Rem700 Mag Options for .223

[BigDog00]

I'm putting together a .223 trainer based off the 700 footprint. My action is cut for a wyatts extended box (Bighorn SR3). I've been trying to figure out what my options are for the best/longest OAL. Wyatts has an internal box that goes 2.430, but I'd like to be closer to 2.50 if possible. I know I can go DBM and get there with an ACIS style mag. I've heard of pulling/modifying the spacer in the factory internal magazine but not sure if that's an option with the Wyatts (I can't find a factory mag box). My stocks inlet is for BDL floorplate but I can get it opened up to M5 if needed.

I'm leaning towards .223 AI chamber if that makes a difference. What other options are out there?

 

[83cj-7]

I have a bunch of experience with this issue working with 6x45. You can absolutely cut out the spacer on the Wyatt’s and move it back. The follower will float a little bit but feed okay.
Hands down the best way to feed a long 223 based cartridge is with a Hawkins Hunter magazine. The MDT 10 round mags also feed really well if they lockup tight. Both mags feed AI rounds pretty darn well too. My MDT didn’t lock up real tight so I welded the latch and made it .040” longer (See last picture). It works perfect now.

These are 2.475” and feed flawlessly:


Same in a MDT:

 

[BigDog00]

Appreciate the detailed reply. I may just get the wyatts box to start out then look at the DBM options down the road or try to pick something up off the classifieds. Whats the best way to cut out the spacer?

I need to get the barrel ordered and measure the chamber once it gets cut to see how long I actually need.

 

[83cj-7]

The spacer will be held in place by several tack welds. Use a grinder and lightly grind the areas where the welds are. You should then be able to see the exact holes that they welded through. Use a drill bit and drill about half way through each spot weld. Then pry the spacer out and weld it back in place where you want it.
Who do you plan on doing the barrel? You can have the smith who chambers the rifle cut the freebore such that you don’t have to go through any of this. Just a thought.

 

[Castle Rock]

The spacer will be held in place by several tack welds. Use a grinder and lightly grind the areas where the welds are. You should then be able to see the exact holes that they welded through. Use a drill bit and drill about half way through each spot weld. Then pry the spacer out and weld it back in place where you want it.
Who do you plan on doing the barrel? You can have the smith who chambers the rifle cut the freebore such that you don’t have to go through any of this. Just a thought.

This, and if you don’t feel comfortable welding a spacer in one made of nylon, such as a bit of a nylon cutting board glued in works very well

 

[gbflyer]

I don’t know about the SR3

The Origin is a BDL cut out but the feed rails are wrong for .223. The only way to make it work is with a detachable magazine. I went through this drill a couple of years ago, got the Wyatt’s box and follower, I wanted a blind magazine. Anyway long story short is it would not feed .223. Not their fault, this is disclosed I just didn’t pay attention. I ended up using a HS Precision bottom metal and magazine. It goes out to 2.43.

May or may not be the case with SR3, if you don’t already know, be sure to check.

 

[BigDog00]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm going to give Zermatt a call on Monday to verify. All I could find on the website was that it has Remington feed lips (which is what it said for the origin as well).

 

[gbflyer]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm going to give Zermatt a call on Monday to verify. All I could find on the website was that it has Remington feed lips (which is what it said for the origin as well).

I have corresponded with them in the past. My experience was excellent, fast reply.

 

[JCMCUBIC]

...

I'm leaning towards .223 AI chamber if that makes a difference. What other options are out there?

With the AI, I much prefer M5/center feed. I've put a number of 223AI's together and all of them worked in BDL format with shimmed mag boxes...but at least 1 took a lot of "work" to make it "work" right...and it was never smooth. Center feed AICS made everything better.

Depending on your desired use, if it's a carry gun, I prefer not to have the mag extended. Hawkins Hunter M5 BM with their flush fit .223 mag is my preference. They aren't truly flush but close enough that it doesn't bother me. If you don't mind mags extending there's several other options.

 

[BigDog00]

Just talked to Zermatt. He said I'd need to go AICS due to the feed lips. I was already kind of leaning that way. Thinking probably the Hawkins Hunter but may look at some of the other options as well.

 

[JCMCUBIC]

Just an FYI, so you'll know what I didn't...

Hawkins Hunter BM works with their flush fit mags and any other AICS mags. However, their flush fit mags are limited in fitting other flush (do barricade block) AICS bottom metals. It seems their flush fit AICS mags are ever so slightly larger than standard AICS mags. Their Hunter BM is ever so slightly larger than most other AICS bottom metal...which results in it accepting any AICS mags, though some may have a little wobble to them. Not being able to use their flush fit .223 mags in rifles I had other AICS BM in was extremely irritating to me.

Bottom line, if you desire to use the Hawkins flush fit .223 mags, you want to use their Hawkins Hunter BM.

 

[SloppyJ]

Hawkins hunter is your answer. I run a Zermatt Origin, a few actually. I use the Hawkins Hunter bottom metal and AICS (MDT) mags for my .223 setup. When I swap the barrel for my hunting rig, I use the hunter flush mag. It's the best setup out there as far as options go.

Alternatively, you could pick up a cheap SA DBM and run the same MDT mags.