Cartridge options with .223 Rem Bolt Face?

[JB10]

Question,
I just got a Remington 700 in 223. I bought it to build something off of. I have several 223 bolt guns and dont really need another. Looking for recommendations on cartridges based off this bolt face. I already build a 6×45 last year, so scratch that one. Also have a 204 ruger already. What would you guys build/recommend?

 

[Just Say Moe]

Go small - 17 FB, 17 Mach IV, 17-222, 17-223, 20 Vartarg, 221FB, etc

 

[SecondsCount]

223AI with a 1:8 or 1:7.5 twist.

 

[C.E.Smith043]

I've been reading a lot about the 22-204 and it seems to really have some interesting features.

 

[jpx2rk]

20 Practical if you like the 20 cal's. Neck down a 223 case and go shoot.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

17/223

 

[alf]

I've been reading a lot about the 22-204 and it seems to really have some interesting features.

Hell ya......

 

[SmokinJoe]

You wouldn't regret the 20VT or 221FB, both great and fun little cartridges.

 

[swd]

17MkIV, 17 Rem, 20 VarTarg, 221 Fireball, 7TCU, 300 Whisper

 

[JB10]

Another thought i had was feeding issues. Its a bdl model and do plan to swap out stocks with a better one. Would i have to mess with the box mag with some of these rounds? Also had some thoughts on 222, has not been mentioned yet.

 

[K22]

Another thought i had was feeding issues. Its a bdl model and do plan to swap out stocks with a better one. Would i have to mess with the box mag with some of these rounds? Also had some thoughts on 222, has not been mentioned yet.

The 222 Rem is one of the greatest cartridges ever designed in my opinion. I shot one for several years. Having shot the 223 Rem bolt rifle both custom and factory extensively for the last 30 years, I really don't see a practical difference between the two except the 223 Rem gives you a little more distance for varmint and predator hunting.

Some will say that the 222 Rem is more accurate. However, that is not what I found if you reload. My 223's all shoot on par with the 222 Rem with tailored reloads.

 

[JB10]

Yeah i will not be competing with it. This just a i want something different rifle. I have several 223 i varmint hunt with exclusive with so i have that covered. Iam going to fairly light in case i wanna have fun with it in the field.

 

[xswanted]

223ai fast twist would be fun.

22-204 would be pretty cool

17-204 would be a lot of fun.

6-204 is like a 6PPC, it’d be a tick faster than your 6x45.

19-223 if you could find any components.

 

[Walt Krafft]

300 Blackout, 300 Ham'R, 350 Legend

 

[muleystalker]

I have done a 6x204 set up for 95gr SMK's and it's a great cartridge and it just so happens that the 87gr VMAX fit that free bore perfectly since the 87's have a long bearing surface. It also shoots the
Badlands Bulldozer ll 80gr mono's lights out and and at some surprising speeds.

 

[JSH]

22 Nosler. I built one on a Howa mini, use 7.62x39/6.5 Grendel mags with very slight modifications. Still work fine with parent cartridges.
No issues the gas gun folks describe.

 

[Bill Clifton]

Another thought i had was feeding issues. Its a bdl model and do plan to swap out stocks with a better one. Would i have to mess with the box mag with some of these rounds? Also had some thoughts on 222, has not been mentioned yet.

222 was my first thought and would be my choice. Such a fun round. An oldie but goodie

 

[butchlambert]

22 Red Russian off the 6BR case.

 

[JB10]

That would not fit the 223 bolt face

 

[butchlambert]

That would not fit the 223 bolt face

I was waiting on your answer. The 22 Red Russian was developed by Red Cornelison,first member of the Benchrest Hall of Fame. It is a BR case shortened, necked down, outside neck turned, neck bored about .200" deep to allow the bullet to sit on the step for the prearranged seating depth, and cases rebated to 222 size. Yes, I have a few of them. It is very labor intensive.
The Red Russian on the far right.