221 Fireball ??

beaverguy · August 2, 2006, 11:44 AM

Just bought a new 700 Rem BDL LS sporter in 221 Fireball. Figure on using Sierra 50gr bullets.. Anyone have any super accurate loads for this combination??? What kind of accuracy can I expect from this rifle??

Thanks

Harley Quinn · August 2, 2006, 01:13 PM

221 good buy.

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/reloads/0505/

I am thinking of doing some fancy stuff with an M1 carbine with this round.
Yes, it can be done. Hope the page helps.

HQ

beaverguy · August 2, 2006, 10:09 PM

The article was interesting but didn't give any loads..

John

Harley Quinn · August 3, 2006, 12:40 AM

Lots of loads

HQ

beaverguy · August 3, 2006, 04:43 AM

Harley,
I only saw starting loads and max loads.. No accuracy loads no primer recommendations.. Did I miss something in this article ??

Harley Quinn · August 3, 2006, 10:04 AM

Yes

HQ

Scorch · August 3, 2006, 01:31 PM

Beaverguy-
You have all the info you need to work up good loads in the article. Start with a good primer, your choice of powders form those listed, and a good quality bullet (I would recommend a 50 gr match hollow point). Starting about halfway between the minimum and maximum loads listed, work the load up in .5 gr increments until you find a load that will give you the best accuracy for a 5-shot group. Once you find the right load, then you can work on the small stuff like different primers and seating depth and .1 gr increments of powder. But work on the basics first.

From the powders listed, I like LilGun best. It gives very consistent results in smaller cases. Don't try to get the fastest load in the world, focus on accuracy.

Wild Bill Bucks · August 3, 2006, 01:58 PM

Scorch is telling it right. Doesn't matter how fast it is , or how far it shoots, if you can't hit anything with it.

The reason for reloading is because EVERY rifle will like a particular load, better than anything else, so you have to experiment with your loads until you find out what that particular load is, for your particular rifle.

Loading books and the information they have, are mostly general for a particular caliber. It is good to check your books for maximum loads and pressures, but they are not going to be able to tell you what is the absolute best for YOUR rifle. Only experimintation will tell you that. They are giving you stats on loads that are being shot from a particular barrel length, twist rate, catridge length,primer, brass, and bullet. None of which may be right for your particular rifle.

Start with a middle of the road load, and follow scorchs instructions.

Harley Quinn · August 3, 2006, 04:34 PM

Thanks to the last two posters. You can lead a horse to water but you can not make him drink.

I figured others would read and help him out I seem to have failed in my endevor.

Stick to factory for awhile till you get the hang of shooting. I believe you are much to new to be trying to work up a load. " can not find it in that article"

.
Good luck.

HQ

beaverguy · August 3, 2006, 05:36 PM

Thanks guys for the info. I've been rolling my own for 40 years now and know what you said is all true. I was just trying to have people post what thier favorite load combination for the 221 is.. I guess I just got lazy,,, LOL !! Thanks again and keep being helpfull..

John

270Win · August 3, 2006, 09:04 PM

Before I read that article, the only knowledge of .221 Fireball was from talking to someone who's cousin used it. Yeah, third- or fourth-hand knowledge. Not the most reliable. For example, the guy sure didn't accurately represent the fact that the Fireball has a REDUCED case capacity compared to .223...

Anyway, the only powder he mentioned (over and over, I might add), was H4198. So... consider that a very limited recommendation

Though I don't have any pet loads for you, I'll bet you will get some fantastic accuracy from the BDL - have any pics to post?

Wild Bill Bucks is right on about rifles being so particular, and that those load books are indispensible. Internet isn't bad, but those huge reloading tomes are really useful. As, with 40 years experience, I'm sure you know!

Good luck!

flashhole · August 7, 2006, 05:49 PM

I have a 221 Fireball on order (Rem 700 stainless, 22" fluted barrel, synthetic). I was hoping for more banter on bullet selection. The Remington barrels have a slower twist (1:14 vs a more conventional 1:12) that aren't as friendly to as large a bullet selection. I think the 50 grain bullet will work but articles I have read suggest better results with bullets in the 39-45 grain weight class. Any thoughts or comments?

Harley Quinn · August 7, 2006, 08:58 PM

is good for the lighter bullets, none of the bullets you will find for the 221 is going to be needing a tighter twist. What I have read anyway.

1-12 is better for over 60 grains. Remember the AR15 223 controversy? I believe they don't, recommend them for this caliber, 221.
221 was first designed for a handgun with a short barrel.

HQ

BILLY D. · August 10, 2006, 03:30 AM

my best results came with rl-7 and lilgun. but my firearm is a pistol so the results would not be the same for your rifle.

August 2, 2006, 11:44 AM	#1
beaverguy Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Location: U.P. of Michigan Posts: 41	221 Fireball ?? Just bought a new 700 Rem BDL LS sporter in 221 Fireball. Figure on using Sierra 50gr bullets.. Anyone have any super accurate loads for this combination??? What kind of accuracy can I expect from this rifle?? Thanks

August 2, 2006, 01:13 PM	#2
Harley Quinn Junior member Join Date: August 30, 2005 Location: State of KALI Posts: 1,531	beaverdude 221 good buy. http://www.gunsandammomag.com/reloads/0505/ I am thinking of doing some fancy stuff with an M1 carbine with this round. Yes, it can be done. Hope the page helps. HQ

August 2, 2006, 10:09 PM	#3
beaverguy Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Location: U.P. of Michigan Posts: 41	Thanks Harley The article was interesting but didn't give any loads.. John

August 3, 2006, 12:40 AM	#4
Harley Quinn Junior member Join Date: August 30, 2005 Location: State of KALI Posts: 1,531	scroll down Lots of loads HQ

August 3, 2006, 04:43 AM	#5
beaverguy Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Location: U.P. of Michigan Posts: 41	??????? LOADS Harley Harley, I only saw starting loads and max loads.. No accuracy loads no primer recommendations.. Did I miss something in this article ??

August 3, 2006, 10:04 AM	#6
Harley Quinn Junior member Join Date: August 30, 2005 Location: State of KALI Posts: 1,531	Beaverguy Yes HQ

August 3, 2006, 01:31 PM	#7
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Beaverguy- You have all the info you need to work up good loads in the article. Start with a good primer, your choice of powders form those listed, and a good quality bullet (I would recommend a 50 gr match hollow point). Starting about halfway between the minimum and maximum loads listed, work the load up in .5 gr increments until you find a load that will give you the best accuracy for a 5-shot group. Once you find the right load, then you can work on the small stuff like different primers and seating depth and .1 gr increments of powder. But work on the basics first. From the powders listed, I like LilGun best. It gives very consistent results in smaller cases. Don't try to get the fastest load in the world, focus on accuracy. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

August 3, 2006, 01:58 PM	#8
Wild Bill Bucks Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2005 Location: Southeastern Oklahoma, Next door to Sasquatch Posts: 1,266	Scorch is telling it right. Doesn't matter how fast it is , or how far it shoots, if you can't hit anything with it. The reason for reloading is because EVERY rifle will like a particular load, better than anything else, so you have to experiment with your loads until you find out what that particular load is, for your particular rifle. Loading books and the information they have, are mostly general for a particular caliber. It is good to check your books for maximum loads and pressures, but they are not going to be able to tell you what is the absolute best for YOUR rifle. Only experimintation will tell you that. They are giving you stats on loads that are being shot from a particular barrel length, twist rate, catridge length,primer, brass, and bullet. None of which may be right for your particular rifle. Start with a middle of the road load, and follow scorchs instructions.

August 3, 2006, 04:34 PM	#9
Harley Quinn Junior member Join Date: August 30, 2005 Location: State of KALI Posts: 1,531	Thanks for assist Thanks to the last two posters. You can lead a horse to water but you can not make him drink. I figured others would read and help him out I seem to have failed in my endevor. Stick to factory for awhile till you get the hang of shooting. I believe you are much to new to be trying to work up a load. " can not find it in that article" . Good luck. HQ

August 3, 2006, 05:36 PM	#10
beaverguy Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Location: U.P. of Michigan Posts: 41	Thanks Guys Thanks guys for the info. I've been rolling my own for 40 years now and know what you said is all true. I was just trying to have people post what thier favorite load combination for the 221 is.. I guess I just got lazy,,, LOL !! Thanks again and keep being helpfull.. John

August 3, 2006, 09:04 PM	#11
270Win Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2005 Location: Damascus, Maryland Posts: 921	Before I read that article, the only knowledge of .221 Fireball was from talking to someone who's cousin used it. Yeah, third- or fourth-hand knowledge. Not the most reliable. For example, the guy sure didn't accurately represent the fact that the Fireball has a REDUCED case capacity compared to .223... Anyway, the only powder he mentioned (over and over, I might add), was H4198. So... consider that a very limited recommendation Though I don't have any pet loads for you, I'll bet you will get some fantastic accuracy from the BDL - have any pics to post? Wild Bill Bucks is right on about rifles being so particular, and that those load books are indispensible. Internet isn't bad, but those huge reloading tomes are really useful. As, with 40 years experience, I'm sure you know! Good luck!

August 7, 2006, 05:49 PM	#12
flashhole Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2005 Location: Owego, NY Posts: 2,000	I have a 221 Fireball on order (Rem 700 stainless, 22" fluted barrel, synthetic). I was hoping for more banter on bullet selection. The Remington barrels have a slower twist (1:14 vs a more conventional 1:12) that aren't as friendly to as large a bullet selection. I think the 50 grain bullet will work but articles I have read suggest better results with bullets in the 39-45 grain weight class. Any thoughts or comments? __________________ ,,, stupidity comes to some people very easily. 8/22/2017 my wife in a discussion about Liberals. Are you ready for civil war?

August 7, 2006, 08:58 PM	#13
Harley Quinn Junior member Join Date: August 30, 2005 Location: State of KALI Posts: 1,531	1-14 is good for the lighter bullets, none of the bullets you will find for the 221 is going to be needing a tighter twist. What I have read anyway. 1-12 is better for over 60 grains. Remember the AR15 223 controversy? I believe they don't, recommend them for this caliber, 221. 221 was first designed for a handgun with a short barrel. HQ

August 10, 2006, 03:30 AM	#14
BILLY D. Member Join Date: February 15, 2005 Location: MINOT (MINDROT) ND Posts: 81	my best results came with rl-7 and lilgun. but my firearm is a pistol so the results would not be the same for your rifle. __________________ PLEASE EXCUSE UPPER CASE TYPING I AM HANDICAPPED AND ONLY TYPE WITH ONE HAND. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. HANDLOADS ARE LIKE UNDERWEAR.....BE CAREFUL WHO YOU SWAP WITH. HAPPY TRAILS, BILL NRA LIFE MEMBER-1965 THE THREAD KILLER