from the mag no problem . The only prob my mate had was trying to explain to the firearams officer that the gun was now a 223 and no longer a 222 , in the end he sent it for reproofing and the barrel was re stamped as 223 Edited October 20, 2010 by steve42 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchieboy Posted October 20, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 Thanks guys! It's quite surprising just how much there is to take into account on a issue like this one. From what I have read so far I think it might be better in the long run to think about a variation for a .223 in exchange for my .222 when the time arises. I'm in no rush anyway as I have found that I can work quite reasonably with Sako 50gr Gameheads for the time being! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 thats the way to go frenchie, of course if deer are ever likely to be on the menu then you could just add a .243 and then decide what to do with the .222 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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