[Paul Workman]

Item: Rem 722 in 222

The barrel is worn to where it doesn't group as well as I think it should - ~ 3/4 MOA = best w/ best bullet/powders I have tried...and the list is long.

Kinda want to keep it original, so the idea of relining does have appeal.

That said, re-barreling would provide a plethora of options based on the Rem deuce case head: 20 TAC, 20 223 223 AI, maybe 204 Ruger (I may have to single-load if the magazine is too short...have to check that out). And, if I went with a "20", what twist rate for what bullet would youz recommend?

This ^^ would be a carry gun and home defender against 4-legged or feathered vermin invading the ranch. Prolly like a varmint bbl with about a .720-.750" at the muzzle...stainless too, I guess.

I have a heavy barrel Savage 223 LRVP which will prolly stay as such, unless I go with a switch-bbl combo of some sort in some other caliber. (Oh, the possibilities!)

Anyway... Any thoughts on either re-barreling in either Rem 222 or some other small case head diameter caliber (that will feed from the magazine)?

 

[T.D.C.]

Paul, the pressures of the .222 might be a bit much for relining. Regardless of the tolerance of the work, there is a boundry layer between the liner and barrel. I have only relined rimfires and black powder vintage rifles.

Also, the quality of the liner's bore is an unknown. A 722 in .222 deserves a good and accurate barrel. You can get a factory profile and blue it to match. OR, go stainless like I did on a 700. Actually looks good on a blued receiver.

 

[TinMan]

Paul, like T.D.C. said, I would rebarrel it and go with a quality barrel and the chamber of your choice. I have rifles with Shilen, PacNor, Douglas, and Broughton barrels. Why not keep it as a deuce, unless you just have to try something new? A 722 is a classic deuce rifle.

 

[45TAJ]

Save the "Original" bbl, go straight to VarTarg, 11 or faster, shoot anything through 40 gr.
But I think / know you've done enough reading and have the savvy to already have it figgered out. Whatever the extra expense of a new bbl, well, you'll only have it the rest of your life and that new bbl will prob "see you out".

 

[Greyfox]

I don't really see the point of a reline. It wouldn't be original anymore if that's what you're trying to preserve. If you wanted the same profile, you can probably get that from a couple different after market barrel makers.
Except for the nostalgia factor, relining would be pretty much pointless as the rifle isn't worth all that much anyway. I've bought several for less than $500 and those were all pretty nice. As far as what to rebarrel it, you have plenty of good choices. I personally prefer the 20 VT in a lighter weight platform as it is my favorite walkabout. But that doesn't mean it wouldn't do well for you. Second choice for me would be a 223AI in a 1-14" twist. 4000 FPS is doable and makes a flat shooting, low recoil varmint killing machine.

YMMV,
Rick

 

[Lucky Shooter in SC]

Nostalgia ??

A strong nostalgia factor might suggest keeping the 722 as is.

How far can you hit the smallest critter with a 3/4" rifle ? Will the 222 get this
job done ?

You have a lot of options once you break the nostalgia barrier---but---is there
a better choice for the bucks you will spend ? You'll have more options for a new barrel if you use a 700 or other current action.

I've known a few folks who extended the life of "worn out" barrels with the
Weatherby approach. Just pretend the throat wear is just more freebore and
juice it up a bit.

BTW, I put a heavy 12" twist 20 cal barrel on a Rem action-----20 Vartatg. Haven't shot it much but early indications are it will be a good shooter with
32 and 39 gr bullets.

Have fun.

A. Weldy

 

[George Foster]

If your rifle is shooting 3/4" five shot groups it will still hit anything that you shoot at in the 222 range. I would say why worry about it, I would just enjoy it.

 

[Paul Workman]

If your rifle is shooting 3/4" five shot groups it will still hit anything that you shoot at in the 222 range. I would say why worry about it, I would just enjoy it.

Well, that's prolly true, for most of my varmints around here. But, some of the time I shoot a varmint match. And, I can tell ya that shooting against the HARBER CLAN (for one), OR DANNY'S brood (for another), 3/4 MOA at 200 yards AIN'T GONNA WIN NO PLAQUES!

Naw... It's a 222, and it needs to live up to its reputation!


.

 

[Terry N.]

Well, that's prolly true, for most of my varmints around here. But, some of the time I shoot a varmint match. And, I can tell ya that shooting against the HARBER CLAN (for one), OR DANNY'S brood (for another), 3/4 MOA at 200 yards AIN'T GONNA WIN NO PLAQUES!

Naw... It's a 222, and it needs to live up to its reputation!


.

I'm sure that (insert name of favorite barrel manufacturer here) can duplicate the factory contour with one of their barrels.

 

[George Foster]

Paul, if you are going to compete against the Harber clan you best be buying a Ruger!!

 

[Greyfox]

Well, that's prolly true, for most of my varmints around here. But, some of the time I shoot a varmint match. And, I can tell ya that shooting against the HARBER CLAN (for one), OR DANNY'S brood (for another), 3/4 MOA at 200 yards AIN'T GONNA WIN NO PLAQUES!

Naw... It's a 222, and it needs to live up to its reputation!


.

Paul, you should probably keep in mind that any kind of change to that factory barrel will disqualify the rifle for Factory Class in most all match competition, for sure at Buck Creek. As far as I have been able to determine only Cooper qualifies as a Factory rifle in UBR matches after a barrel replacement. And George doesn't allow Cooper's in the matches he runs.
That 722 is pretty much dead in the water for anything other than a barrel replacement. One of the twenties will be the optimum choice IMHO.
Rick

 

[Paul Workman]

Paul, you should probably keep in mind that any kind of change to that factory barrel will disqualify the rifle for Factory Class in most all match competition, for sure at Buck Creek. As far as I have been able to determine only Cooper qualifies as a Factory rifle in UBR matches after a barrel replacement. And George doesn't allow Cooper's in the matches he runs.
That 722 is pretty much dead in the water for anything other than a barrel replacement. One of the twenties will be the optimum choice IMHO.
Rick

Ah! I see your point (RE the 722).

Well, I feel I have 223 characteristics pretty well covered. (One LRVP Salvage, and two ARs). So what I'd really like is a walkabout that splats a paintball out to 200 yards + that is a repeater for follow-ups (in case there are TWO of 'em, I meant of course) Course, now that you mention it, BBB competition would be out of bounds. But, OH WELL...I've go other "clubs in the bag" for those occasions!


Var-Tag...or a 20/223 or 20/222, or a 20/222 AI? Oh, the FUN of picking the "ideal" caliber for a new barrel!

 

[Greyfox]

Ah! I see your point (RE the 722).

Var-Tag...or a 20/223 or 20/222, or a 20/222 AI? Oh, the FUN of picking the "ideal" caliber for a new barrel!

Any of the above would surely work for your purpose. Since my current favorite mode of eliminating prairie rats is walkabouts with shooting sticks, I would probably prefer the Vartarg with the lowest powder charge, but I have considered the 20-222 and would probably do it if I actually could use another dedicated PD rifle. I have more than I can shoot as it is. One other thing you might think about is the cost and availability of reamers and such. You might choose something that is available through Northland Shooter Supply. A Remage barrel from either Criterion or Shilen would save you the cost of both a reamer and a gunsmith as they are prechambered and use a barrel nut like your Savages. You will give up nothing in accuracy. You might call and see what reamers would be available for such. I have a 20-223AI reamer that I would be glad to share should you choose that one.

Good luck with whatever you choose,
Rick

 

[Paul Workman]

A Remage barrel from either Criterion or Shilen would save you the cost of both a reamer and a gunsmith as they are prechambered and use a barrel nut like your Savages. You will give up nothing in accuracy. You might call and see what reamers would be available for such.

I'm intrigued. It's been a WHILE since I've barreled anything. So, what is a "Remage" bbl? (not familiar w/ that term...) This sounds very interesting. But, would I have to have the receiver trued up before converting to a barrel nut rig?

 

[45TAJ]

Nahhhh Paul. Not at all "necessary"..... It could help but the system is neither more or less accurate than whatcha have to start with.

 

[Lucky Shooter in SC]

Krieger barrel deal

Bruno now has free shipping for Krieger barrels.

A. Weldy

 

[Greyfox]

Cr

I'm intrigued. It's been a WHILE since I've barreled anything. So, what is a "Remage" bbl? (not familiar w/ that term...) This sounds very interesting. But, would I have to have the receiver trued up before converting to a barrel nut rig?

Paul,
The "Remage" name refers to the barrels, currently made by Criterion, Shilen and a few others, that use Remington threads, no shoulder and a barrel nut like a Savage. These barrels cost about the same as most after market blanks, saving the cost of threading & chambering by a gunsmith. If you are competent enough to make a Savage barrel swap, you can do a Remage. I have several of these barrels and they are as accurate as the average after market blank. Criterion is a division of Krieger and makes button rifled barrels.

Rick

 

[Paul Workman]

Paul,
The "Remage" name refers to the barrels, currently made by Criterion, Shilen and a few others, that use Remington threads, no shoulder and a barrel nut like a Savage. These barrels cost about the same as most after market blanks, saving the cost of threading & chambering by a gunsmith. If you are competent enough to make a Savage barrel swap, you can do a Remage. I have several of these barrels and they are as accurate as the average after market blank. Criterion is a division of Krieger and makes button rifled barrels.

Rick

Good to know! Thanks, Rick!

.

 

[Allen]

Paul,
The "Remage" name refers to the barrels, currently made by Criterion, Shilen and a few others, that use Remington threads, no shoulder and a barrel nut like a Savage. These barrels cost about the same as most after market blanks, saving the cost of threading & chambering by a gunsmith. If you are competent enough to make a Savage barrel swap, you can do a Remage. I have several of these barrels and they are as accurate as the average after market blank. Criterion is a division of Krieger and makes button rifled barrels.

Rick

Very good quality. I put a 260 Criterion on a worn out 700 in 22-250. Did absolutely nothing to the action & was very easy to do. Best to date is 5 shots in the "3's" with Lapua brass, H4350 & Hornady 140 HPBT.

 

[Lucky Shooter in SC]

Paul Workman

You have a PM.

A. Weldy