Author Topic: .221 Rimmed  (Read 2106 times)

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Offline geezerbiker

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.221 Rimmed
« on: March 24, 2012, 09:24:42 PM »
I'm thinking of making a rimmed version of the .221 Remington Fireball.  If I can neck down .357 mag cases they could end up to short.  The .357 is abut a tenth of an inch to short but could pick up some length in the neck down process.

I have experience necking down and shortening cases that were bottle necked to start with but a straight wall to bottle neck is a new one on me.  Anybody here have any experience necking down a straight walled case?  I'm interested to know how much length you picked up.  I know it's not going to be easy and I'll likely crush a bunch of cases along the way but .357 is pretty cheap and common so it won't be that bad.

Tony

Offline Nobade

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Re: .221 Rimmed
« Reply #1 on: March 26, 2012, 02:04:42 AM »
You can make them from 360 Dan Wesson brass or 357 maximum. You need a set of form dies, say 30 caliber, then 6.5mm, then 25 and finally 22. You can try necking them down in one big step but the necks and shoulders usually end up with wrinkles in them. You will also likely need to turn the necks or ream the ID so they're not too thick.

I used to make 256 Win from 357 and it took two firm dies plus a full length sizer, and you are going even further than I did.

You won't get enough extra length with a 357 mag case to make it long enough. But if you're doing something where you could use the shorter cases just buy 22 Jet and fireform it. That will save a lot of grief of trying to neck down 357.

Do you have an existing gun you're making brass for? Or making cases for a gun not built yet? If the gun's not built yet you do know they make rimmed 222 right? (Or the improved 22 jet if it has to be so short)
"Give me a lever long enough, and a place to stand, and I'll break the lever."

Offline geezerbiker

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Re: .221 Rimmed
« Reply #2 on: March 26, 2012, 07:30:30 PM »
I'm planning to use this when I rebarrel my BSA Martini.  Currently it's .22 K-Hornet but I now have another rifle in this caliber that I really like.

I guess it would be easiest to chamber it to .22 Super Jet and just fire-form jet cases.  My concern is that there aren't too many .22 super jet chamber reamers around and custom ordering one would make the project too expensive.

I figured cutting the chamber with a .221 reamer and turning the space for the rim on a lathe. 

I agree that necking down from .357 to .224 is a long way to go...

Tony

Offline iiranger

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Re: .221 Rimmed
« Reply #3 on: March 27, 2012, 08:46:08 AM »
O.K. you seem to mention budget. Always a bain to me...

The Aussies down under did make a .222 rimmed cartridge case. RCBS Custom Shop/ Huntington Die Specialties had them at one time. Not Cheap.

As said, you can get the same results necking down .357 Max cases. Luck.

Offline AWS

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Re: .221 Rimmed
« Reply #4 on: June 30, 2012, 09:38:43 AM »
Why not just build a 218 Bee/Mashburn Bee.

Offline geezerbiker

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Re: .221 Rimmed
« Reply #5 on: June 30, 2012, 11:05:29 AM »
I have to admit that's an option.  I need to make up my mind then get on with sending it out to get the work done.  It's gone back to a back burner project while I get ready to move and might continue to be until next year...

Tony

Offline Couger

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Re: .221 Rimmed
« Reply #6 on: July 09, 2012, 08:11:20 AM »
Quote
Why not just build a 218 Bee?

 
 
My thought as well.  Or if you're still determined to have a rimmed .221FB, MidwayUSA lists rimmed .222 brass.

Offline jeepmann1948

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Re: .221 Rimmed
« Reply #7 on: July 09, 2012, 10:25:09 AM »
Midway also has 357 Max brass available. Remington just released their seasonal run.An unmentionable gunsmith has a 22 MaxCat based on the 357 Max case in is lineup of Max wildcats.
"it ain't what you shoot em with......................
  it's where you hit em "

Offline geezerbiker

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Re: .221 Rimmed
« Reply #8 on: July 09, 2012, 10:13:04 PM »
Why is the gunsmith unmentionable?

Tony

Offline Nobade

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Re: .221 Rimmed
« Reply #9 on: July 10, 2012, 12:53:08 AM »
Because he is banned from this site. If you try to type in his name the software changes it to (censored word).
"Give me a lever long enough, and a place to stand, and I'll break the lever."

Offline 219DW PDK

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Re: .221 Rimmed
« Reply #10 on: July 19, 2012, 08:51:49 AM »
Tony,
A couple of ideas about your project. If you have the equipment to do it yourself, why not set the barrel back about .125 or more  and run .221 reamer in .125 short to use cheap .357 brass? Wouldn't be a true .221 rimmed but would be inexpensive.
.221,.222, or .223 dies could be shortened to load with.
.357 Max brass can be necked to .22 cal fairly easily. I've been shooting a .222 rimmed 14" TC barrel since 1986 and most of my brass has been .357 Max necked down. I use a .300 Whisper die first, then a .222 die with the neck opened to .260, then a .222 FL sizer. An inexpensive second die would be something like a .250 Savage FL shortened. The last batch of brass that I used was FC and IHMSA headstamped nickel plated .357 Max. I was really surprised when it formed easily with no flaking off.
The Max brass usually grows about .030 from the forming which leaves my brass about .070 short of the .222 chamber, but this hasn't caused any problems.
I've often thought of rechambering a Ruger #1 or#3 .22Hornet with a .223 reamer run in 1.625 to use full length .357 Max brass, but there's always been something else that I needed (wanted) more.
Dave

Offline geezerbiker

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Re: .221 Rimmed
« Reply #11 on: July 23, 2012, 02:11:45 PM »
That is one of the options I'm considering.  I need to have the firing pin repaired too so it's not going to happen right away.

Tony

Offline briannmilewis

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Re: .221 Rimmed
« Reply #12 on: September 19, 2012, 07:44:03 PM »
PRVI 22 Rem Jet Cases - cheap and you are almost there before you even start. Grafs has them.

Offline Spanky

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Re: .221 Rimmed
« Reply #13 on: November 12, 2012, 12:55:26 PM »
Why is the gunsmith unmentionable?

Tony

 
I don't know the facts but I think there was a falling out of sorts between Dave and GB (that's what I heard from a longtime member) and Dave was banned from the site... for life I think.
You could ask GB himself... maybe he'll tell ya.
 
 
 
Spanky