I just got a Remington 700 chambered in 221 Fireball. I'm replacing my 22 Hornet and am looking for load data. It has a heavy 20inch Shilen match barrel. Does anyone have starting loads or favorite loads for this set-up. Thanks Ter
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Posts: 89 | Location: Baker City, Ore | Registered: 20 November 2000
The best listing I'm aware of is Ken Water's "Pet Loads" article for Handloader Magazine. It was reprinted in one of the supplements to the book. Number 14 to the first edition, or #2 to the third edition. A copy is most likely available from Wolfe Publishing. I belive you can order through their website handloadermagazine.com. If the url is wrong a search of the web ought to turn up something.
My own .221 is an old 722 originally a .222 with the barrel set back. It seems to prefer the 50 grain Sierras with BL-C(2) but you really can't get enough of it in the case with out heavy compression and a darned good crimp. I'm getting better case life than I did with the Hornet, and I don't cut my fingers up trying to get bullets into the seating die, after I've chamfered the case mouths inside and out.
Loads listed for .221 pistols should work just fine in your rifle. With the advantage of a slightly longer barrel, you may want to favor the slower listed powders over the faster ones.
If you make brass from military .223, just be sure to back off a little to account for the lesser capacity with the heavier brass. Properly reworked, military .223 brass should last forever in this caliber.
Posts: 13349 | Location: Henly, TX, USA | Registered: 04 April 2001
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ter: I have been shooting a Rem 700 rebarreled to 221 with 24" bbl for several years. I like 16g IMR 4227 with the 42g Calhoon bullet for about 3050 fps. This load could be increased in my rifle but I am happy with it. It is very accurate and this bullet is very explosive.
I have a Ruger #1V rebarreled in a 221 Fireball with a 26 inch Shilen barrel. It loves RL-7 and the Sierra 50 gr blitzking bullets. It is throated long so I can seat the bullets out to 1.965 inches-way over COL. I am getting 3100 fps with my load but I can not recommend it with normally throated rifles. The rifle has gotten 74 woodchucks in the last 2 years.
quote:Originally posted by Ter: I just got a Remington 700 chambered in 221 Fireball. I'm replacing my 22 Hornet and am looking for load data. It has a heavy 20inch Shilen match barrel. Does anyone have starting loads or favorite loads for this set-up. Thanks Ter
Thank you for all the replys. I have tryed 2200 and have had very good results. 40 gr. V-max with 20 to 21 grains of 2200. Thanks Ter
Posts: 89 | Location: Baker City, Ore | Registered: 20 November 2000
quote:Originally posted by Ter: I just got a Remington 700 chambered in 221 Fireball. I'm replacing my 22 Hornet and am looking for load data. It has a heavy 20inch Shilen match barrel. Does anyone have starting loads or favorite loads for this set-up. Thanks Ter
I shoot the .221 in a TC and have found it to like AA1680 as well as 2015BR.
