custom build

[hairtrigger]

I’m getting ready to build a custom rifle. Will either be a .221 Fireball of a .204 Ruger. I have decided on a # 7 contour Lilja barrel, 3 grove. I have a Hendrickson reamer for the .221 and a swarm of prints for the .204. I was thinking of a Stiller Predator action and wondering if anyone has used them and what the consensus is. A Jewell trigger for sure. I have looked at the H-S, Sheehan, and McMillan stocks. This rifle will be used for colony rodents off front rest and bag. The Shehane Varmint looks interesting but I wonder if the stock configuration will allow a low mounted scope. I like the H-S Varmint and have shot it but the forend is a little narrow and the rounded bottom is not great on the rest. I have never shot or seen a McMillan. Any advice or opinion would be appreciated

 

[wildcatter1450]

Hairtrigger,

Since you said any opinions, I'll give mine. Of the two choices, I'd go with the Fireball, but probably in the 20 VT version.

You said you were going with a Stiller action, and with that investment, I think you will find better accuracy on the Fireball. More bang for the buck so to speak.

I own a VT and a .204, and have been following a thread on another forum where a gentleman had a custom .204 built on a Panda. He has over $4300 in it including glass, and yes, while it is accurate, I don't feel the improvement in accuracy justified the cost. Now that's not to say your project would turn out the same, but if I were to invest that kind of money, I think one of the two aforementioned cartridges would yield better accuracy.

But I'm not knocking the gentleman I spoke of or you. All projects are fun, and something to look forward to. The above case is somewhat unusual I think, and for that kind of money I'd build another bench rifle in 6PPC. The .204 is an outstanding cartridge, but I've seen plenty of factory .204's capable of .375 groups, and with the mentioned custom .204, the .2 group or less had not been broken yet the last time I checked that forum.

I think the better investment, at least in the accuracy department, is the Fireball or the 20 VT.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best, and hope it's an enjoyable experience.

Mike

 

[rstreich]

Personally, I'd go for the Tac 20, 20 PPC, 17-222, or 20 Vartarg Turbo just so I could use better brass. The only real problem with Fireball-based cartridges is that you've only got one brand of brass to choose from unless you want to form something from a bigger case like a .222 or .223.

I have two of the Shehane Tracker Varmint stocks being put on now. If you like the pattern, you can always adjust the comb height lower if you like. I doubt there'll be any problem mounting a scope on it low.

I've heard nothing but good things about Stiller's actions, but for the small cases, I really like the BAT SV. It's only a little bit more, but it's also just a bit smaller--kind'a perfect for the little cases.

 

[4000fps]

To me, the 221 Fireball, and 204 is like comparing apples to oranges. You can wring 4k out of a 204 if shooting 32's. You cannot even get close to that with a 221. The 221 will not even get you 223 speeds. I don't consider 3200fps as a serious varmint rig. Ditch the 221 Fireball, and build a 223AI or the 204.

 

[Cheetah]

Hairtrigger,

Sounds like you are setting your gun up for longer range shooting. I don't know if you shoot a fireball or not but it is a great 200-250 yard gun that you can shoot all day long and not toast your barrel. I have shot one for the past 15 years and I love the cartridge. Based on the gun you are building I would definately go with one of the higher velocity 20's. Have you considered a 20PPC. This a great cartridge with great brass available. Ihave a .204 but my next 20 is going to be a 20PPC. My shooting buddy 'Fireball' shoots one and loves it.

Well, that'my 2 cents. good luck with your project

Cheeetah