Let's Talk 22 Nosler

[shoot4fun]

I have a very nice bolt gun in 223 Ackley Improved and I've got the "hots" for something 22 Nosler. My budget (thanks Obamacare) isn't as flush as it used to be so I'm wondering if the 22 Nosler will clean up the existing 223AI chamber or if I will need to A) cut off the shank or B) replace the barrel?
Anyone smithys out there have personal hands-on knowledge of what I'll need to do?
Thanks!!!

 

[BleedsBlue]

I would stay with the 223AI, the nosler will give about the same performance with additional costs and will be harder on brass. handloads in a 223AI would be better in my opinion.

the upgrade wouldn't be worth it unless you went 22beast and better as a 22x47L, then your bolt wouldn't work

 

[shoot4fun]

I would stay with the 223AI, the nosler will give about the same performance with additional costs and will be harder on brass. handloads in a 223AI would be better in my opinion.

the upgrade wouldn't be worth it unless you went 22beast and better as a 22x47L, then your bolt wouldn't work

But that doesn't answer the question of the barrel being rechambered or needing set back to rechamber does it?
It is a 22" 8 twist and I get 3000 FPS with 80 Amax but throw the brass away (WW primer pockets). Otherwise I get 2850 with a less flame-throwing RL15 and 77SMK load. Pretty sure I would be getting at least those numbers with the same length chambered 22 Nosler.

 

[BleedsBlue]

I am not a gunsmith so I cannot answer the rechambering process. all I can do is share my 22nosler experience.

the nosler brass is so soft that it cannot handle pressures near what the .223/5.56 can, at factory ammo pressures (55000 psi) the case heads get extractor marks pretty bad, by the 2nd loading the case heads usually swell enough that they will not fit a shell holder.

at 55000 psi a 22nosler with a 22" barrel using RL15 will push an 80 Amax 2876 fps. at max SAAMI pressure it will travel at 2929 fps.

I do mean to be a downer but I jumped on the 22nosler band wagon and found out the hard way. have you considered a 22-204?

 

[shoot4fun]

I am not a gunsmith so I cannot answer the rechambering process. all I can do is share my 22nosler experience.

the nosler brass is so soft that it cannot handle pressures near what the .223/5.56 can, at factory ammo pressures (55000 psi) the case heads get extractor marks pretty bad, by the 2nd loading the case heads usually swell enough that they will not fit a shell holder.

at 55000 psi a 22nosler with a 22" barrel using RL15 will push an 80 Amax 2876 fps. at max SAAMI pressure it will travel at 2929 fps.

I do mean to be a downer but I jumped on the 22nosler band wagon and found out the hard way. have you considered a 22-204?

Now that is something I can use. I don't want to get derailed by the brass thing. If Lapua was the only maker it might be different but can't take a WAG on Nosler.
I guess I may really be better off with what I have. I don't cry about it when I have to dump WW brass with a loose primer pocket. Thanks!!!!

 

[BleedsBlue]

you are welcome, BTW the nosler brass blows primers easily also

 

[rockrat]

Yes, I believe you will need to set back the barrel to rechamber to 22 nosler. I rechambered a 223 to 22 nosler and had to setback the barrel. Went to a 223 AI and get almost the same performance. Only about 50 fps less. Not worth it, to me, going the Nosler route

 

[Striper Slayer]

My experience is the same as BleedsBlue. The brass is junk. No matter the load I get ejector swipes and the swelling case head is just plain obnoxious. I have both the 22 Nosler and a .223 AI and the AI is by far a better round. I wouldn't re-chamber if I was in your situation.

 

[AckleymanII]

Consider a 22/204. At least if you ruin the tougher winchester brass, you are less money out of pocket.

 

[Termite I]

I had the same results with the Nosler brass. If Lapua or Starline made 22 Nosler brass it might be a different story. Using Nosler reload data I was seeing brass damage well before max loads.