rechamber 223 to ai

[rich44]

I have a spare Savage 223 barrel I would like to re chamber to 223ai besides a reamer what do I need to do this and how far do I have to set back the barrel.

 

[Preacher]

A lot will depend on the chamber you have, and the reamer that was used.
You may be able to pull it off with out changing the threads..
If the old throat is good, a 1/4 inch more depth on the new chamber would seem more than enough to clean up the old chamber... that's where a bore scope comes in handy.
When you tighten down the nut just be sure you will have a crush fit on the new brass..

 

[Ackman]

If you really want a good chamber, buy your own reamer. Factory chambers are either generous or downright sloppy....and .223 chambers are about .025' longer than the brass, about .030'-.035' longer than brass at trim-to length. If you want a really good chamber, buy your reamer and spec. it to the brass. Make the chamber neck length about .010' longer than the brass and a .250' neck dia. works perfect. If you plan to be shooting bullets up to about 55gr, spec. it with NO freebore. Set the barrel back enough for a new neck/throat. Be sure that ALL of the old chamber and taper is gone back at the web. When setting headspace the figure normally thrown around is .004' crush. Brass can vary by that much and it isn't enough. I'd put at least twice that much in there. It's ok to go more and set it pretty much wherever you want, but not be having to muscle the bolt closed. My chamber forms a case .015' shorter to the neck/shoulder than an unformed case. In other words there's about .015' crush. The bolt closes firmly but not real heavily and it isn't too much.

 

[rich44]

Thanks Preacher & Ackman
I'm getting the reamer from PTG should I get a solid pilot or removable

 

[GerryM]

Preacher my twin is right and so are the other guys .
You may also want to consiider the 222mag ackley if you can find brass . I think the 204 brass may neck up to 222 mag with a tad shorter neck. Right now Dave has a premium 222mag reamer 40 deg with floatig pilot on sale.
Check it out on his site. you defenatly want the floating pilot reamer either way. One other thing to consider. If you have a reamer you can make your own dies to match the chamber. Of course you'll need a lathe. This way the dies will mate the chamber for neck sizing Good luck either way they are both very good cases. I still like the 222mag the best''''

 

[rich44]

Thanks all for the help, I ordered a reamer from Dave Kiff at PTG with removable pilot in 223ai. Also have to say they are one of the best to deal with it would be great if everyone was as nice to do business with.