Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing 222 to 223AI

Found a 722 222 w/perfect bore, 26" bbl.

Already have a beautiful mini mauser 222.

Thinking of rechambering to 223 AI for varmints. Heavy bullets will not be used.

upside ? downside ?

TKS !

It's been done many times...
I personally would stay with 222. For light bullets the Duce is great....my fav sako was chambered in 223 ak...after shooting it out I set the barrel back and chambered it in 222.. It's shoots much tighter now and seems to kill dogs just as far...

Downside, you'll ruin the value of a 722. They are best left alone and the 14 twist will not be your friend for anything over 55 grains.

Upside: none.


Find a run of the mill 700 in 223 and ream it...

I agree with Ingwe

If there are any Academy Sports in your area, they have 700ADL synthetics in 223 REM every now and then for less than $400

Upside, you don't have to set the barrel back for the rechamber, you'll have a 223AI with very little expense.

Downside, feeding could be a problem. If the extractor goes you'll have to install an AR or Sako extractor. Make sure you have enough room in the mag for 223's

I don't get the fast twist thing in a 223, if I want to lob heavies at something I grab a 6mm, 25 cal, 6.5mm or 7mm out of the safe. 40gr-55gr are where the 223 shines for varmints.

It's your rifle and it isn't a rare collectors piece and you already have a nice 222R. I'm a 222R fan but I also shoot a 22-204, 5.6x50 R Magnum and a 22-250.