Gunsmithing 223/556 Chamber opinions for bolt gun

[Pusher591]

I plan to start a build in the next 6 months to true up a 700. I do not reload and have a good bit of Mk262. What chamber from PTG would you recommend for that round. Keep in mind the brass is LC 5.56

Also, I will be running an aftermarket barrel, probably a Brux or Bartlein so what velocities can I expect from a 22'' barrel?

 

[Delta4-3]

I prefer .223 Wylde, well actually I prefer 6x45, but that doesn't count because it's in a whole new leave of awesomeness. Are you spinning the barrel yourself?

 

[Pusher591]

Delta,

I'm not spinning the barrel, a friend is but I'mm pretty sure he does not have a reamer for what I need. I would like to go with a different caliber but I don't reload and I have a good bit of MK262. I plan on running a medium palma in a sentinel stock with a Socom 5.56 suppressor. It should be a fun little gun for my son to shoot once he's old enough. I also need a LE caliber to shoot in the Gastonia Sniper Conference, as you are limited to 223 & 308.

 

[turbo54]

Why not do a 223AI?

Your 5.56 ammo will run through it great, and you'll have a bunch of 223AI brass to sell or use for a future (awesome) 223AI build...

 

[Pusher591]

Why not do a 223AI?

Your 5.56 ammo will run through it great, and you'll have a bunch of 223AI brass to sell or use for a future (awesome) 223AI build...

Really? I wouldnt have any problem running that MK262 in an AI chamber? How much more velocity do I stand to gain going AI and if I have someone like McCourt Munitions reload fro me, whats barrel life like running the 80 SMK's or 80 Amax's?

 

[BoilerUP]

Really? I wouldnt have any problem running that MK262 in an AI chamber?

Not one iota.

I have a 22" 1:7 223AI and run 80gr A-Max @ 2890 with 8208XBR or Varget; I've had them up close to 3000fps with XBR but it was hell on brass (Nosler, I think Lapua or LC would have held up better).

Barrel life? Probably well north of 6000 rounds, 26 grains of powder isn't exactly overbore.

 

[Pusher591]

Thanks guys, I may just have to go the AI route then. Can anyone recommend a reamer from PTG for it, or are those pretty standard?

 

[scotharr]

I'd get a 1:7.7 twist barrel with a 223REM Match reamer that is throated for the 80 grain SMKs. Your current ammo will run out long before your chamber wears out: so get a chamber that will shoot the "good" bullets the best. The "good stuff" is the 80 grain A-Max or 80 grain Sierra Match Kings. The main variable with your reamer selection is the throat length and the only modification from a standard SAAMI chamber that you need is to make the throat longer. When you order your reamer, just specify SAAMI cartridge dimensions with a throat that is suited for the 80 grain SMK: Dave Kiff will know what that translates to. This will enable best performance with the heavy bullets while still shooting the lighter stuff very well. A 223 WYLDE reamer is also a good choice, but is more commonly used with an AR (uses roomier NATO cartridge dimensions).

PS. If you go the AI route, you will need new dies....I don't think it's worth the effort.

 

[FCS]

IMHO you don't gain enough going to AI to justify the cost. Performance difference between 223 and 223 AI is dang near nothing when you optimize chamber around bullet you want to run. BTDT, got the T-shirt, reamers, gauges and dies too. AI saves you trimming but actual performance gain is pretty minimal in my experience. AI costs more to get dies.
I've done plenty of wildcats with minimal body taper and sharper shoulder because I wanted to. Usually the "gain" was that I could place bullet where I wanted for better fit in mag system. I personally would NOT do a 223AI. Lots of guys have 223AI and love the cartridge, just doesn't float my boat.

Pusher591 - what bullet are you going to run after the 262 is consumed? Wylde is a bit bigger in body then I prefer but does work well with 262 ammo. I personally would want a bit smaller dimensions for body so brass doesn't get worked as much. Will you be running from a DBM or a hinged floor plate?

 

[Pusher591]

Thanks for all the info today Andrew. I have several things to consider now so I'll let you know what I decide.

 

[PBRACEGUNS]

I'd get a 1:7.7 twist barrel with a 223REM Match reamer that is throated for the 80 grain SMKs. Your current ammo will run out long before your chamber wears out: so get a chamber that will shoot the "good" bullets the best. The "good stuff" is the 80 grain A-Max or 80 grain Sierra Match Kings. The main variable with your reamer selection is the throat length and the only modification from a standard SAAMI chamber that you need is to make the throat longer. When you order your reamer, just specify SAAMI cartridge dimensions with a throat that is suited for the 80 grain SMK: Dave Kiff will know what that translates to. This will enable best performance with the heavy bullets while still shooting the lighter stuff very well. A 223 WYLDE reamer is also a good choice, but is more commonly used with an AR (uses roomier NATO cartridge dimensions).

PS. If you go the AI route, you will need new dies....I don't think it's worth the effort.

This. But I'll add to the bullets that shoot in this chamber the 80 Gr. Berger VLD. I'm running them over 26.3 Alliant Power pro 2000MR and getting 2925 fps. Lapua brass loaded jammed in the lands about .003"- .005". .139" grouping 5 shots @100. Mine shoots 1/2 moa at 1000

 

[BoilerUP]

This. But I'll add to the bullets that shoot in this chamber the 80 Gr. Berger VLD. I'm running them over 26.3 Alliant Power pro 2000MR and getting 2925 fps. Lapua brass loaded jammed in the lands about .003"- .005". .139" grouping 5 shots @100. Mine shoots 1/2 moa at 1000

Whats the barrel length?

 

[PBRACEGUNS]

Whats the barrel length?

Mine is 29". didn't feel the need to chop it shorter. Should allow a setback or maybe 2 if throat erosion becomes an issue. I would guess at 22" you would loose maybe 40 fps ?

Also in mine after trying tons of loads. Mine just doesn't like the 80 A-max, but the SMK is good to go if no Bergers to be had. Loaded the SMK .008 off lands and it was 1/4 moa all day. But the Berger was just a little better in this tube