Author Topic: .218 Bee Vs. .221 Fireball (Read 896 times)

Steve Ruchala · « **on:** September 30, 2004, 04:51:32 AM »

In an 18 inch barrel how these two rounds compare? In the contender can they be loaded to similar ballistics? i like the way the rimmed cases fall out of the chamber without having to dig them out like the rimless cases, ie. the .223 rem.

Graycg · « **Reply #1 on:** September 30, 2004, 09:21:51 AM »

Don't know how fast you can get the bee, or how long the brass will last, but I get 3200 fps out of Nosler Ballistic tip 40 grainers with sub moa accuracy in the 221. I like the K-hornet I have, but LOVE the fireball. If you must have a rimmed case, look into the 224 RC maxi, a 357 maximum case necked to 224 bullets.

regards,
graycg

Steve Ruchala · « **Reply #2 on:** September 30, 2004, 09:41:37 AM »

I have never heard of the 224RC maxie. How is it fomed? do i just anneal and run the brass into a fireball die? How fast are we talking about? this does sound very interesting.

skb2706 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 01, 2004, 03:57:24 AM »

I shoot a 16 1/2" carbine barreled .221 that makes just over 3200 fps with a 40 gr. v max and a full load of RL7. I am still working on the first two hundred cases I bought and they have been loaded at least a dozen times each. My take on it is the .221 FB easier to find brass for, brass is of heavier make up, and with a rifle length barrel approaches .222 performance. I have never had a .218 Bee but I am reasonably sure a Bee cannot. I use my Fireball for shooting prairie dogs and never had any trouble loading or unloading the gun based on the rimless characteristics of the case. Anything made up on .357 Max could be trouble finding brass for in the not too distant future.......I shoot a max and buy all the brass that I can find......Even the Remington Munitions plant in AR has limited amounts and actually sent me a credit because they could not fill the order.