55 gr 221 fire ball load for rifle

Hunter App · 01-20-2007, 02:14 AM

Hello all

I am looking into loading for the 221 fireball and am getting some encouraging info on 35 - 50 grain loads. Would like to step it up to a 55 gr SP to utilize inexpensive hornady bulk bullets. Has any one else achived any degree of success with such a load combo. Would like recomendations for powder and primers that have a good track record for you in this cartridge.

Thanks, Hunter app

Roskoe · 01-21-2007, 11:19 AM

I don't know about the gun shooting inexpensive bulk bullets, but IMR 4198 has traditionally been a good powder for the Fireball. I haven't done any loading for this caliber in almost 20 years - there may be some newer powders that work well.

Hunter App · 01-21-2007, 04:23 PM

Thanks for the reply. Ihadn't expected much input, as I know the pool of people w exposure to this little round is limited.
Anyadvice greatly apreciated, as I am just getting started with this caliber.

Hunter App · 01-23-2007, 08:33 AM

I should get the rifle today. I Have some H4198 on hand and load data looks encouraging when combined with the 55GR SPSX. Ill work with that for starters & hopfully ill Have no need to look any further.

ShatoDavis · 01-23-2007, 09:53 AM

If your fireball is anything like the three that I'm familiar with (mine, friends,& fathers) it will like just about anything. The little case is awesome. We ended up using H322 because thats what we all shot in our 223's. We work up loads that are safe in all three of our rifles and load in mass for our trips to prairie dog shooting. We shoot 50 gr. V-max's in both the 221 & 223 so we can buy bullets in bulk to cut down costs. I think we load somewhere around 19 gr. in the FB but don't quote me because I'm working off memory here. Our Fireballs shoot great no matter what we feed them it seems. BEST OF LUCK! I hope you love your FB as much as I love mine.