Here is a Rem700 223 barrel I have laying here that I took off a few weeks ago. No this action has never seen water. Just heat and soaking with Kroil and wouldnt budge.. see the relief cut just in front of recoil lug.. came off with no effort after.
And here is the final rebuild. Action face and lugs trued by PVA after barrel removal, New Kreiger 22" 1.07" straight contour, PVA chambered 223 Wylde, muzzle threaded 5/8-24, SS .25 thick recoil lug, Bighorn 12 point remage barrel nut, and barrel, nut and lug cerakoted graphite black. Didnt want to cerakote the action, it's super smooth. But may tape off and cost the outside only.. Going into a HS Precision stock CNC inlet by LRI for PTG bottle metal. Timney Calvin Elite trigger.
Gonna test fire it then put it in the PX. I had it up for sale in its OEM config but nobody was buying it so.I decided to so it up somewhat and repost it.