I see numerous posts of shooters wanting to chamber their barrels so Laupa 221FB brass can be used and many WTB ads for Lapua 221fb brass in the classifieds. This has me thinking why Lapua would discontinue making this brass with what seems to be such a strong demand for it. It sure seems that they list other brass that would be in less demand than the 221fb brass. Does anyone with first-hand knowledge or maybe want to speculate why it was discontinued? Hopefully Lapua will bring it back sometime in the near future.
Lapua 221 FB Brass
- Thread starter gtbcolo
- Start date
JSH
Gold $$ Contributor
221 was not common to come by even 30 years ago. It seems to go in short burst of folks wanting it. I would guess that those needing/wanting it 300k would be more than enough to satisfy what looks like a large bunch of folks chasing it.
I gave up and will make my own. Maybe not cheaper or better, but it will be available when I want it.
I gave up and will make my own. Maybe not cheaper or better, but it will be available when I want it.
I make my own from 223 LC and then make 20VT also.
JSH
Gold $$ Contributor
I have no idea why Starline is not in the game. They make the 30x221 I believe already. Years ago a fair bunch of us approached them about some .223/5.56 basic, just a straight case. We came up with the $$$ and the number they threw at us in a few weeks. They then changed everything and made it so ridiculous it was totally undoable. Fast forward and they made it available, then the 350 legend came about……..
I see a bit of resurgence of the 222 in the past months also.
B23
Gold $$ Contributor
That little FB case makes for a cute cartridge, especially, in the 17 and 20 cal but they aren't without their issues and with the 222 case only slightly larger and being sooooo easy to use in just about any small bolt face action, for me, it was a no brainer to go 20-222. I still have 4-500pcs of Lapua 221 FB brass I bought shortly before Lapua discontinued it and I'll likely hang on to it in case I ever get the hankering for something 221FB based but if I could only have one small case capacity 17 or 20 cal it would be something based off of the 222.
You should pick it up next time you're there, will make for some good trading material.
17VLD
Gold $$ Contributor
I remember talking with Todd Kindler about how nice it would be if Lapua would make 221 FB. Fast forward a bit and they did it,was so happy and bought enough for my life time when it was cheap (relatively speaking) . I guess I always assumed once Lapua brought something out it would be around for a long time.I don’t understand why they wouldn’t at least do a limited run once a year. I can’t help but think if Todd hadn’t retired and still had a chance he probably could have persuaded them to keep it going.At least we can make it from other cases like we used too.
Matt
Matt
I would not hold my breath but they have discontinued before and then ran a batch, so anything is possible down the road. Not probable, but possible.
Lucky Shooter
Gold $$ Contributor
I don't think the word "discontinued" necessarily means
they'll never make any more. I think reality is that it currently
does not exist on their production schedule.
They probably still have the tooling and the brass will
be produced if/when profitable for Lapua----maybe the
absence of the brass will create enough demand to justify
making more of the product.
Just one man's thinking.
A. Weldy
they'll never make any more. I think reality is that it currently
does not exist on their production schedule.
They probably still have the tooling and the brass will
be produced if/when profitable for Lapua----maybe the
absence of the brass will create enough demand to justify
making more of the product.
Just one man's thinking.
A. Weldy
NorCalMikie
Gold $$ Contributor
The outfits don't make a special brass to be your friend. They're in it to make $$$.
The way of the world.
The way of the world.
I just seen a whole case of it in a gun shop I go to, if anyone is interested I might be able to help.
Rick in Oregon
Gold $$ Contributor
Well, it's not Lapua, but keep in mind that Nosler now produces their own brass in their own facility here in Orygun, and the 221FB is a standard item on the shelf.
It's not like chicken lips, as it CAN be found and is usually in stock.
I shoot FB brass in three rifles, 20VT, and two 221FB's. I can't tell any difference at the target from Lapua or Nosler brass if that says anything.
It's not like chicken lips, as it CAN be found and is usually in stock.
I shoot FB brass in three rifles, 20VT, and two 221FB's. I can't tell any difference at the target from Lapua or Nosler brass if that says anything.
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