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Re-chamber single shot from 223 to 22-250

MRogersII

Good evening. Question - I've been looking for a tractor rifle for sometime. That being a compact, economical varmint rifle that I can carry in the cab of the tractor while feeding in the winter. I bought a used Rossi single shot in 223. It's a break open action similar to the HR Topper or NEF. Not sure of the name/model number but it fits the bill pretty well. My question is this, can I re-chamber this to 22-250? I don't have anything against the 223, but I've always been particularly fond of the 22-250. Seems like it would be pretty straightforward. Run a reamer in, headspace it, then re-fit the extractor. But, I thought it wise to ask.
Thank you
Michael
 
I thought about that. I've done a few extractor modifications in the past. Because this one is going to a slightly larger diameter, the modification would be to remove a small amount of material and create a new radius. Historically that has been easier than going to a smaller diameter and having to add material, or even make a new one. That was my thinking anyway.
 
MRogersII said:
I thought about that. I've done a few extractor modifications in the past. Because this one is going to a slightly larger diameter, the modification would be to remove a small amount of material and create a new radius. Historically that has been easier than going to a smaller diameter and having to add material, or even make a new one. That was my thinking anyway.
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is a 22/250 case as long or longer than a 223? ill measure in a few minutes. are you gonna pay somebody to do this or do it yourself? arent those break barrel single shots available in 22-250? Id get one of the inexpensive bolt actions in 22-250 before doing this.
 
I apologize guys. I see now that my first inquiry was not specific enough and didn't make clear what I was looking for.

There are two questions I was hoping to get answers for:

1. Concept - I have almost zero experience with the little 223, and many many years experience with the 22-250. If I were to have to buy a new barrel, machine a new lug, and then fit those on the circle, then I wouldn't even consider it. But, if I can simply rent a reamer for $40, re-fit the exractor, that is a much more viable option. The question is, is the 22-250 that much of an improvement? Or is the net gain negligible? Here again, just looking for feedback on 223 performance on coyotes. Inside of probably 400yds. The fact that I very much like the 22-250 gets me more than halfway there. But I'm willing to yield to experience from 223 shooters who might say there's no meaningful difference.

If question 1 is a yes, then are there significant technical issues with running a 22-250 reamer into a 223 chamber. I've not done that before and my guess is that the 22-250 pilot might make contact in the early stages of the cut.

As always, thank you all for the quality feedback.
 
If you're interested in a quick and easy solution, I'd learn to load for the .223.

Especially if you have no idea how your current set-up shoots. Might have a janky barrel and no amount of rechambering will fix that. And it might shoot lights out with just a bit of tuning.
 
So look at the case head of a .223. Look at the case head of a 22-250. That has to fit in the same space.

Just because the barrel caliber is the same, that doesn't mean it's an easy conversation.
 
DShortt said:
So look at the case head of a .223. Look at the case head of a 22-250. That has to fit in the same space.

Just because the barrel caliber is the same, that doesn't mean it's an easy conversation.
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I guess I'm still missing something here. Apologies. Certainly I'm aware that the 223 has a smaller diameter case head than the 22-250. We discussed that in one of the first few posts. Im guessing that was not your point.
 
With regards to the question of thrust, I also questioned that. I did a bit of research before I posted and the rifle was also originally offered in 243.
 
No, actually that is exactly the point.

That larger case head will require relocation of the extractor which is no simple task. That's assuming the Rossi barrel has enough material available to accommodate that.
And as mentioned earlier, the rate of twist might or might not be compatible with the bullet weight you plan to shoot.
And, if you have no idea if this barrel is a 'shooter' or not......

You should have bought a .22-250 if that's what you wanted.

The .223 isn't a bad choice for a 'Tractor gun' to begin with.
 
DShortt said:
No, actually that is exactly the point.

That larger case head will require relocation of the extractor which is no simple task. That's assuming the Rossi barrel has enough material available to accommodate that.
And as mentioned earlier, the rate of twist might or might not be compatible with the bullet weight you plan to shoot.
And, if you have no idea if this barrel is a 'shooter' or not......

You should have bought a .22-250 if that's what you wanted.
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I don't disagree. Nonetheless, here we are.

A friend of mine found this for me. I like the little rifle, but not so much the cartridge.
 
What you are trying to do can be done. It really isn't that hard. If the extractor has enough meat it should be a straight foreward project.
 
Sniperhandle said:
What you are trying to do can be done. It really isn't that hard. If the extractor has enough meat it should be a straight foreward project.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the ebay link. I saw that earlier this evening. I believe it was $300+ if I recall correctly. I have about $200 in the used rifle. Based on what little bit I've read, Rossi doesn't recommend treating the barrels as interchangeable. Apparently the fitment to the circle is not universal. That's why I thought about just rechambering.
 
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