Powder for 221FB

[RonS]

Would Benchmark and VV N133 be good choices for the 221FB and if so where do I start? I've got a few pounds of each just sitting on the shelf. I've been using H322 and H335 with good results but running very low on these two powders.

 

[ShootDots]

I never had a .221Fireball, however, a guy I used shoot with has a few. He used them for prairie dog shooting. His powder of choice was RL-7... I do not know the load or anything.. But he was sort of a "fireball guru" and swore by RL-7..

 

[CatShooter]

Benchmark is really too slow, even with 50gr bullets -

 

[stacy]

RL-7 AND IMR-4227 IS MY FAVORATE

 

[bheadboy]

had a number of them, all shot well with Al7, 1680, 4198, 4227 never tried the vv stuff


Bob

 

[dave in wyo]

Ron my 221 shoots very well with h 322 using either 50 grain bergers or 40 grain v maxs. I Won't quote loads on the internet. dave

 

[MrMajestic]

I'll bet N133 would be a real good fit if you got the barrel length.

 

[Charles]

I have used N120 for several years shoots very small holes. I had 8lbs for muzzle loader and I would never use it up so I gave it a try and that's the only powder I have used since. shooting a Cooper with a 40 gr Hornady.

 

[Phil]

Charles,

What`s the velocity like with that combo???

Phil.

 

[Bruce W]

V133 & 52 gr match bullets, check out the Vithouvouri web sit. With a 221 xp pistol and 12 x scope i have shot many sub 1/2 inch groups with N133 and sierra 52 gr match bullets.N120 works well with 40 gr v-max. I think in a rifle it would be a true tack driver in the right conditions. Bruce

 

[Charles]

Have never checked it for speed. shoots consistent 2's some one's, have shot P Dogs over 300 yds. go slow when loading.

 

[RonS]

Cletus, I finally found the latest version of the vihta vuori reloading guide #13. I'm going to start around 17.8gr with N133 and work up. I'm not trying to over work my used old Remington brass I bought from a elder gentlemen who forgot he had it. I've been trying to acquire some Lapua brass. I have a bunch of Hornady 40's & 52's as well as Sierra's and Bergers. I have a 24" 12T SS McGowen barrel on a Savage Axis action that only has about 30 rounds on from break in period.

 

[Bruce W]

Ive been using reformed, neck turned Norma 222 brass . The capacity is a little less than rem brass.For what its worth Vit powder likes alot of neck tension in the 221 just like a 6 ppc( can control with bushing dies ) . I have not tried the 40 gr. with 133 . It would be too slow i think. My expierience was with a rem fireball pistol. But rifle results should yield accuracy with more velocity of course. Bruce

 

[SmokinJoe]

I only shoot 40 grainers in my 221FB's & have tried most all the powders mentioned except N-133, which I consider too slow. My absolute favorite is AA1680 which gives me velocities exceeding 3600 safely with great accuracy. Use these rifles for PD's out to 350 yds or more. Unfortunately AA1680 is unobtanium for awhile now; maybe they'll make some more pretty soon. It's a great little round.

 

[RonS]

Joe, I have about two pounds of AA1680 that I never considered but I will try it. Has anyone tried Win 296?

 

[SmokinJoe]

W296/H110 will be too fast for 40 or heavier, never heard of using it in 221FB, but maybe with 30's? No experience, but don't want you to get too hot of a load, and that powder builds pressure very fast.

 

[LitLBoy]

You will have a real hard time beating Lit L Gun 16 - 16.2 with 40grain bullets

 

[tenring]

h322 WITH 50 GRAINERS IN MINE

 

[RonS]

I was just looking on the Nosler website at there load data and they list 296 for all bullet weights from 35-55gr. I normally use and trust Hodgdon, Sierra and the Berger reloading manuals. Does anyone have a problem with the listings in the Nosler reloading manual?

 

[SmokinJoe]

If they list 221FB loads for W296, I'm sure they are safe, just haven't heard of using that powder before. I'm always looking for max performance combined with accuracy, so powders on the fast side would not normally interest me. Good luck with it & let us know how it turns out.