221 FB vs 223 REM

[mason]

Hello all I'm stuck between the 223 and the 221fb.My gun needs a new barrel its a rem 700 nothing special,its chambered in 223 right now but its getting week is the 221FB more accurate then the 223..

 

[jwv2001]

I wouldn't say the 221 is more accurate but it is a fun round that is extremely efficient. Depending on what you will be using the rifle for and to what extent you are going to in your rebarrel, there are plenty of possibilities.
Look into a 223 Ackley Improved.

 

[Preacher]

My favorite would be the 221 Fire Ball......

 

[CT10ring]

I have a couple of bolt rifles in .223- a Kimber 84 SSV & Rem 700 ADL action with Lilja barrel. Both are very accurate. I also have a couple of Rem action 221's. One is a 700 Classic, other is a trued action/pac-nor barrel built by Gre-Tan. I like them all, and the .221 is just what you'd think-less powder, noise, and distance for the little round...it is super accurate and I have shot PD's with it at 125 yds that really did some damage. I have used Lil Gun powder 14.8g, Rem brass, cci BR-4, 40 g v-max. No chrono work. .221 shoots 5 shot 1/2" group all day. Lil gun is super for this tiny cartridge, in my non-expert opinion.

 

[BSJ]

The only down side to the .221 is brass costs twice what .223 does and can be hard to find at times.

 

[j870sm]

I just looked at a 221FB and I gave it a lot of thought. I finally decided to pass on it as I have several 223's and a couple of 22-250's. One thing I noticed is the ammo is high for the 221 and I haven't seen much of it on the shleves. I live in Dallas so that could have something to do with the availability. If you are in a different area YMMV.
The 221 is ballistically inferior to the 223. I have a 223AI but I shoot my regular 223's more. The one that I like the best in the 223 is the WSSM, that thing shoots 1/2" groups or better all day long. I have had some feeding problems with it but I believe it was the die Ihad been using. Bought a new one off of EBAY and Ihave not had a problem since.

 

[Travelor]

Look very hard at the 222 Remington. It was the KING of benchrest for a while before 6PPC, has a nice long neck for bullet seating, and is a VERY accurate and forgiving cartridge. The "old standby" is 19.5 grains of IMR 4198 and a 52 gr SMK IIRC.

I believe this would give you a very accurate gun with more velocity that the 221 FB.

Got one and love it. It shoots bugholes.

George

 

[fdshuster]

"Yes" to the 222 Rem. Superior Lapua brass is out there, floating around, and Lapua is rumored to again make it available after the first of the year, so you are not "locked in to" using brand "R" brass, far from superior. One of my many consistantly accurate load combos is 22.2 grs. of H322, Hodgdon recommended accuracy load- right on the money), with any quality 50 gr. seated .020" off. Sub MOA, 5 shot groups at 200 yd, all day long: actually gets boring after a while from factory Rem 700BDL and a Hart barreled Sako L-46.

 

[olympian]

I am partial to the .221 Fireball,rifle and pistol) and .222 Remington,rifle). My .221 likes several powders and bullets.

My .222 loves 23.5gr of H322 for 50/52gr. bullets at 3200fps and no pressure signs. Winchester brass has been much better than RP for me.

If it were not for NRA Service rifle and 75+gr. bullets, I would not own or consider a .223 for anything. To me, if you need more bolt rifle than a .222, get a .22BR.

 

[CT10ring]

Gents, Thanks for the info about the .222 reloads. I have an older/new to me Sako L-461 .222 that I am going to begin reloading for & the info is much appreciated. I have shot factory loaded ammo with good results & expect your loads will improve groups.