What to do with a CZ .221FB?

[coyotewillie]

Just joined up, figured this would be the place to get some advice on a new rifle. I've been craving a small case/caliber cartridge for some time now. I've got a .222, some .223's and larger rifles now. I've been thinking about a .20 Vartarg and mentioned it to hunting partner. About a week ago, he called and offered me a deal. He's got a two CZ's, a .221FB and a .204. He'd sell me the FB complete, and the bbl. for the .204 for somewheres in the $500 range. I doubt either rifles' had more than 100 rds through them. So, I could take the .204 bbl, rechamber it to .20Vartarg and either rebbl the FB or do a switch bbl setup. Not really interested in a switch bbl though. But, don't know either, if its too cost effective to cut back and rechamber the bbl. It would probably make more sense to just sell the bbls and buy something like a Pacnor. But, the more I read here, sounds like everyone likes the .221FB just the way it is. Not many prairie dogs around here any more, so would be using this mainly for plinking, paper, and calling coyotes. So, what sounds good? .221FB or .20Vartarg?? Of course then again, I did just read something about a .20/.222 based cartridge! Hmmmm.......Greg

 

[rustycj8]

Greg, I have a CZ 527 in .221 Fireball and while I usually like to take things apart and rebuild them (I have rebarreled a Ruger from .223 to .17-.204, a Rem XR100 from .22-.250 to 6mm Dasher and have the parts for a Browning Micro Hunter from .22 Hornet to a .17 Ackley Hornet or .17 Mink) I can with great conviction state that the CZ FB is the one gun in my possession that will never be taken apart. It was and always will be my first small caliber love. Having said that you do what you feel is best for you because life's too short to shoot a gun you don't like. Good luck, Dave

 

[savageboy]

My vote would be for a .20VT. Thats just where my interest lies now and its a very efficient round.

 

[Ackman]

Why mess with it? You could spend money rechambering the .204 and get a .20VT that uses FB brass and shoots a lighter bullet about the same speed as a .221 shoots 40's. Or don't change anything and leave it .221, which is a great cartridge. For what your purposes, I'd choose the .221.

 

[jwv2001]

I agree with Ackman. Why mess with it? Once you start talking gunsmith, you're just adding to your investment and you would still just have a hammer-forged CZ barrel. If you're going to involve a gunsmith, you would want to get the work done on as good a barrel as you can. As it stands now, you would have a CZ 221 Fireball for $500 less whatever you could get for the other barrel. My guess is not very much.
You just have to decide whether $500 is that good of a deal.

 

[zeke06]

If it were me I'd re-chamber it to 20 Vartarg or even the Vartarg Turbo. Why, cuz there neat rounds and not everybodys got one. What ever you do dont shoot it before you re-barrel it or you'll never send it to the smith. Take a look at saubier.com. There is alot of info on sub-cal. there.

Let us know what you do. Thanks
CZ

 

[BobLeeSwagger223]

I've got a Cooper in a Fireball and LOVE it! I like the 40gr pills and RL7. Because it's a smaller cartridge the wind does effect it on gusty days. But on a clam day in a prarie dog field it's tough to beat! It also burns less powder meaning less barrel heat.

 

[Rust]

If it shoots leave it alone. IMR 4198 or H4198 and the 40 gr bullets (Nosler BT, Hornady V-max or Sierra Blitz King) should work very well.

 

[bheadboy]

i join those who would not change a thing, i have 2 221fb and find the 40gr bk at 3200+ from a 22 inch bbl is very accurate and very explosive.l

also i have used the 50bk at 2950 with great results.

either 4198, works well for me, dont laugh but 4227 is a great powder for this case also.

Bob

 

[Sidewinder]

The 221 Fireball is a great round. Shoot it for awhile to see how you like it. The CZs are fine rifles. If you want to step it up a bit, make it into a 20 VarTarg. I just built one and it is great. It rivals my 204s, just not as much red mist effect.

 

[15Tango]

Leave it alone, it's a CZ hammer forged barrel; they're line bored, honed, hammer forged then lapped. They're awesome barrels.

Wayne