Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Model Seven in 223 to 221 Fireball?

Does any one know if it is feasible to shorten and re-chamber a Model Seven stainless barrel from 223 Rem. to 221 Fireball, given the short shank before it begins to taper? I wonder how much would need to be taken off and rethreaded ... and if there would be enough 'shoulder' on the slim barrel after shortening?

I've thought about having it re-barreled, but it seems the existing twist would be fine. Just concerned about the shoulder left to set against the recoil lug. Also how much gap might be left between the barrel and the stock. I already have the 221 magazine, spring, and follower. Any insight would be helpful.

That might be an application for a "Remage" nut, the Savage system threaded to fit Remington. Just have to take some measurements and calculate where everything would end up.

Probably not helpful to you, but I did this with a Sako Vixen 222 mag to Fireball about 25 years ago and it is perfect.

That is not the biggest problem, The Remington 700 221 fireball has the ejector in a different position in the bolt than the others, 223 included. You may not be able to eject the round, it will fall off the bolt face prior to clearing the loading port most of the time. Remington changed the location after it introduce the 221

Exactly, and fireball actions are not hard to find nor expensive due to the differences.

I had that exact hunt built, model 7 223 to 221fb.
It would not feed or eject properly.
Tried Sako extractor, still did not work.
Eventually rebarreled to another cartridge, 6X45.
Have a R 700 that was factory 221 FBI works great
Also had a sako A1 that was a 223 rebarreled to 221 FBI, with no alterations, works great also.

Is this true of other 223s, e.g. Savage, RAR, ...etc.

I don't believe many factories besides Remington have chambered the 221 fireball, Cooper might be about it.

Seems like it would be more simple to load the .223 down to .221 velocities.

Maybe not as "cool," but darned practical.

Blessings,

Steve

So true Steve

Thanks to all...I had not heard of the ejector issue. And that is exactly the sort of info that I needed. i might just pick up a 221 Fireball when I find one reasonably priced. And the rebarrel the model seven to 25 copperhead or Sharps 25-45. I do like quarter bores.

Again, thanks to all who responded.