221 fireball build questions

[22vartarg]

I also ordered my barrel through James at Northland Shooters Supply. He is fantastic to deal with and super helpful. And I agree with you, I’m hanging onto that Lapua brass and wouldn’t sell it for anything. I was very fortunate to find out near the time that they discontinued it and was able to buy some from various sources.

 

[22vartarg]

Got looking at bullets that I can use and have a few. Got Sierra and Berger 52gr match, Sierra and Hornady 40gr tipped and Barnes 40gr HPFB along with a few different 50gr bullets. Thinking I will stay with H4198 for the main powder. Wish I had some Nosler, but will keep an eye out for them. Anyone have another favorite bullet?

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Wish I had some Nosler, but will keep an eye out for them. Anyone have another favorite bullet?

Keep an eye online at the Nosler Shooters Pro Shop, as they run ads for both blems and seconds, but they seldom last long. Make no mistake though, their seconds are only cosmetically challenged, they still shoot!



Both my 221FB's shoot Nosler seconds well (Cooper & CZ), and none of the squirrels or chucks shot with them can tell the difference from Nosler "firsts".

 

[22vartarg]

Well…went out this morning to do my first load development test for the new 221 Fireball barrel after I finished break-in. I think she will shoot alright. Started out the 3 shot groups and this was the best one. So far I’m very happy with the new project. Shooting Sierra 52 MatchKings with H4198 powder

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Well…went out this morning to do my first load development test for the new 221 Fireball barrel after I finished break-in. I think she will shoot alright. Started out the 3 shot groups and this was the best one. So far I’m very happy with the new project. Shooting Sierra 52 MatchKings with H4198 powder

Outstanding!
Good job sir!

 

[Fern]

I think your load development is complete. That’s a great group. I like the 22-250 myself but love the 204 low recoil and being able to stay on target.
Went with a friend and his dad and daughter on a p dog hunt two years ago. His 12 year old daughter was able to make 350-400 yard shots with it and connect.
After I fired his Kevlar I told him I hated him cause I knew what my next rifle was and took about a year before finding one for sale on gun broker.

 

[danny]

Looks to me like you've pretty much got it figured out.
Single shot follower or sled will get you where you want to be.
As far as a .223 bolt head? No issues, just a regular, turned over to kick out to the open side. No ejector rod/spring sure makes short work of extracting/ejecting issues.
Fired brass stays on the bolt head till YOU pick it off.
With the .223 bolt head, nothing but the .221 Fireball barrel to deal with. You're single feeding anyway so no issues.

I started out with a 110 V (J) Series in .223 way back in the day. Swapped barrels to .221 Fireball. Been a fun ride since then.
The .221 Fireball showed me the shortcomings of the Savage actions. I've learned "a lot" since then. The "short round" didn't work in the Savage actions till you understand what's going on and you learn the "single shot" thing. After that, you can chamber just about anything.
Only suggestion would be go "zero freebore" on the chamber and start off with the lightest bullets you can get your hands on. Will be a long time before the throat wears enough to go to heavier bullets.
Best 5 shot group came out at .110" at 100 yards. And as you might guess, I LOVE MY .221 FIREBALL. Started life as a Remington XP 100 but got converted to a rifle. Might even pick up another XP Pistol in .221 Fireball.

Well,
I am not really sure that the Fireball rounds work really well in a Remington 700, either, and I do have mine on a Factory 17 Fireball. I reverse engineered an existing Score High drop in single shot action to try making a Fireball specific one, because I thought that they did not make one. Then, after all of the effort I then found out that they did. Feeding into the chamber is not 100%, and I am pretty sure I got it like they would make one.

What is the story on the 110 V (J) Savages from back in the day? I remember when those were new. There were a lot of interesting variants. Because they are oddballs, I have some kind of interest in them. Do they have any advantages? Should one pass them up if one is found?

Danny

 

[Frankm]

Go up 1 click …!

Excellent shooting.

 

[22vartarg]

All done testing the 52 Sierra MatchKing and grouping about the same for a 5 shot group. Next, will test the 40 gr. Blitzking.

 

[22vartarg]

Now starting to wonder if I should get into a 17 Mach IV or a 17 Fireball. I already have a few 20 VT and a 204 but never done anything with a 17 caliber. I hear the little bullets are hard to load, but don’t know. May even find a used Cooper or the like.

 

[snert]

I have a 20 VT and a 17 FB. I strongly prefer the 20. The 17 is neat, but every time I shoot it I feel like I am shoving a bullet at very high pressure thru a tiny hole (I am). It shoots ok, and it topples PD ok. But when I shoot the 20VT I get better groups, greater ability to shoot different bullets, and more splat. And it is easier to put a 20 cal bullet on a cartridge than a 17 that is for sure.

But, if you must...

 

[ArtinNC]

Tested some loads in my Savage 112-- 221 fireBall today . Second time to the range with this Brux 1:14 Barrel. Shot at 100 Yds . I'm .010 into the lands.