Can/should my buddy's AR .223 be converted to Wylde?

[SumTingWong]

My buddy has an older version of this rifle:

20in Varmint - Windham Weaponry Online. AR-15 Manufacturer

Windham Weaponry 20" Varmint Model: R20FSSFTTL Caliber: .223 Rem. / 5.56mm NATO Type: Rifle Action: Semi-Automatic, Gas Impingement System Capacity: 5 + 1- Ships with one 5 Round Magazine (accepts all std. sizes) Safety: Manual Lever with Indicator Markings on Both Sides of Receiver...

www.windhamweaponry.com

The website says it fits .223 and 5.56, but I think he has an older model that is not the same spec, as 5.56 jams in his gun, which is obviously unsafe.

I've read that it feasible to send a .223 out to a smith, and have him machine it to a .223 Wylde.

Anyone know if that is possible and, if so, does he need to find someone super skilled, or is it a fairly straight forward process that can be done my most shops?

 

[scope-eye]

I have one and it loads and shoots fine it's just nose heavy, one day I am going to build up the courage to lop off 10 inches. And maybe then I will start to use it more often.

Dean

 

[DirectDrive]

It's not a true Wylde chamber if 5.56 gets hung up in it.
Any competent 'smith can fix it.
And don't let them make you buy/rent a reamer.
Go somewhere else that is properly tooled up.

My .223 Wylde runs both cartridges.

 

[SumTingWong]

So I guess the answer is that it CAN be converted? Just to reiterate, he has an older one of the model I posted, but a slightly different model number.

Any rough idea what it should cost? Should it be around $250 or 550 or...
Just trying to get a sense of what info to pass along.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Ckgworks]

Those barrels are chambered with a Compass Lake chamber which I think is a fantastic chamber. It should handle both 223/556..... I have never had issues with any of mine, and may even be interested in buying that one if he would sell it. I think it would be more cost effective to put a different barrel on it.

The answer to your question is "maybe" To do it right the barrel should be set back to rechamber and that may create issues with the gas tube length becoming too long as the barrel gets shorter. A 556 reamer "should" clean it up, but until you actually look at it it's hard to say for sure.

Edit to add "Many are Compass Lake, But all may not be."

 

[SumTingWong]

Thanks for the info, I will let him know.

 

[762x51]

if it's gonna be more than $300 why not just buy a brand new match grade barrel that's already chambered for 223 wylde? ballistic advantage, white oak, rainier all make them in that range or cheaper if you catch a sale.

 

[DirectDrive]

So I guess the answer is that it CAN be converted? Just to reiterate, he has an older one of the model I posted, but a slightly different model number.

Any rough idea what it should cost? Should it be around $250 or 550 or...
Just trying to get a sense of what info to pass along.

Thanks for the help!

Send your questions to WOA.
They build Service Rifles and are experts in the Wylde chamber.

Contact Us | White Oak Armament

Contact

www.whiteoakarmament.com

 

[SumTingWong]

I appreciate the response.
While on this thread, I've read MANY articles comparing 5.56, .223, and Wylde.

Why do some builders, like Rock River Arms, sell what they state as "5.56 for 5.56 and .223," and then also sell Wylde chamberings?

Why would someone want a 5.56 chambering, and not just get a Wylde?

 

[cajun]

Well it could be jamming for other reasons. Does it do this with all 556 ammo? Most of these AR's should have 556 chambers to shoot both.

 

[DirectDrive]

I appreciate the response.
While on this thread, I've read MANY articles comparing 5.56, .223, and Wylde.

Why do some builders, like Rock River Arms, sell what they state as "5.56 for 5.56 and .223," and then also sell Wylde chamberings?

Why would someone want a 5.56 chambering, and not just get a Wylde?

1) You might still find a pure .223 chamber in a bolt gun these days, but rarely in an AR unless it's an old, precision-type AR

2) Precision-type AR's are where you will see the Wylde chamber

3) Combat or patrol type AR's will have a 5.56 chamber

 

[SumTingWong]

So, for hunting, the Wylde would be better, or are we just splitting hairs?

 

[Ckgworks]

If it were me, I'd go Wylde over 556 chamber, as the ones I have seem to shoot a variety of ammo better than my 556.......but that's just my experience. There are some people who won't look at a barrel unless it says 556 on it!

 

[DirectDrive]

So, for hunting, the Wylde would be better, or are we just splitting hairs?

I don't know what more there is to say.

Wylde Chamber - precision (long/heavy capable)
5.56 Chamber - combat/patrol (looser chamber to withstand the rigors [carbon buildup] of combat shooting)