.221 Fireball
- Thread starter sako6br
- Start date
I haven't spent any time "developing" a load for it...just loaded 15.5grs of LilGun and a 40gr VMax and it shoots well under an inch for 5...average might be around 7/8".
With load development it would surely do better.
- Location
- Lloydminster
We sell a lot of 527's in 221 FB. Perhaps 50 in the last 12 months so we get lots of feedback. Most guys seem to be able to get what Rembo reports and, with careful load development, often into .5" at least semi-consistent.
Not bad for a rifle in this $$$ range. All well built.
We also sell a lot of our Coopers in 221. They , of course, do somewhat better. Seems to be a naturally accurate little round.
221FB = efficient and accurate
I purchased one last year - Sako A1 with Hart barrel. Falling in luv with this caliber was quick and painless.
I originally had a Cooper ordered in this caliber but the order got misplaced
I would seriously consider its twin - the 20 Vartarg - supposed to be even better than the 221 for accuracy - would love to get one in a Cooper - Clay @ Prophet River has a couple in stock - very tempting
Regarding bullets - most accurate was 40 gr. Nosler, 35 and 40 gr. V-maxes are accurate as well, with the 35 gr'ers producing the higher carnage factor on prairie gophers.
Longest kills on a small town of rats - 285 yrds
All my loading was with Lil Gun - 16 gr. was stretching the primer pocket - reduced to 15.5 grains producing .5-.75 five shot groups if I do my part.
After doing more research, I just purchased some Reloader 7 - supposed to be more accurate with the velocities close to a 223?? Too early to tell as I have only shot a few rounds with this powder - accuracy seems promising though
I will say, it is hard to beat how well the Lil Gun powder meters.
I purchased one last year - Sako A1 with Hart barrel. Falling in luv with this caliber was quick and painless.
I originally had a Cooper ordered in this caliber but the order got misplaced
I would seriously consider its twin - the 20 Vartarg - supposed to be even better than the 221 for accuracy - would love to get one in a Cooper - Clay @ Prophet River has a couple in stock - very tempting
Regarding bullets - most accurate was 40 gr. Nosler, 35 and 40 gr. V-maxes are accurate as well, with the 35 gr'ers producing the higher carnage factor on prairie gophers.
Longest kills on a small town of rats - 285 yrds
All my loading was with Lil Gun - 16 gr. was stretching the primer pocket - reduced to 15.5 grains producing .5-.75 five shot groups if I do my part.
After doing more research, I just purchased some Reloader 7 - supposed to be more accurate with the velocities close to a 223?? Too early to tell as I have only shot a few rounds with this powder - accuracy seems promising though
I will say, it is hard to beat how well the Lil Gun powder meters.
- Location
- Lloydminster
LOL, the 20 VT is very popluar and we sell a lot of them. I had 8 in stock yesterday morning; now 6. Probably only the rimfires and the 280 AI sell better.
I was thinking of going with a 1:16 barrel on my 221 build as I only intend to use 40gr bullets for max gopher carnage.
I also have a .223 so it would be nice to only have to buy one bullet and use it in both cases.
I also have a .223 so it would be nice to only have to buy one bullet and use it in both cases.
I have both the 221 Fireball and the 20 Vartarg in Coopers (Thanks Clay!). Both great rounds. In the Coopers anytime 3 shots go over about 3/8" at 100 I know I'm doing something wrong! And as has been mentioned they are faster than you might think just looking at the cases. You won't be sorry! Phil
I think this could be my next build project. As it turns out, a buddy of mine has a reamer for the .221 FB.
First step is to find a suitable cheap action. I will keep my eye open for an old p.o.s. rifle that has the right action. (preferably a Sako)
Thane
First step is to find a suitable cheap action. I will keep my eye open for an old p.o.s. rifle that has the right action. (preferably a Sako)
Thane
221 is a great little cartridge, although I favor the 223 for its extra punch. I had a 527 American, with 40gr Ballistic Tips it would shoot consistently 3/4" 5 shot groups with 19 grs RL7 (3200 fps). Killed a couple coyotes and a mule deer with it.
