224 Wby Build

[RL338]

Today I picked up my donor a new Wby Vanguard 223 Rem. The plan is to ream the factory barrel. A guy I work with will open the bolt and do the reaming of the chamber. I’ll be doing the bolt stop/extractor and mag/follower work. I will update this thread as progress happens.

 

[Guy Miner]

Seems like a fun and worthwhile project. What's the twist rate on the barrel?

 

[RL338]

I haven’t checked it but Weatherby’s specs differ 1:8 or 1:9.

 

[Guy Miner]

That's a good rate. I can shoot 69 grain HPBT's accurately from my 1/9 223 AR-15.

If I try the longer, heavier 77's and such, things aren't so good...

 

[RL338]

I have a boat load of 70gr Bergers that work in my 1:9 223 Rem.

 

[JD338]

Very cool project. I hope it's a 1:8 twist so you can unleash the beast

JD338

 

[TackDriver284]

Nice project. Keep us posted and let us know how she shoots.

 

[RL338]

Yesterday it snowed from sunrise to sunset so not much else to do. I got it completely disassembled , those Vanguard barrels put on a good fight to stay on.

I will need to remove some material on the back of the rails. Nothing too major.

 

[RL338]

Optic package is here waiting.
Haven’t heard anything on when he will get to doing the lathe work.

 

[grry10]

It has been a long time since I've seen a .224 Weatherby. I always thought that it looked interesting. Good luck with your project and please continue to share as you go through the build.

 

[JD338]

That's a great scope Rick. The waiting is the hardest part (Tom Petty).

JD338

 

[RL338]

The waiting is the hardest part

So true.
My original project for this year was a build on a Stillers Tac338 that has fallen to the wayside. PT&G won’t return emails and (don’t want to post name) is never there to take calls.
So a month or two wait to get the bolt and barrel reamed on the 224 doesn’t seem too bad.

 

[NYDAN]

I look forward to seeing some groups from that rifle.

 

[RL338]

I look forward to seeing some groups from that rifle.

My hopes are high on this barrel. This is one smooth barrel thru the Teslong borescope.

 

[RL338]

Minor update , he got the bolt opened up this past weekend. Wheels are still turning on this project.

 

[RL338]

Need to add picture of the opened bolt face.

 

[RL338]

Hopefully I’ll be bringing it home after work tomorrow. I still have extractor and rail work to finish on it yet.
Exciting times ahead.
Edit to add a shout out to 4D Reamer Rental for the reamer.

 

[JD338]

Your project is moving right along.
Shouldn't be much longer...

JD338

 

[RL338]

Got extractor filed down to function. I did shorten the bolt stop and modified the mag box spacer to allow for the longer cartridge. The bolt picks up the cartridge and cycles it. One hickup is my ejector is sticking , not sure if I bent it installing the retaining pin.

Barrel is torqued to 90 ft/lbs. The Viper vice is your friend when working on the Howa/Wby Vanguard barrels.

I swapped out the stock for a painted one I had laying around.
I did fire 3 rounds thru it this evening , it’s alive.

 

[JD338]

I really like the looks of this rifle. A minor tweak and you will be up and running.
Nice work Rick!

JD338