Converting a .223 to a .221fb

Originally Posted By: BusterOriginally Posted By: mark shubertPray tell - WHY ???
Mark

Makes about as much sense as buying a Hemi V8 and pulling two of the spark plug wires...
crazy.gif


Getfoxy, I quoted this not to discourage you but because it gave me a good morning laugh.

Time sure flies but it doesn`t seem that long ago that you posted a thread "convince me" in regards to reloading. Well there you have another reason to reload...meaning getting ammo for something not the most popular will not be much of an issue now that you reload.

Good Luck with your project, it does sound fun.
 
Last edited:
I would have had this gun a long time ago if I reloaded. I just wish that some peoples' keyboard liscense would be suspended for awhile.
frown.gif
kinda sad you post an idea and people just wanna knock it because it isn't their way...thank god we don't all think the same.... Sheep is what we should be I suppose... Ok... I'm off my soapbox now
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: getfoxyOne more question guys... The Adams & bennet bbl is twisted 1:14. PAC nor I can choose my twist. What twist would you Want i'n a .221. Gun will be used for fox, coyotes, and cats.

The thing about the .221 is that you are likely not going to shoot bullets heavier than 50 grains or so. Case is just too small to give a bigger bullet much push. I can launch a 40 grain bullet right at 3500 fps with the Furball case and a 50 grain at 3200 fps. Plenty good for what you are looking for. That is why that A&B barrel has a 1-14" twist. It is not made for long heavy bullets. If you think that somehow you need a 1-9" or faster twist then you may as get you a case with more powder and bullet capacity so that you can take advantage of it.

If you think that a A&B barrel wont shoot go back and look at Pukindog's targets. I am seriously thinking of building one of my own even. Might as well as the winters can be on the longish side here in Idaho.
 
I thought the 1:14 would be fine but wanted to make double sure there wasn't a better option... I'm completely new to the .221 so wasn't sure what was the best choice. I'm having a hard time deciding between A&B and Pac-Nor. I just don't like the contour of the a&b because I want this to be a calling rifle so weight is an issue, plus with the Adams and Bennet I dont think I can use with the Stevens 200 stock because of the contour?
 
Originally Posted By: getfoxyI thought the 1:14 would be fine but wanted to make double sure there wasn't a better option... I'm completely new to the .221 so wasn't sure what was the best choice. I'm having a hard time deciding between A&B and Pac-Nor. I just don't like the contour of the a&b because I want this to be a calling rifle so weight is an issue, plus with the Adams and Bennet I dont think I can use with the Stevens 200 stock because of the contour?

You can't use the A&B with the stevens 200 stock .. I don't even think there is enough material there to go after it with a dremel tool to open the barrel channel.
The Duramaxx stock I used was only about $130, however, you are correct in that the 24 inch varmint contour A&B barrel makes a relatively heavy (and unbalanced) rifle for a calling gun.
As I said above, I use it as a bench gun for prairie dog shooting, and for that it's fine and in fact the weight pretty much eliminates any recoil, but if I were purposefully building something to carry around all day, this would not be it.
 
Rusty's giving you some good advice right there.
Don't get to caught up in the internet-trendy fast twist thing.
Talk to any of the BR crowd and they'll tell you to twist your barrel just fast enough to stabilize the bullet YOU want to use. My last project was a 22BR shooting 52SMK's. I twisted it 14 and it shoots like a house afire. Not that the fast twist doesn't have it's place when shooting long distance with VLD's or the like, but there's a reason that manufacturers (after spending millions on R&D) use the twist rates that they do.

FWIW, most 221"s like 40gr pills, and I guarantee you that a well constructed 40grainer at 3500 will handle any predator you care to hunt at "reasonable" distances. If you feel the need to shoot em at 500+ like allot of the commandos on here, then your looking at the wrong caliber anyway, but it sounds like you have done your homework, and know your mind so I don't think that's the case.

Maybe take a look at the savage shooters websites, or get in touch with SharpShootersSupply. With all the pre-fit Savage barrels out there these days, there's gotta be some that come with factory contours.

Good luck, and keep us posted.
 
Thanks guys. I'll let you know what's up: there aren't going to be any shots over 150. That's about as far as I really care to shoot anyway. I think the .221 will be perfect for these ranges
 
Last edited:
Can I ask why you don't just buy a Remington 700 or CZ 527 in .221 Fireball? Seems your stuck on the Stevens 200 because of the cost, but then flush that down the toilet by having to buy another stock and barrel, plus it sounds like you'll be stuck with a single shot. You have any idea what a Shilen or Pac-Nor barrel and having either them or a local 'smith fit it to your action costs? Not saying you shouldn't get what you want, but sure seems you're taking the round-about way to do it.

The other thing is, have you looked into finding .221 Fireball brass and what it costs? I haven't bought any for a while, but last time I checked it was as rare as an honest politician and when I could find it, they wanted a premium for it.
 
Because the cz and remmy isn't offering what I want that's why. I'm not much concerned about it being single shot, I shot a ss .223 for years w/0 a problem. If I'm not mistaken a can buy a PAC nor barrel and have it cut to my specs and made to fit to my gun, and put it on myself .. No smith needed. And my local sporting goods store carries the brass, I already checked
 
So you're saying you want a long action to fit a short action cartridge and prefer a single shot bolt rifle over a repeater for calling, gotcha.

Best of luck on the project. Post pics when it's done.
 
Ha.. You mean to tell me I have been here for 5 Years, closing i'n on 3000 posts and you haven't a clue? I'll leave it to your imagination
 
Back
Top