Pet .221 Fireball Loads

[jpstratton]

Just ordered a CZ (whitakers) in .221 FB.How about some powder bullet combinations?Going to use this gun (now) for prairie dogs maybe some coyote work when it cools down.
Ive heard (here) back and fourth on Lil Gun????It is really hot 100deg by noon here so i need to keep that in mind. Thanks in advance (off to the lake to cool off)

[ARW]

RL-7 and CCI BR-4 primers has always worked really well for my CZ527, with either 40gr. or 52gr. bullets.

IMR4198 and Lil-Gun shot good, but RL-7 shot a little better.

Every rifle is different, try several and let it tell you what it likes.

Good luck and have fun with it, it's a neat little cartridge.

Alan

[william t. oviatt]

Have used for years: AA 1680 load listed in their manual: 20.5 grains, 7.5 REM Primers, with 40 Grain Nosler BTs. Excellent performance and 223 velocity.


Page 20 below

http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-con...ec_1-23-14.pdf

Bill

[Chad]

18.3 grains of RL-7 with 50 grain Nosler Ballisic Tip
20.5 grains of AA1680 with 40 grain Ballistic Tip


Both loads shoot real well in my CZ.
When I first got the rifle ( new ), it was a 3/4" to 1 1/4" shooter. I had the barrel shortened to 20", recrowned, and threaded for my suppressor. Now 1/2" groups are the norm. The new crown really improved things.

I want to try Sierra's 45 grain high velocity soft points next. Should work well on coyotes.

[TinMan]

The 221FB is one of my favorite rounds for PD sized targets. I started with a Cooper M21 for a bench gun and later got a CZ 527 when they were first chambered in 221FB about 10 years ago. Both seem to like 40gr VMAX or BT, and 45gr Sierra SPT bullets the best. I have tried several 50gr and 52gr bullets, but go back to 40's the most. Both rifles will shoot in the 0.3 to 0.4 MOA range consistently.

For 40gr VMAX, try 18.5 to 18.8 gr RL-7, or try AA-2200 19.5 to 20.0gr.
For the 45gr Sierra SPT, try 18.5gr RL-7 or around 20.0gr AA-2200.

I have used WSR, BR4 and Rem 7.5 for primers, without issues.

[jpstratton]

Ok thanks for the replies.I have all three powders AA1680,AA2200 and RL-7.
Of the three does anyone know of having any issues with being temp sensitive?
Thanks in advance.

[Kurt in Oregon]

I like 18.9gr 1680 under Sierra 45gr hornet. In my 22” Kimber of Oregon, shoots consistently 3300fps and that bullet on ground squirrels OMG with the loudest thwack you’ll ever hear and nothing but bits and pieces. That bullet’s BC is not great, but rarely miss out to 200yds and that ol’kimber is a half inch gun at best on a good day. As far as temp sensitivity, I’ve shot anywhere from 55 to 90 degrees with some primer flattening at higher temps but I make sure my rounds are not exposed to the sun.

Kurt

[L Cazador]

Originally Posted by jpstratton

Ok thanks for the replies.I have all three powders AA1680,AA2200 and RL-7.
Of the three does anyone know of having any issues with being temp sensitive?
Thanks in advance.

I shoot my Fireballs in 100 degree plus weather and use all the above powders. They are all temp sensitive. I think reloading technique really plays into temp sensitivity. Set your reloading dies up properly. Bump or resize brass only the minimum required for proper chambering and try to avoid seating into the lands. My rifles all shoot better with bullets seated just kissing the lands and up to .015" jump.

[Chuck Miller]

mine is RL7, 7.5's and 40gr Bergers

[Bill K]

Originally Posted by jpstratton

Ok thanks for the replies.I have all three powders AA1680,AA2200 and RL-7.
Of the three does anyone know of having any issues with being temp sensitive?
Thanks in advance.

It is true some powder's are more sensitive to warmth. But all powders are to some degree, when out in direct sunlight and heat. That is why a lot of PD/squeeks shooters, keep their ammo in ice chests and cool, bringing out some as they shoot. Something to keep in mind on long sessions in warm to hot shoots. Bill K