221 fireball

[commando74]

Back in the mid 80's I purchased a      super 14 in 222rem. Even though I like the combo accuracy wise the size of the gun has left me cold. How good is the Fireball out to 100 yards and how versatile is it for reloading. I would be interested in both maximum loads and cast lead. A 10inch iron sight TC is incredably handy




   

[tcencore]

I shoot a 15" 221 fireball in an encore. This set up shoots great.

[drichi]

I have a 10" 221 fireball bull baqrrel that is probably the best shooting barrel that I own. Take a look at Lil' Gun powder with a 40 or 50 grain bullet. dave

[Lone Star]

You can get a 10-inch .223 barrel and load with 40-grain bullets and BlueDot powder for high velocity (2750 fps, faster than the Fireball's velocity with 50-grain bullets) and low report and recoil.  Then you can buy and shoot surplus ammo for cheap easy power.  Nothing wrong with the .221, I had one, but the .223 is more versitile and brass is cheaper and easier to find.  Accuracy with the BD/40-grain load is outstanding too.   

Some shooters fear the BlueDot loads but put together right they are perfectly safe in my - and hundreds of other shooters' - experience.  Just remember that they are not low pressure loads.

.

[commando74]

Thanks for the input guys. I've really been out of the loop for the last 15 years. My wife and I are going to sell our house in town and move back to the country, shooting and reloading will once again monopolize my spare time. I don't understand why the fireball isn't more popular than it is. It's a load developed for 101/2 inch guns. Should be one of the most popular choices for the contender. has anyone reloaded cast lead reduced loads?
   

[Kywoodwrkr]

commando74,
You and I are kinda running parallell only it's ben more like 26-7 years on the sidelines or me!
Used to go ground hog hunting every weekend.
Getting ready to retire and hopefully get back in operation.
I have 10 inch 221 barrel but have not been able to shhot and devvelope any kind of loads.
On the subject of cast, you might want to visit this site.
www.castboolits.gunloads.com
Every kind of shooting of cast projectiles.
Thought this last summer was my time to retire.
Looks more like maybe this summer.
I'm ready. Not prepared, but ready!
I have the hornet barrel, 25-35 and 222 barrels as well.
Thinking about getting some carbine barrels and finishing my own stocks for same.
Wish I were further along in my casting and I could provide you with some test projectiles.
You can probably find those on the above website however if you ask.
FWIW
DaveP    kywoodwrkr
Good luck in your quest.