223 to 222...

[BCB]

Can this be done, or does the shoulder have to be pushed back too far on the 223 to make the 222? Thanks...BCB

[Scrounger]

Definitely got to set the barrel back.

[BCB]

Scrounger,

I get where you are coming from, BUT, I worded my question wrong!!! Let me try that again--Can 222 brass be made from 223 brass? BCB

[376Steyr]

Sure it can be done, but you'll probably have to ream or turn the new case necks which will be a lot thicker than the original neck was. A too thick neck can't expand in the chamber and won't release the bullet normally, which will cause high pressures.

[357maximum]

223 to 222 is a very doable conversion as long as you are a handloader who pays attention and can "WORK" a load and not just a reloader. This conversion is in my opinion only good for jwords unless you are willing to turn the necks as cast will not give a large enough diameter for the normal proper sized boolits....for cast loads buy the right brass is a simpler answer.

[Scrounger]

Scrounger,

I get where you are coming from, BUT, I worded my question wrong!!! Let me try that again--Can 222 brass be made from 223 brass? BCB

Then let me amend my answer: Sure, but is it worth it? Money is cheaper than time. Makes a lot more sense to me to rechamber the .222 barrel.

[GrizzLeeBear]

Makes a lot more sense to me to rechamber the .222 barrel.

Makes even more sense to just buy .222 brass. If its a nice rifle, there is NO reason to rechamber it. Its one of the most accurate rounds ever invented. The only reason to do so would be if there is something wrong with the chamber ( throat is shot out of it, etc). .222 brass is still easy to get.

[Typecaster]

I've formed .222 brass, as well as .25/.222 Copperhead, from 5.56 military for years. Never had a problem, but I've always used a Forster neck turning attachment and annealed the cases. I also segregate militiary cases by headstamp, for what it's worth. The determining factors are how much raw brass you have and how much time. For basic forming, just use a RCBS trim die and a fine-tooth hacksaw blade.

[Bullshop]

I really like to make 222 from 223 as I think it can contribute to accuracy. The idea is to set up a tight neck situation just like costom tight chamberd bench guns. Most factory chambers allow case necks to expand far more than needed. Starting out with necks that are too thick and turning them so ther is about .001" between fired necks and loaded neck diameters is better for accuracy and case life. Theres really no big deal to turning necks and if anyone is shooting any really high intencity cartridges they should be doing it anyway.
BIC/BS

[redneckdan]

I form .300 whisper from military .223 cases, no neckturning needed.

[felix]

Neckturning requirements depend on your chamber AND brass dimensions. BS/Dan is correct in that for our loads we typically want from 1 to 2 thousands clearance as an ideal. ... felix

[Billwnr]

I bought a $10 forming die years ago that shoves the shoulder back. Shove it back, trim it and then start loading. I didn't notice that they were any more accurate than good .222 brass.

[felix]

Case capacities are reasonably the same between all of these case lots, foreign and domestic, brand independent. Some military brass lots are actually very soft so do not do annealing unless necessary. Annealing will cause the donut to form quickly, like after the first or second reload at full power. A donut is defined as a brass extrusion from the case body into the neck, caused by flowing brass after every shot. Sooner or later, this flow stops, and continual neck turning is not required. I have some lots of brass that have been reloaded 50 times without any attention. Using hand dies for a 22-40 (222 ackley) bench gun with 0.246 neck. ... felix

[mmranch]

I have made all my 222 brass out of military 223 once fired and never had a problem. I shoot 15 grs. of IMR 4227 and a 55 gr bullet in my 10 inch contender. Two inch groups at 150 yd are the normal.
Do not over do it with the lube, lee trim kit it , remove the primer crimp and load them up. (Using an drill makes short work out of it)
Good Luck.

[454PB]

Me too. I've reformed lots of .223 brass to .222 Rem. I have lots of .223 brass to work with! Although I have a neck reamer, I've never had to use it for this conversion.