221 Fireball Subsonic Loads

[rrwildlife]

Has anyone worked up a subsonic load with TrailBoss for the 221 Fireball? I went to the range this morning loaded up with a 70% load (4.3 grains) as directed by Hodgdon but my velocities were still supersonic. I didn't realize you have to change the settings on the LabRadar to get it too register reduced speeds. Anyhow I'm trying to cut down on some testing so if anyone has a load in the 1050 fps range I'd appreciate it. I was using 52 grain Nosler CC and Fed 205 M primers.

Ryan

 

[P1ZombieKiller]

would a 70ish grain projectile help you get in that velocity range?

 

[rrwildlife]

would a 70ish grain projectile help you get in that velocity range?

The barrel is a 12 twist so it’s doubtful it would stabilize a 70 grain bullet, especially at low velocities. My next move was to try a 60 gr v-max if i run into a powder volume issue. TrailBoss is supposed to be forgiving concerning case capacity an igniting reliably.

If nobody chimes in I’ll just load up some 60% loads and try again tomorrow. Really not a big deal, I just figured someone has been down this road before.

Thanks for the thought,

Ryan

 

[Evan]

I'd be very interested to hear how it goes for you!

 

[Lucky Shooter]

James Calhoon Bullets might have some answers for you with Blue Dot
or 800X if you give up on TrailBoss.

A. Weldy

 

[rrwildlife]

So far 52 are starting to de-stabilize below 1300 FPS. My bullet holes are no longer round. I’ll have to drop down to 40’s or 45’s and revisit.

I messed around with blue dot in a 300 whisper but not in a 223 case. May have to look into that

 

[DogBuster]

TrailBoss formula is on the IMR website

very simple for any cartridge

Blue Dot...for example in a 223 I believe is 12 grs w/55

In my 300 BLK bolt gun...a fun load is 9/Blue Dot & 110 Nosler

60% loads with H4895 is another option

 

[PigButtons]

You don't mention it but when I'm doing reduced loads I find Puff-Lon invaluable. It keeps the powder tight to the primer so it can't shift in the case. I just fill to the neck and let the bullet compress it. I have a small funnel and use a Lee dipper to pour it into the funnel. The large bottle lasts a very long time as it is compressed in the container and I just scoop some out and mix it up to fluff it up in a separate plastic jar with a tight lid. I use it in 22K hornet, 22-250, .223, and 357 Mag, all with great results.

Accuracy went way up and even though it's a separate step it is better than shooting patterns instead of groups.

 

[DogBuster]

With fluffy TrailBoss...it fills the case

Load just below the base of bullet

 

[rrwildlife]

TrailBoss formula is on the IMR website

very simple for any cartridge

Blue Dot...for example in a 223 I believe is 12 grs w/55

In my 300 BLK bolt gun...a fun load is 9/Blue Dot & 110 Nosler

60% loads with H4895 is another option

I appreciate the suggestion but I’m below the staring TrailBoss load and the velocity is still 300 FPS too fast. I’m just trying to save some steps. I can reduce the powder further and see what happens

 

[rrwildlife]

With fluffy TrailBoss...it fills the case

Load just below the base of bullet

That gives much higher velocity than I want. Looking for sub-sonic loads

 

[rrwildlife]

James Calhoon Bullets might have some answers for you with Blue Dot
or 800X if you give up on TrailBoss.

A. Weldy

I checked out James’s site. Unfortunately all his data is still too high in velocity. Appreciate the tip though. Interesting read

 

[NZ_Fclass]

The problem with 40g pills, is that it turns your 221 into a 22lr. At a higher cost per round.

 

[rrwildlife]

The problem with 40g pills, is that it turns your 221 into a 22lr. At a higher cost per round.

That is exactly what I'm trying to do but with jacketed bullets.

 

[boltfluter]

You have your work cut out for you! Tried the same thing with a .22BR and finally gave up. First round was very erratic then it would group great. Never did get to the bottom of it. Good luck. Fingers crossed for you.

Paul

 

[NZ_Fclass]

OK. I had an issue of noise on farms, where townies had bought property nearby and still needed more range than a 22lr. Having tried the low velocity thing with a 222, I went with 17 Hornet. The noise produced by the small amount of powder is easier to supress, as is the crack of the 20g.. and good for rabbits to 300yds. Max load of CFE BLK works for me with 20g Hornady. Silencer, NZ made DPT with camo cover.

 

[rrwildlife]

OK. I had an issue of noise on farms, where townies had bought property nearby and still needed more range than a 22lr. Having tried the low velocity thing with a 222, I went with 17 Hornet. The noise produced by the small amount of powder is easier to supress, as is the crack of the 20g.. and good for rabbits to 300yds. Max load of CFE BLK works for me with 20g Hornady. Silencer, NZ made DPT with camo cover.

I'm trying to avoid buying another rifle. If I had to go down that road I'd probably just have a .22 squirrel built. That would be exactly what I'm after but I'm hoping I can get it done without another purchase. It may be a lost cause. Will keep the thread updated as I go.

Ryan

 

[rrwildlife]

I managed to get out today and shoot some decent groups with the 50 gr Midsouth Varmint Nightmare Extreme. Its a short .645" .224 bullet. Anyhow I feel like I'm getting pretty close to what I want.