Just asking, I have a Model 70 dated 1938 that’s in great shape, with some ‘collector negatives’. Those are, it was converted to a K-Hornet, has a braised on scope base, and some filled receiver holes.

I really don’t care for the Hornet round, or reloading for it. This got me thinking, could this gun be rechambered then use the same barrel and hopefully bore diameter? I don’t need another 223, but would even take that. I didn’t research case head size yet.

I had read where these guns are very overbuilt for the round, Hornet in this case. I’m not worried about holding on to what collector value may be still present. It would be best to keep the factory barrel.

Just asking as I continue my Google search. Thanks.

Again, mostly an idea at this point.

Begs the question, why the hardon against the K-Hornet?

Way back in the day a fella in those shoes would've automatically turned to one of the Lovell wildcats. Still not a bad option if brass can be had. (Swage them out of .223 brass and be the only kid on the block with one.) Easy for me to say, I own three Lovell wildcats.

Or, sell it to a Hornet enthusiast and use the money for a modern whizbang?

I once owned a pre-war 70 Hornet that some idiot re-chambered to .222, and very skillfully fitted a Savage 340 magazine into the magazine well. Worked and shot like a dream, but a significant blow to a classic rifle in a classic caliber.

Those early Model 54 and Model 70 Hornet barrels are .223/.218 and twisted 1:16....basically rimfire bore/groove/twist.

Normal 22 center fire bore/groove dimensions are .224/.219.

Good shootin' -Al

why not sell me this old relic and buy a new 223/556 rifle ,i like a K-hornet to use.Pete53

Yeah, I realize the twist is slow for many. I also agree, I have to spend more time with the K-Hornet before I throw it under the bus.

The barrel is best left as it is. A model 70 action is way overkill for the little Hornet, but they are neat guns, and the K-Hornet does get it done a little faster. Light bullets are what it will use, 40 - 45 grain jobs.

If you want a 223 have it rebarreled with a faster twist. I had one years ago, a 22 Hornet model 70 action opened up to 223. It had a Remington 722 magazine box and follower grafted into a model 70 magazine box and it fed as a repeater. Many 22 Hornet to 222 / 223 are single shots. I don't remember whether they used a Hornet mag box or 30-06 or what. I didn't do the work or had someone else do the work. I bought it from the builder.

Phew, glad to hear you say that!! Give the K a fair shake, you might be impressed. You should be able to squeeze 3000fps with 40's and that isn't exactly something to sneeze at. Been meaning to try some "modern" 40-45 tipped bullets in mine but I have so bloody many of "old style" (for lack of a better term) 40-45's that that day may never come. Don't sweat the .223 groove diameter, .224's will work just fine in it.