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221 Fireball build?

BWitz

I am wanting to build a rifle in 221 fireball. I have always been intrigued by this caliber. My biggest question is what is the best path for magazine? Internal box or detachable mag? Will the shorter 221 case feed out of 223 magazines reliably? The rifle will be used for recreational target shooting to about 500 yds. I thought about buying an older Rem 700 and then rebarreling and new stock. Or start from scratch with a Mack Bros action. Any advice appreciated
 
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BWitz said:
I am wanting to build a rifle in 221 fireball. I have always been intrigued by this caliber. My biggest question is what is the best path for magazine? Internal box or detachable mag? Will the shorter 221 case feed out of 223 magazines reliably? The rifle will be used for recreational target shooting to about 500 yds. I thought about buying an older Rem 700 and then rebarreling and new stock. Or start from scratch with a Mack Bros action. Any advice appreci
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Both my .221's are on a 461 Sako action. The perfect size for this cartridge, works as a repeater with no problem. Also both 17MIV's are on the same action, work just fine. it's as if that action was made for the .221 case, which of course it wasn't, but might as well have been. Only downside is old Sakos aren't real common, and pricey when you do see them unless you get lucky.. It's been many years now, and I got lucky with all these. But another really good way to go would be with a T/C carbine barrel, about 20 - 22" by Mike Bellm at belmtcs.com. Mike knows chambers and does excellent work. And a T/C carbine is just very handy in and out of the truck. Plus you can get all kinds of different wood for it.

You can make a Rem 700 short action work with the 221 case. I've done it and made a machIV, worked fine but took a little doing.....not a lot, but some. And the .223 bolt worked fine as is. I used it on PD's for awhile then took it apart, like the Sako better.

Edit: First sentence mentioned 222's, should have said 221's. I changed it.
 
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You can make brass easy enough from 223 that I dont see the need to have it on hand before starting a build. I've been thinking about doing one myself. While back there was a guy posting videos on youtube where he'd ski around and shoot ptarmigan with one. I want to do that. Maybe a little less skiing and more snow mobiling though!
 
BWitz said:
... Will the shorter 221 case feed out of 223 magazines reliably? The rifle will be used for recreational target shooting to about 500 yds. I thought about buying an older Rem 700 and then rebarreling and new stock. Or start from scratch with a Mack Bros action. Any advice appreciated
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A 221 fireball can feed under some circumstances.
I have gotten them to feed from an AR 15 mag. But I didn't stuff the mag full.
I have a Remington 700 that started it's life as a .223. It was customized by Young Custom Rifles or what Lucas called his company. It feeds well, I don't fill the blind mag that full. Extraction is not a problem, ejection isn't either but I prefer to remove the spent brass myself. As brass is not as plentiful or cheap. I shoot my CZ 527 way more often than the Remy.
I will part with the Remington as the man I intended to shoot prairie dogs with has passed away. The CZ and Contender are sufficient for my needs.

Paul
 
Yes, a 700 will work fine BUT, try to find a blackout or fireball action. The ejector is clocked a little different to make em rub the top of the action so they stay in the bolt till they clear the ejection port. Also, the fireball mag spacer is quite a bit thicker than 223, and holds the cases further forward so they don't pop out to soon and jam up. I think I have a spare box and spacer if you can't get one from brownells. Love the cartridge! I've killed prairie dogs over 350 with mine. It's a hoot to shoot thru a suppressor! I bought an sps blackout for a do er action. Sanded it smooth and had it professionally blued by a knife maker friend. Sure get lots of positive comments on her!
 
I built a 221 FB on a HOWA mini. Love the gun and the cartridge. The gun was originally a 223 so the mag is too long for the 221. Right now I'm just loading 4 or 5 rounds in the mag but opening the bolt slow so I don't lose brass in the dark (night hunting). Removing the empty by hand and pushing the next round forward with my finger then the bolt will pick it up and take it to the chamber.

When I get time, I am going to attempt to put a filler in the back of the mag to keep the shorter cartridge farther forward. I think it will work. Brass has not been a problem to track down but most are proud of it. I keep telling myself "by once cry once" and so far it's working out.
 
JohnHenry said:
I would suggest single shot custom action. 221FB is a great caliber!
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Or, a single shot action, maybe like a Remington XP 100? :cool: :cool:
No loading/extraction issues. Just make sure you bring enough ammo with you when you go shooting.:D;)
And when you chamber, go ZERO free bore so if/when the throat wears, you can still seat the bullets out and reach the lands.
Best 5 shot wallet target at 100 yards= .110 without too much work. :)
 
There once was an aluminum feed ramp that could be put
in the magazine and make some rifles into single shot.

I'll make a stab at the name---Score High. I have one in a standard
700 SA and like it.

I don't know if these things are still available but this is a simple
solution----also easy to remove and return the rifle to a repeater.

A. Weldy
 
At one time when I was big into Ruger number one rifles, I started acquiring parts to make a number one chambered in 221 fireball

I had a stock and action a set trigger but unfortunately, I lost interest in the project before I ever acquired a barrel. I have sold off most of the parts. I think the only thing that remains is possibly a trigger.
 
Lucky Shooter said:
There once was an aluminum feed ramp that could be put
in the magazine and make some rifles into single shot.

I'll make a stab at the name---Score High. I have one in a standard
700 SA and like it.

I don't know if these things are still available but this is a simple
solution----also easy to remove and return the rifle to a repeater.

A. Weldy
Click to expand...
www.scorehi.com
 
Lucky Shooter said:
There once was an aluminum feed ramp that could be put
in the magazine and make some rifles into single shot.

I'll make a stab at the name---Score High. I have one in a standard
700 SA and like it.

I don't know if these things are still available but this is a simple
solution----also easy to remove and return the rifle to a repeater.

A. Weldy
Click to expand...
Not sure about any other brand rifle but on a Savage, on extraction, the .221 Fireball case will pop off of the bolt head before the bolt gets to full open at the loading port.
That's where removing the ejector rod and spring comes into play. (makes it a single shot)
If the action you choose is designed for the short .221 Fireball case you'll be OK. If not, you may have issues. Plan ahead. ;)
 
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