I recently picked up an XP100 in the original .221 Remington Fireball caliber. I'm starting to work up some loads for it. Does anyone have any particularly good/accurate loads that they have been happy with?
I have several of the loading manuals, and I will be working up "carefully" and gradually, so no need to warn me about the pitfalls of relying on the internet for "SAFE" loads from strangers.
I'm just interested in some others success stories with this old but interesting little cartridge.
Thanks!
zim698

Two powders that excel in the 221 are LilGun and AA1680, especially with the 40-45gr bullets. Check the Hodgdon and AA sites for their data. Other good powders are RL7, H322, and AA2200. I have two Fireball rifles, and they are a joy to shoot, though your XP will negate the minimal muzzle blast I enjoy.
Try a "search" on this site (small calibers or reloading or varmint hunting), as there has been several threads on load data.
Enjoy!

I have a 26 inch barrel for my Encore and I use the following data! For your safety, compare it with data in your books!

Bullet: 55 grain Win. PSP
Powder: 17 grains IMR 4198
Primer: CCI 450
Brass: Remington

I get sub-MOA groups with this! Also used it last year to take a nice doe! She only went about 30 feet, heart/lung shot!

Does anyone have any experience on how barrel twist rate affects velocity and pressure in the .221 Fireball? Specifically, will a 12 twist give significantly higher pressure [and lower velocity] than a 14 twist in this cartridge? What twist is recommended for bullets no heavier than 40 grains, in this cartridge?

Thanks,

Jordan

Mulerider, Chuck:
Appreciate the tips. I was planning on using Rel. 7 soon. I will also check out H322. I started off with IMR 4198 but that was just the beginning. This project just got off the ground. I'm waiting for some rings from Midway before I get to test out my first loads. I'm sure the muzzle blast will be more pronounced than with a long gun, but should be tolerable. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks!
zim698

Zim698,
When I first bought my 221 Fireball barrel, I asked guys for their favorite powder for it. The most commonly rec'd powders at the time were (in no particular order): RL 7, AA 1680, and 4227. In my 12" Contender barrel from VVCG, using 40 gr V-Max bullets, I tried H 110 and IMR 4227. At 100 yds, H 110 wouldn't hardly stay on a notebook-sized sheet of paper so I didn't pursue it any further. On the other hand, my work w/ H4227 was VERY satisfying. 17.0 gr (2940 fps) and 17.5 gr (3020 fps) of 4227 both shoot 1/2-3/4 MOA at 100 yds (3 shot groups) using a 3-12 Burris LER scope. I used Rem 7 1/2 primers in virgin Rem brass; OAL was 1.935", 0.02" off the lands. I settled on the 17.0 gr load as I figured 2940 fps was plenty velocity w/o having to "hot rod" the barrel any. Afterall, if I want more velocity, I'll bring out my 223 Rem barrel or my 22 Rem BR XP-100 or 22-250 AI Encore. I've not tried any other powders or bullets in my barrel. Actually, I lucked up on "the load" in the FIRST 12-15 shots. I've read amazing things about Lil Gun and the 221, but haven't had an opportunity (or need) to personally try it. I bet you'll find your 221's still very pleasant to shoot, even in the short barrel. It's an amazingly efficient cartridge. Gary T.

Gary T,
Thanks for the H4227 suggestion. I'll add that to my list as well. 1/2 MOA sounds great. I agree that this is a very efficient cartridge. That is why I picked up the XP100 in the first place.
Thanks again to all for the feedback. It should save me some time in load development!
Zim698

for a nice plinking load try 11.3 grains of blue dot with a 40 grain bullet. about 2850 fps in my rem. classic and no recoil also sub moa.