.222 and 6ppc

S

stevenorlando

Guest
Hello All!

Anyone use 222 rem for BR? If so, how is that round.

Can a 6ppc barrel be used on a 40X action that accepts .222 rem?

Steve
 
As you probably know, the head diameters of the two calibers are different. If you are talking about being competitive in registered group benchrest matches, you would probably be better off going another way. Like any factory action, a 40x would require a lot of work to be dimensionally correct enough to be competitive. This is not to say that it cannot be done, just that, given the cost, there are better ways to go, like a used rifle that is based on a custom action. While the .222 is a fine cartridge, (I have two, one of which is a competition rifle.) the 6PPC owns the sport, so to speak. It has the advantage of being able to be shot in all classes, while a .222 cannot be shot in sporter matches ( which require a caliber greater than .22). As far as using the action that you have, the bolt face can be opened up, and a SAKO extractor fitted, but the better option these days is to buy an aftermarket bolt, which can be ordered in a larger diameter to improve the fit, and the correct bolt face for a 6PPC. Even with the new bolt, there will be considerable work required. This brings us back to a used rifle, which would come with a usable stock, trigger, action, and the possibility of a barrel that has some life left in it, although I would not count on this.
 
As you probably know, the head diameters of the two calibers are different. If you are talking about being competitive in registered group benchrest matches, you would probably be better off going another way. Like any factory action, a 40x would require a lot of work to be dimensionally correct enough to be competitive. This is not to say that it cannot be done, just that, given the cost, there are better ways to go, like a used rifle that is based on a custom action. While the .222 is a fine cartridge, (I have two, one of which is a competition rifle.) the 6PPC owns the sport, so to speak. It has the advantage of being able to be shot in all classes, while a .222 cannot be shot in sporter matches ( which require a caliber greater than .22). As far as using the action that you have, the bolt face can be opened up, and a SAKO extractor fitted, but the better option these days is to buy an aftermarket bolt, which can be ordered in a larger diameter to improve the fit, and the correct bolt face for a 6PPC. Even with the new bolt, there will be considerable work required. This brings us back to a used rifle, which would come with a usable stock, trigger, action, and the possibility of a barrel that has some life left in it, although I would not count on this.

Thanks Boyd,

I'm going to ask Shooters Corner what they have in terms of used 6ppc. Bob White, who is the proprietor, probably won't steer me wrong. I hope to be at one of his matches on Sat. 10/22

Steve
 
make sure he bore scopes the barrel for you to determine its not shot out, or fairly close to being. jfa --greg
 
make sure he bore scopes the barrel for you to determine its not shot out, or fairly close to being. jfa --greg

I did think of that!

About approx how many ppc rounds can a good barrel take before changing. Assuming a middle-of-road load?

Steve
 
I did think of that!

About approx how many ppc rounds can a good barrel take before changing. Assuming a middle-of-road load?

Steve

Somewhat variable. Some really successful group shooters don't use them much more than 1000 rounds. Others find them competitive longer. I would buy a used gun with the assumption that the barrel is no longer competitive UNLESS you know the seller really well and trust them. jmho. --greg
 
Hello All!

Anyone use 222 rem for BR? If so, how is that round.

Can a 6ppc barrel be used on a 40X action that accepts .222 rem?

Steve
The 222 Rem dominated registered benchrest for years as you may already know but it is not used much now. If you really want to convert your 40x to a PPC, Dave Kiff of PTG reamers may have a good aftermarket bolt so you will not have to modify your bolt face.
 
Somewhat variable. Some really successful group shooters don't use them much more than 1000 rounds. Others find them competitive longer. I would buy a used gun with the assumption that the barrel is no longer competitive UNLESS you know the seller really well and trust them. jmho. --greg

I trust Bob White.
 
Good for you! I didn't say or imply I didn't, just trying to prevent someone from making the same mistake I did in buying a used bench gun years ago. Advice is just that; take it or leave it. tks

Your advice is well taken!!!!!!
 
Furthermore while inspection with a bore scope can tell you some things like if the throat is eroded severely the only way you can actually tell if any barrel has actual life left in it is to shoot it. Also while I do not question my friend Bob Whites honesty it is virtually impossible for Bob to actually know all about the hundred or more rifles he seems to have in stock at any given time. I am sure many he is simply relating what the previous owner told him as it is impractical to test each and every one personally.
 
Furthermore while inspection with a bore scope can tell you some things like if the throat is eroded severely the only way you can actually tell if any barrel has actual life left in it is to shoot it. Also while I do not question my friend Bob Whites honesty it is virtually impossible for Bob to actually know all about the hundred or more rifles he seems to have in stock at any given time. I am sure many he is simply relating what the previous owner told him as it is impractical to test each and every one personally.

Dick,

I did speak to Bob, and on Sat after the match I'll go to his shop and look at a few models. I do agree with you in that it is difficult to judge barrel life. I have been told that if you buy a used rifle, then you should get a new barrel, and if you still save $$, you came out ahead of the game.

Steve
 
Dick,

I did speak to Bob, and on Sat after the match I'll go to his shop and look at a few models. I do agree with you in that it is difficult to judge barrel life. I have been told that if you buy a used rifle, then you should get a new barrel, and if you still save $$, you came out ahead of the game.

Steve

Steve
Since most people we steer towards used rifles are operating on a budget I do not tell them to automatically install a new barrel. I do say assume barrel is shot out and if it does have some life left in it then you can be pleasantly surprised.

I must also say I have always been suspicious of how many used rifles have " only a few hundred rounds" on them.

Dick
 
Steve
Since most people we steer towards used rifles are operating on a budget I do not tell them to automatically install a new barrel. I do say assume barrel is shot out and if it does have some life left in it then you can be pleasantly surprised.

I must also say I have always been suspicious of how many used rifles have " only a few hundred rounds" on them.

Dick

Dick,

I think someone on the rimfire BR group said that, which is interesting, because rimfire barrels last longer than CF barrels. The .22LR head is lead, easier on a barrel, and the velocities moving the bullet through the barrel is much slower.

As for the round count, I get suspicious as well, and I usually assume at least 1.5X more than mentioned. However, being on the selling end many times, I must say that it is difficult to know how many rounds have been put downrange, especially handguns.

Steve
 
Dick,

I did speak to Bob, and on Sat after the match I'll go to his shop and look at a few models. I do agree with you in that it is difficult to judge barrel life. I have been told that if you buy a used rifle, then you should get a new barrel, and if you still save $$, you came out ahead of the game.

Steve

I put a deposit on one of Bob's used rifles, a rem 40XBR, hart trigger, hart barrel, macmillan fiberglass stock, all pillar and glass bedded. The gunsmith was J. Hart in Pennsyslvania. I think I got a good deal less than $900. Also, I'm going to go for a Leupold 36X scope and Kelby mount. That will make LV weight.

I'm pleased with my purchase. Now to get my reloading and my shooting skills down pat.

Steve
 
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