Rebarreling an AR

[poolingmyignorance]

Aright, so I've been immersed in the world of Ak's for a while now...and an oppertunity came up to trade for a decent AR so I took a leap and swapped.
It's a PSA 300blk out.. but I don't like the price of ammo. I like to shoot the hell outta all my guns and $1/rnd isn't that attractive. I don't currently have the extra space for reloading. So What I'd like to do is swap the barrel for a 556. Is this as simple as selecting the correct gas lenght and installing it? Or will I need to ream the chamber and head space? I don't have a problem doing that I'll just need to get the tool set up for the lathe. Thanks in advance.

 

[taliv]

you can purchase a barrel blank and extension and chamber it yourself (including drilling the gas hole and setting headspace) but the vast majority of shooters simply buy a barrel that's ready to go and all they typically have to do is remove handguard, remove gas block/tube, unscrew barrel nut, swap the barrel, and reattach stuff.

since you are doing a caliber conversion, and mfg may vary the location/size of hole in the gas block, i would probably get a new block and tube unless i was positive it was interchangeable.

more commonly, people will just trade complete uppers out so they don't have to do any work.


ETA: pay attention to the feed ramps.

 

[Reloadron]

You should be able to just get a drop in barrel from a distributor like Brownell's.

Blackout to 5.56 is a simple barrel swap; the bolt, carrier, magazine and all other components remain the same as those used in a traditional 223 Rem/5.56 NATO rifle.

Obviously you will need the tools and select the twist of your choice. When buying the barrel the .223 and 5.56 chamberings are not the same. You will need an AR-15/M16 UPPER RECEIVER ACTION BLOCK and Barrel Wrench which can be had from Brownells or other distributors.

You want the same barrel length? Overall it should not be that difficult.

Depending on the wallet you may want to consider what taliv mentions as to another upper. That way you have the best of both worlds.

Ron

 

[poolingmyignorance]

I'm aware of the 300 blk out is just necked up 556, uses all the same bolt carrier etc. and So I was thinking the barrel swap would be the most economical, as I don't have intentions to supress anytime soon. However having spoke with somebody else already they suggested finding somebody wiling to swap uppers with me. Which isn't out of the question.
I'd go with the same 16" barrel length. I believe what i have is whats refered to as a "mid lenght" gas system. I'd prefer if I go with rebarreling to just buy one ready to install. I've got the machines, but not all the tools and honesty I'm not ready to dive head first into commiting a ton of $ on machine tooling for chambering.
The guns primary use would be a plinker. It's more or less something I'd be using, but my wife seems to be eyeing it alot...

 

[Reloadron]

Just get another 16" drop in barrel. There should not be any chambering involved. Just make sure of the gas system as was mentioned. To barrel swap you will need a receiver block and the barrel wrench. Neither should be expensive.

Ron

 

[Livnoutdoorsxd9]

Whatever barrel manufacturer you choose, contact them to see if you can send out your bolt so they can check headspace for you. Also make sure the 556 barrel you buy is a mid gas with the same diameter at the gas block. Standard size is .750. If all those things match up, the rest is a breeze.

 

[cfullgraf]

I'm aware of the 300 blk out is just necked up 556, uses all the same bolt carrier etc.

Actually, 300 Blk is necked up 221 Remington Fireball. The case head is the same as 223 Remington.

Basically a barrel is all should need but I would get a barrel, gas block and gas tube. Then you do not have to remove the gas block from the 300 Blk barrel.

It is a good suggestion to send the bolt to the barrel manufacturer so that they can check the headspace before shipping the barrel.

Or, some manufacturers package their barrels with a headspaced bolt. Then keep the 300 Blk bolt with the 300 Blk barrel.

 

[Walkalong]

I just did the opposite to a .223 upper, but I reload, and wanted something different. Should be able to buy a barrel and swap it out.

Do like taliv posted, and make sure to match feed ramps on upper and barrel extension.

Like this:

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=431376