Savage 23-D rebarreling?

Fatelvis · November 29, 2002, 12:28 PM

I aquired a very nice condition Savage 23-D (22 Hornet), but suspect its headspace is too long. I bought 100 pcs. NEW Rem brass, loaded a few different safe "recipes" with .223" dia bullets, and came up with a couple seperated heads- ON THE FIRST FIRING! The others showed signs of stretching. This is AFTER I bought and installed everything to scope this rifle. Would it be worth it to have a `Smith recut the chamber, or completely rebarrel, or throw the rifle in the trash? Any help would be appreciated.

Jim Watson · November 29, 2002, 01:42 PM

Isn't the Savage 23 the model that is all one piece, no separate barrel and receiver? Gonna be tough to rebarrel.

I don't know what you could recut the chamber for that would clean up a Hornet and be within the pressure limits of the action and feed from the magazine. And it might be the lockup that is worn or beat back, anyway.

Or it might be the brass. Try to find a few Winchesters.

You need a REAL gunsmith.

Archie · November 29, 2002, 05:37 PM

Seat the bullets out long enough to touch the rifling. (Starting loads, of course.)

That way, the cases are firmly up against the bolt face and they can't stretch. This will fireform the cases and you can see what shape the chamber is.

If you necksize only from now on, you have a 22 Hornet Cheapskate Improved.

Could be the bolt locking surface is worn, so a new bolt (if available) might be in order. Replacing the barrel is tatamount to buying a new rifle.

I've got one of these rifles in .32-20. Ain't they fun for a little rifle? I would like another in .22 Hornet, but the last one I saw at a gun show was $400.

Fatelvis · November 29, 2002, 07:19 PM

Thanx Archie, its worth a try!!

Fatelvis · November 30, 2002, 12:07 AM

Doesnt the 22 Hornet headspace on the rim? If so, is it possible that it has been chambered for 22K Hornet? It may sound stupid, but how can I tell? Thanx again guys.

Jim Watson · November 30, 2002, 12:20 AM

Look at your empties.
A K-Hornet has almost no body taper, a sharp shoulder and a short neck. If your empties are still a long taper with hardly any visible shoulder, they aren't K-Hornets.

November 29, 2002, 12:28 PM	#1
Fatelvis Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2001 Location: Lockport, IL Posts: 490	Savage 23-D rebarreling? I aquired a very nice condition Savage 23-D (22 Hornet), but suspect its headspace is too long. I bought 100 pcs. NEW Rem brass, loaded a few different safe "recipes" with .223" dia bullets, and came up with a couple seperated heads- ON THE FIRST FIRING! The others showed signs of stretching. This is AFTER I bought and installed everything to scope this rifle. Would it be worth it to have a `Smith recut the chamber, or completely rebarrel, or throw the rifle in the trash? Any help would be appreciated.

November 29, 2002, 05:37 PM	#3
Archie Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2000 Location: Hastings, Nebrasksa - the Hear Posts: 2,209	Try this... Seat the bullets out long enough to touch the rifling. (Starting loads, of course.) That way, the cases are firmly up against the bolt face and they can't stretch. This will fireform the cases and you can see what shape the chamber is. If you necksize only from now on, you have a 22 Hornet Cheapskate Improved. Could be the bolt locking surface is worn, so a new bolt (if available) might be in order. Replacing the barrel is tatamount to buying a new rifle. I've got one of these rifles in .32-20. Ain't they fun for a little rifle? I would like another in .22 Hornet, but the last one I saw at a gun show was $400. __________________ There ain't no free lunch, except Jesus. Archie Check out updated journal at http://oldmanmontgomery.wordpress.com/

November 29, 2002, 01:42 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,545	Isn't the Savage 23 the model that is all one piece, no separate barrel and receiver? Gonna be tough to rebarrel. I don't know what you could recut the chamber for that would clean up a Hornet and be within the pressure limits of the action and feed from the magazine. And it might be the lockup that is worn or beat back, anyway. Or it might be the brass. Try to find a few Winchesters. You need a REAL gunsmith.

November 29, 2002, 07:19 PM	#4
Fatelvis Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2001 Location: Lockport, IL Posts: 490	Thanx Archie, its worth a try!!

November 30, 2002, 12:07 AM	#5
Fatelvis Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2001 Location: Lockport, IL Posts: 490	Doesnt the 22 Hornet headspace on the rim? If so, is it possible that it has been chambered for 22K Hornet? It may sound stupid, but how can I tell? Thanx again guys.

November 30, 2002, 12:20 AM	#6
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,545	Look at your empties. A K-Hornet has almost no body taper, a sharp shoulder and a short neck. If your empties are still a long taper with hardly any visible shoulder, they aren't K-Hornets.