22-250 re-chamber

[RonS]

I have a 22-250 12T 22" barrel, with low round count, I would like to re-chamber to 22-250 AI. What can I expect as far as performance? Will I gain much in accuracy with an Improved chamber? I will be using 52gr bullets or would something a little heavier be better? I have Varget, H4895, IMR 4895, H4198, IMR 4198, IMR 4320, H380 and CFE 223 plus many others. Does the barrel have to be set back to do this? When the new shoulder is formed is it pushed forward or backward?

 

[Bangs OH]

As far as bullets, you might look at the higher-BC 53 gr. V-Max.; I just found some but haven't loaded any yet for my .22-250. You might want to do a re-barrel to 24 or 26" for more fps, with or without the re-chambering. Fwiw, I was looking at doing the AI thing or switching to a Swift, but jumped to a .243 instead and haven't regretted it.

 

[SBS]

You will not gain much performance with a 22" barrel. Already your velocity suffers from not enough barrel and the AI needs more barrel to burn the extra powder. The barrel does need to be set back for a proper AI chamber -- not an awful lot, but if you want the stamping to come up at the original spot, setting it back a thread is enough. Generally you'll not gain anything in accuracy, as the new reamer can only follow the old chamber until the rechambering is almost done. Sometimes it will shoot a little worse or it could be a little better if your old throat was worn a little. Sometimes it changes what it will shoot best. I had been shooting the 53 V-Max in the last rifle before I converted it to AI and after rechambering, it would not group with that bullet with any powder, but it did very well with another bullet. RL-15 is what I have been using. RL-17 should work well, but couldn't find a load that shot well. A friend uses IMR 4064 with good results.

 

[sundance]

I use Varget and a 52 grain Hornady match bullet in my 22-250 ackley .It is a good combo in my gun .It was built as a 22-250 ackley so I can't tell you about any improvement going from one caliber to the other.When I shoot out the barrel it will be the same caliber again.

 

[Ackman]

I have a 22-250 12T 22" barrel, with low round count, I would like to re-chamber to 22-250 AI. What can I expect as far as performance? Will I gain much in accuracy with an Improved chamber? I will be using 52gr bullets or would something a little heavier be better? I have Varget, H4895, IMR 4895, H4198, IMR 4198, IMR 4320, H380 and CFE 223 plus many others. Does the barrel have to be set back to do this? When the new shoulder is formed is it pushed forward or backward?

It'll shoot just the same as it did before, only 150-200fps faster. In a bunch of these, best powders for me have been W760 and RL15.

The barrel needs to be set back enough to take out all body taper from the existing chamber. Also to cut a complete new neck and throat.

The shoulder on an AI is pushed forward quite a lot, but the neck/shoulder junction is pushed back.

 

[CatShooter]

If it is properly done, you will loose another ~inch of barrel, which brings you to 21"...

Get a new, longer barrel, or don't waste your time and money.

You have to pay for the setback and rechamber, plus you have to buy a new set of dies - go the extra step and start with a new barrel, and you WILL get an increase in accuracy.

 

[357Mag]

RonS -

Howdy !

IMHO: for a good dual-role' varmint/target set-up, consider going long... on the order of 28 -29".
And, perhaps also go w/ a 1-8, and shoot something like a 75 "A"-Max.

In .22-250AI, the above would give you a viable 1,000yd gun, certainly for groundhogs & such.
If you expect more very LR target work, you might want to go w/ 1-7.5 for shooting heavier
.224's.

Powder -
I'd think you'd be closer to the AA3100 zone. My .22-35Rem wildcat in a 28" 1-8 5-groove
shot 40.5gr AA3100 and FED LR Match under 75 "A"-Max, as the accuracy load.

The longer barrel will have an impact on the bedding set-up/stock, most likely.


With regards,
357Mag

 

[RonS]

Guys thanks for all your comments and advice. I think that a new barrel would be a smart way to go and I'll just keep this barrel for tinkering with on the 100 & 200 yard line.