I'm doing it! Building a fireball...

[adcoch1]

So after years of waffling and research I finally pulled the trigger on a 221 fireball rifle build. I found a cheap used Ruger American ranch in 300 blk, and I just ordered a #1 contour Shaw 19" barrel. It's a barrel nut style for the American action, so I want to get a better nut too, but the project is started.

Thinking about just using the ranch stock for proof of concept, and then maybe making a custom for it. Right now it's the old style american stock, and it came with two blackout rotary mags, so we'll see how they feed. I also have a American predator stock that takes the stanag pattern ar mags, so initial testing should be easy enough.

The intent for this rifle is a lightweight walking varminter, not necessarily light, but not overly heavy either. Probably put some decent glass in the 10x range on it, but no decision there yet.

This is a long time dream rifle concept that normally gets covered by an AR-15, but now I can run the varmint cartridge I want in a rifle the way I want it.
Btw, I picked 1 in 12" twist for the lightweight bullets. Heaviest I plan for is maybe a 55 grn...

So excited!

 

[troy fairweather]

Nice, I've wanted to do the same thing, a nice light gun for varmints and maybe some deer. I really like the 221fb. I was thinking a 222 or one of the 22s necked up to 6mm. I have holes some day I'll find a sako l461 action and have the money for it. Dad had a beautiful 222 I used a lot when I was young, miss that gun.

 

[adcoch1]

There's a rem 722 in 222 rem sitting in my buddy's gun safe that's been fired about 10 times in the last 30 years, been trying to get it from him for 20 of those, but it was his grandpa's, so I gave up and decided on a 221. Only took me 8 or so years to get the barrel on its way. A 16 week wait should be fine...

 

[troy fairweather]

There's a rem 722 in 222 rem sitting in my buddy's gun safe that's been fired about 10 times in the last 30 years, been trying to get it from him for 20 of those, but it was his grandpa's, so I gave up and decided on a 221. Only took me 8 or so years to get the barrel on its way. A 16 week wait should be fine...

What crown you order, or threaded muzzle.

 

[BushMaster-15]

There's a rem 722 in 222 rem sitting in my buddy's gun safe that's been fired about 10 times in the last 30 years, been trying to get it from him for 20 of those, but it was his grandpa's, so I gave up and decided on a 221. Only took me 8 or so years to get the barrel on its way. A 16 week wait should be fine...

You seriously looking for one of those ?. Let ME check MY particulars as to Year of manufacture ,pretty sure it's mid 50's . I acquired it about 20-24 years ago from a Gal whose father owned it and doubtful it's seen more than few boxes of shells . I reloaded for that caliber for a friend ,so I ran a box through it and ALL functioned as expected . As I'm southpaw Rifle and it's bolt is backwards , I'll peddle it reasonably . PM ,I'll do photos and have pertinent info .

 

[adcoch1]

What crown you order, or threaded muzzle.

Got a recessed target crown. It's going to be a knock around rifle, wanted a little bit more crown protection but I don't plan on a brake or even a suppressor on it. If I change my mind I'll get it threaded, but I didn't want to worry about thread protection right off the bat. Especially at $89 more bucks. Btw, the barrel shipped came out to less than $200 bucks.

 

[troy fairweather]

Got a recessed target crown. It's going to be a knock around rifle, wanted a little bit more crown protection but I don't plan on a brake or even a suppressor on it. If I change my mind I'll get it threaded, but I didn't want to worry about thread protection right off the bat. Especially at $89 more bucks. Btw, the barrel shipped came out to less than $200 bucks.

Ya I like the recessed myself,

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

I just had this in mind last week when Simpsons had a very nice XP-100 for sale. I was briefly tempted:

https://simpsonltd.com/remington-model-xp-100-with-custom-stock-c53343/

 

[troy fairweather]

I just had this in mind last week when Simpsons had a very nice XP-100 for sale. I was briefly tempted:

https://simpsonltd.com/remington-model-xp-100-with-custom-stock-c53343/

View attachment 1100235

Planet of the apes approve lol.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Reminds me: my sister nicknamed her Ford Pinto 'Fireball'. Dad thought it was a great car, despite the press.

Mostly I associate fireball with the old Gerry Anderson puppet show Fireball XL5.

 

[troy fairweather]

Reminds me: my sister nicknamed her Ford Pinto 'Fireball'. Dad thought it was a great car, despite the press.

Mostly I associate fireball with the old Gerry Anderson puppet show Fireball XL5.

View attachment 1100341

I think someone had it out for ford, and used the pinto to get at them. If you look at the tests they did there like made to get the tank to fail. Look at all the other cars with the tank at back there, hell the on on the jeep Cherokee are more exposed and they made them for years without problem. I do like your sister's sense of humor tho.

Dad had a xp 100 in 221 the mannlicher type stock when I was a kid, that was a fun good shooting gun. The xp100 221fb conspiracy theories is pretty interesting and seems to make more sense then the carcano.

 

[David Hoback]

Good luck with it.

Grab a Preferred Barrel Nut. https://preferredbarrelblanks.com/product/prefit-barrel-nut/

It’s actually the same Tenon thread size as Tikka T3: 1.00”x16TPI, but the nut is shorter. (Less threads) As opposed to say Savage, Like I have,which uses a pretty long Barrel Nut. I use the International Barrel Nut for Model 10.

 

[adcoch1]

Good luck with it.

Grab a Preferred Barrel Nut. https://preferredbarrelblanks.com/product/prefit-barrel-nut/

It’s actually the same Tenon thread size as Tikka T3: 1.00”x16TPI, but the nut is shorter. (Less threads) As opposed to say Savage, Like I have,which uses a pretty long Barrel Nut. I use the International Barrel Nut for Model 10.

Thanks David, I'll grab one...

 

[Varminterror]

I LOVE Fireballs. I’ve had 221’s and 17’s and have really enjoyed these mini-length cartridges. Phenomenal Varmint and small game cartridges, well aligned for powder consumption and power level to deliver exactly what’s needed for varminting, with no excessive blast or poor barrel life. Just SWEET little rounds. I’ve been wanting to do a 6mm Horny Toad (6-221 improved) for several years, and push 55’s out there after bunnies and pdogs, maybe even some coyotes from time to time, although I’m no longer calling nearly as often as I used to.

 

[adcoch1]

I LOVE Fireballs. I’ve had 221’s and 17’s and have really enjoyed these mini-length cartridges. Phenomenal Varmint and small game cartridges, well aligned for powder consumption and power level to deliver exactly what’s needed for varminting, with no excessive blast or poor barrel life. Just SWEET little rounds. I’ve been wanting to do a 6mm Horny Toad (6-221 improved) for several years, and push 55’s out there after bunnies and pdogs, maybe even some coyotes from time to time, although I’m no longer calling nearly as often as I used to.

Hadn't heard of the 6mm horny toad, but a while back I bought out some reloading dies, and in the box was an rcbs set labelled 6mm Tom turkey. It's a 6mm fireball. I ran a 300blk brass and a 357 brass into it and got a very cute little cartridge out of it. I have a stalled switch barrel single shot project that I'm going to chamber for that cartridge.

 

[troy fairweather]

I always thought a 10mm necked down to 22-6mm would be cool, short and still hold a good bit of powder for the size. Rim should work with ppc/x39 bolt since the 10 is based off the 30 Remington.

 

[Mk-211]

.22-284

https://knowyourzero.com/2014/05/27/22-284-winchester-cartridge-development/

 

[David Hoback]

I’d also get a new Bolt Handle & Shroud. Anarchy & Glades make nice Handles, and replace that cheap plastic Shroud with either steel or a Titanium version. (Also from Anarchy & My choice)

I’m big on replacing small Action parts. It’s amazing how much one can enjoy their rifle more with replacing some of the CHEAP Plastic & MIM parts!

 

[Varminterror]

Glades finish quality and prep are absolute garbage, and their customer service is worse. They have the market cornered for the products they make, so they get away with ignoring customer complaints. Purchase at your own risk, with eyes wide open.

 

[adcoch1]

Been looking at bolt handles too, but I think I need to shoot it first before I decide on which handle I need.

 

[gunmechanic]

Sounds like a great build .Let us know how it goes together and shoots!

 

[LoonWulf]

Glades finish quality and prep are absolute garbage, and their customer service is worse. They have the market cornered for the products they make, so they get away with ignoring customer complaints. Purchase at your own risk, with eyes wide open.

very much agreed, Ive had to fit every handle ive gotten from glades.....BUT they do offer handles for rifles others do not, and so far the exterior finish has been good enough.

Im looking forward to seeing this one finished, Ive always liked the fireball. Not really practical for anything I do anymore, but I wanted either one of those or a .22 hornet in the worst way growing up.

 

[David Hoback]

I had nothing but wonderful experiences with Glades Armory. The first Savage bolt handle I purchased from them had a casting defect and it showed up after about a month. I was building the rifle at the time, and it was not being used. I contacted Glades & the not only exchanged it but offered me a second one in SS. I only needed the one in Black, but thanked them for the offer. I ran that bolt handle for several years & just recently sold it. Finish was still untouched. Maybe they were different years ago. Have not dealt with them in recent few years.

I will say, if I were looking for the handle & bolt shroud, I would use Anarchy, as the carry both parts.

 

[hk940]

I had a XP-100 years ago but traded it off, about three years ago, I got the CZ as pictured a tack driver!

 

[BushMaster-15]

OK : BLC-2 Last #8 rounds of .222 from 1996 loading . Put #4 into the yellow circle first ,so I thought and last #4 into the Red circle at 165 Yd. as that's MY personal range's shortest Rifle target station . Have had it locked up for #26 years and first time I've fired at a target with it . Not to shabby for a Old Guy and a #67 Year old Triple Deuce Remington #722 . Ideal condition's this AM 2-4MPH wind 72 Deg. F. and GREAT visibility . Sierra 53 Grain in front of BLC-2 charge . Sub .25 MOA judging from the old drafting ruler .