221 fireball loads

[Swift220]

I still haven't got to shoot or load for my new 700 LS 221FB.

I'm a careful handloader & always start 8-10% under suggested loads, even max loads from load manuals or someone else's loads. Also, in small cartridges I always hand weigh all my powder charges.

That being said, anyone care to share their 221FB loads using AA1680, RL7, or CFE BLK? I'd also like to know the bullet you use, primers, & the over all length. In no way am I going to be able to load close to the lands with this rifle.

Also, out of curiosity, do any of you use these powders in a 222 with 40-50 grain bullets?

Thanks guys,
Jim D

[JohnHenry]

Shot CFE BLK for the first time in my 221FB yesterday. Worked up to Hodgdon's max load(20.8 gr) with a 40 gr Nosler BT seated .010 off the lands. Used Nosler cases and 205M primers. Accuracy was best at the max load with five shot 100 yard groups averaging in the high 0.2's. Rifle was a Kelbly Atlas action, 22" Shilen 1 in 14" select match barrel in a B&C M40 stock and a Jewell trigger. Hodgdon data shows this load at a somewhat hard to believe 3543 fps out of a 24 inch barrel.

[dungheap]

Any of those powders should shine in a .221 FB or a .222. I just scratched the surface with CFE BLK, and think it has a lot of potential.

If you have some on hand, or can get it, AA 2200 is just super in the .221FB. On the other side of the coin, I don't think I ran across a powder that it did NOT like, so the field is wide open. Lots of good load data out there, just Google it.

[Gabe221]

I use the Sierra manual load for the tried and true 4198, 4227, with both 40's & 50's.

[Rick in Oregon]

Jim, in my Cooper Phoenix 221FB, I'm shooting Nosler 40gr BT and Varmageddons with both RL-7 (18.5grs) and A2200 (20.0grs). Accuracy with both runs in the .2's.

Using Lapua and Nosler brass, Rem 7-1/2's.

My CZ 527 American in 221FB uses the same loads, accuracy with that sporter barreled rifle run in the .3's on average. With the CZ being a repeater, I just load long enough to still work in the magazine.

A typical target shot with the Cooper Furball using Nosler factory Varmageddon seconds:



Certainly good enough for the ground squirrels and rock chucks I hang out with.

[ray h]

Accurate Powders lists a max load of 20.5 gr 1680/ 40 gr bullet at 3582 fps. Pressure around 52K. It shoots great in my Cooper as well as several other rifles I know of. I believe Doug backed his off some but he'll fill that in if he sees this.

[Dooger]

Ray,

What brass?

[Swift220]

Goodness gracious,
Looks like you just add powder, primer, & bullet and they all shoot good. Hope my 700 LS shoots anywhere close to these, 2x would be fine.
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Rick, that's one fine group! My next 221 FB will be a Cooper or a re-barrel of my 204 Kimber Pro Varmint.
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Nice shooting guys! Thanks for the help.

Jim D

[Gale Johnson]

I have been shooting 18.9 gr AA 1680, 40 gr V-Max, WSR, Lapua Brass loaded at 1.900 3440 fps My Cooper was showing a bit of pressure at 19.1 gr so I went with the 18.9 gr and it shoots great. I load the tipped Varmageddon to 1.885

[ray h]

Factory Rem 221 and formed IMI 223.