Gunsmithing Rechambering 223 bolt gun to 223 Wylde?

[jrhtx]

Can an existing 223 bolt gun be rechambered to 223 Wylde without setting the barrel back?

I have read that 223 headspace gages are the same, but have found Wylde specific gages. Are they really different?

 

[ptm121]

What are you trying to accomplish? Wylde chambers are only subtly different than a standard .223, and you aren’t going to notice a lick of difference. If you have freebore issues, running a piloted freebore reamer in there would be a much better solution than a Wylde reamer.

And yes, HS gauges are the same.

 

[sandwarrior]

Can an existing 223 bolt gun be rechambered to 223 Wylde without setting the barrel back?

I have read that 223 headspace gages are the same, but have found Wylde specific gages. Are they really different?

The big difference is the diameter of the freebore. The freebore in a Wylde is tighter than a SAAMI throat, but longer. The big thing is keeping accuracy while alleviating high pressure.
So, to get a true Wylde chamber no, you would have to set the barrel back. However, as ptm121 noted, if you just run a piloted freebore reamer down the barrel, you'll still probably get good results and allow you to run heavy bullets up to speed without pressure. That's if your barrel is already accurate to begin with. If it's not as accurate as you want it, save your money and get a new quality barrel chambered in a .223 Wylde.

 

[jrhtx]

Thanks for the reply SW. heavy Bullets and lower pressure was what I was looking for. Not sure I want to risk a good barrel, that why I was asking the collective mind here.
Thanks again.