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What to do with .223 WSSM

I have a Model 70 Stealth II in .223 WSSM sitting unused because it needs a new barrel. It is fun to shoot with velocities in the area of 4,000 fps with a 50 grain bullet. It gives off vapor trails on a humid day. Anyway, rather than just replacing the barrel in .223 WSSM, and since the action is shorter than other Model 70's, and since the bolt face is larger than typical, what else can I do with it? The OEM barrel is 1-10 and I thought maybe a faster twist for 77-90 class bullets. Or maybe a 6mm tube in 1-8 and neck up my brass. Don't know if the bolt face can be changed. Decisions, decisions....

I've got a couple months to think about things until we get home in the spring. What sounds like a decent idea to you guys? I'm open to suggestions. I'll keep the Bell & Carlson stock and likely swap the Zeiss Conquest scope and change the oem trigger. After that?.....
 
Will a SAUM fit in a WSSM action?

If so...220 REDLINE!!!!

75 grain bullets at 4000 FPS
 
I just did a little research in my reloading book. I’m seeing max loads for the case up to 47 grains for the .243 version. The book gives a velocity range up to 3100ish for a 105 grain bullet. The books are usually a little conservative. Anyway, I wonder if you’ll get much speed out of the heavier 6.5 bullets. You may be mirroring the performance of the 6.5x55 and similar cartridges. That’s not a bad thing. It’s less of an overbore cartridge and should give you better barrel life.
I just did a search of this site and found some guys that have done it. Here’s a snippet I copied.
IMG_0469.png
 
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joshb thanks for the info. I had not seen that thread. Comments about the brass are very true. It is really hard and heavy. Same for not sealing the chamber and leaving soot behind. I tried several powders and never really was able to get away from the soot and a better seal in the chamber. I even call the Sierra guys and they wouldn't provide help with data. They cited unpredictable pressures, IIRC. Whatever, today's another day as they say. I want to get this rifle back in action and don't want to spend much over the new barrel. I have a couple more pressing projects this summer.

Hey thanks a bunch guys. You've given me some ideas to mull over and that's all I could have asked for.
 

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