221 Fireball brass from 222 or 223

[Brute]

With the current availability of 221 FB brass somewhat spotty, would it be feasable or foolish to form 221 from 222 or 223 using Norma or Lapua brass?
Thanks,
Brute

 

[Jason Boersma]

It will work, the 222 brass will be easier than the 223 brass since the shoulder is closer to the 221fb length. Watch the amount of lube you use so you don't end up wrinkling the shoulder, annealing first will make it easier but is not necessary.

 

[SF340Driver]

Yes,

I use Winchester 223 brass. Just run it thru your FL die and trim to length.

FYI: SAAMI chambers are 1.430" so you can leave them longer than Remington 221 brass is.

I wouldn't suggest using 222 brass. Many manufactures have thicker shoulders than necks which will lead to having two different neck thicknesses after you form it to 221. If formed from 223 you will trim the entire neck section of the 223 brass off when you trim it to 221 length.

 

[Jason Boersma]

If you neck turn your brass you will have a uniform neck thickness for the whole neck, and you should stick to one manufacturer of brass that will make things more uniform.

 

[SF340Driver]

I tried to neck turn the 222 brass -- didn't go well. Had to ream the extra long doughnut and then neck turn. 223 works out much better -- way less work in the end.