Alternative powder for the 221 Fireball

[RonS]

I have a 26" 1:12 twist 221 FB. I've been trying to find a powder that works with 52-55gr bullets with this length barrel. Does anyone have an opinion about IMR 3031? Also, how far up the burn rate list would you consider a powder to be too slow? My goal is better accuracy at 200 yards and barrel life. Has anyone shot 60gr bullets in this little cartridge?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I shoot 52's out of a factory XP with h322 and n133

 

[MagnumManiac]

I have a 26" 1:12 twist 221 FB. I've been trying to find a powder that works with 52-55gr bullets with this length barrel. Does anyone have an opinion about IMR 3031? Also, how far up the burn rate list would you consider a powder to be too slow? My goal is better accuracy at 200 yards and barrel life. Has anyone shot 60gr bullets in this little cartridge?

Have you tried Win 748?
It has worked for me in several 222Rems, 17Rems and 223Rems, burns clean at top pressure and is very accurate.

Cheers.

 

[RonS]

Dusty, how do you like the N133? I actually have a pound of it.

MM, I've used 748 in my 8 twist 223 behind 77 & 80gr bullets with outstanding accuracy for my skill level. I can't find any reference of 748 used in the 221 FB, what do you feel is a safe starting point for using 748?

 

[bheadboy]

h4198 worked for me, in 22hart and 2015 also did well

Bob

 

[Brush]

I use Lil'Gun but only shoot light bullets.

 

[dedogs]

RL-7 or H322. dedogs

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Dusty, how do you like the N133? I actually have a pound of it.

MM, I've used 748 in my 8 twist 223 behind 77 & 80gr bullets with outstanding accuracy for my skill level. I can't find any reference of 748 used in the 221 FB, what do you feel is a safe starting point for using 748?

I use it because its kinda surplus for me. I dont really shoot it for group since its an XP with factory barrel and 2-7x scope but it hits whatever i shoot at.

 

[Rustystud]

H-4198 or H-4227 were the goto powders back in the mid-70s
Nat Lambeth

 

[Dans40X]

WW-680 or the current equivalent, AA1680 w/ light projo's(40-55gr) shoots well in the 221FBall.

A 1:7 twist or faster Bbl is required for the 68-80gr projos pushed by IMR 4198 or WW748.

AA2015/AA2200 would be an option also.

 

[SBS]

H-4227 is the best in mine with the 50 gr. Blitz, with WW 680 close behind. Haven't tried any of the AA1680 yet.

 

[MagnumManiac]

Dusty, how do you like the N133? I actually have a pound of it.

MM, I've used 748 in my 8 twist 223 behind 77 & 80gr bullets with outstanding accuracy for my skill level. I can't find any reference of 748 used in the 221 FB, what do you feel is a safe starting point for using 748?

Well it looks like 748 may be a bit too slow for the case size, maybe someone with QL could run some data. It looks like H335 is better suited.

I should have looked it up before posting, but it is AWESOME in my 222 Rem.

Cheers.
:-\

 

[RonS]

Thanks guys, I will try these powders (the ones I can find) and get back to you.

 

[DBLNUT]

RL-7 worked the best for me from the 40's to the 55's.

 

[RonS]

Well the results are in, the N133 and IMR 3031 did ok but not as good as the RL-7 has been with the 52's. Thanks for all your comments.

Ron

 

[stacy]

H-4227 IS MY RIFLES FAVORITE MEAL

 

[LitLBoy]

Lil-Gun

 

[ARW]

IMR4198 and 53gr. Hornady V-MAX.

Shoots really well in my 221FB.

Alan