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.221 Fireball Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.221 Fireball: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle
Primer Type Small Rifle
Used For Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting
Case Design Rimless, Bottleneck
Year Introduced 1963

.221 Fireball: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Extremely low recoil
  • ✔ High accuracy potential
  • ✔ Excellent for varmint hunting
  • ✔ Efficient powder burn
  • ✔ Low noise compared to larger calibers

Cons

  • ✘ Limited availability of ammunition
  • ✘ Not suitable for medium or large game hunting
  • ✘ Limited effective range compared to larger calibers
  • ✘ Less popular than similar calibers like .223 Remington
  • ✘ Fewer firearm options available in this caliber

.221 Fireball Ammo: In Depth

The .221 Fireball, also known as the .221 Remington Fireball, is a centerfire rifle cartridge developed by Remington Arms in 1963. It was designed as a high-velocity, low-recoil round primarily for use in the Remington XP-100 pistol. The .221 Fireball is known for its excellent accuracy, flat trajectory, and minimal report, making it popular among varmint hunters and target shooters.

History and Development

The .221 Fireball was introduced in 1963 by Remington Arms Company. It was specifically designed for use in the Remington XP-100 bolt-action pistol, which was also introduced in the same year. The cartridge was created by shortening the .222 Remington case to 1.400 inches and loading it with a 50-grain bullet.

The development of the .221 Fireball was driven by the desire to create a high-velocity, accurate cartridge that could be used effectively in a handgun platform. The XP-100 pistol, for which it was designed, was a single-shot bolt-action handgun intended for long-range varmint hunting and target shooting.

Despite its initial purpose as a handgun cartridge, the .221 Fireball has found popularity among rifle shooters as well. Its high velocity and flat trajectory make it an excellent choice for varmint hunting, particularly for small game at medium ranges. The cartridge's low recoil also contributes to its appeal among target shooters and those who are recoil-sensitive.

Over the years, the .221 Fireball has maintained a dedicated following, particularly among handloaders and custom rifle builders. While it has never achieved the widespread popularity of some other varmint cartridges, it continues to be appreciated for its unique combination of high velocity, accuracy, and low recoil.

Timeline of .221 Fireball Development:

Year Event
2023 The .221 Fireball continues to be used by enthusiasts and custom rifle builders.
1990 Remington discontinues production of factory-loaded .221 Fireball ammunition
1963 Remington introduces the .221 Fireball cartridge alongside the XP-100 pistol.

.221 Fireball Performance

The .221 Fireball offers impressive performance characteristics that have made it a favorite among varmint hunters and target shooters. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:

Characteristic Performance
Velocity 2650 fps (50-grain bullet)
Measured from a 10.5-inch barrel
Trajectory Flat trajectory at medium ranges
Effective for varmint hunting up to 200 yards
Energy 780 ft-lbs at the muzzle (50-grain bullet)
Sufficient for small game and varmints
Recoil Very low, allowing for quick follow-up shots
Ideal for recoil-sensitive shooters
Accuracy Capable of sub-MOA accuracy in quality firearms
Excellent for precision varmint hunting and target shooting

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .221 Fireball loads.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

.221 Fireball: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .221 Fireball ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Varmint Hunting 0-250 Excellent for small varmints like prairie dogs and ground squirrels
Small Game Hunting 0-200 Effective for rabbits, squirrels, and similar-sized game
Target Shooting 0-300 Capable of good accuracy at moderate ranges
Benchrest Competition 0-200 Used in some benchrest competitions for its accuracy potential

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .221 Fireball is known for its accuracy and low recoil, making it popular for varmint hunting and target shooting. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .221 Fireball

The .221 Fireball's performance profile makes it suitable for specific applications:

Varmint and Small Game Hunting
  • Ideal for small varmints like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and woodchucks
  • Effective for small game hunting, including rabbits and squirrels
  • High velocity provides flat trajectory for accurate shots at typical varmint hunting ranges
Target Shooting and Competition
  • Popular for informal target shooting due to its accuracy and low recoil
  • Used in some benchrest competitions
  • Allows for extended practice sessions without shooter fatigue
Firearms Chambered
  • Primarily used in bolt-action rifles
  • Some single-shot pistols are chambered for this cartridge
  • Limited availability in semi-automatic firearms
Ballistic Performance
  • Typical bullet weights range from 40 to 55 grains
  • Muzzle velocities around 3000-3200 fps with standard loads
  • Known for excellent accuracy potential in properly tuned firearms

.221 Fireball Ammo Comparisons

To understand the .221 Fireball's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

.221 Fireball vs. .223 Remington ▼

.221 Fireball vs. .222 Remington ▼

.221 Fireball vs. .17 Hornet ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .221 Fireball with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .221 Fireball with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 100-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .221 Fireball with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .221 Fireball with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density Comparison for .221 Fireball Ammo

The .221 Fireball is a centerfire rifle cartridge known for its accuracy and low recoil. This table compares the sectional density of common bullet weights used in .221 Fireball ammunition.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.221 Fireball 40 0.142
.221 Fireball 50 0.178
.221 Fireball 55 0.196

Note: The .221 Fireball, also known as the .221 Remington Fireball, was originally designed for use in the Remington XP-100 pistol. It offers excellent accuracy and moderate velocity, making it suitable for varmint hunting and target shooting at medium ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .221 Fireball cartridge?

A: The .221 Fireball is a centerfire rifle cartridge developed by Remington Arms in 1963. It was designed as a high-velocity varmint round for use in bolt-action rifles and single-shot handguns.

Q: What is the typical bullet weight for .221 Fireball ammunition?

A: The most common bullet weight for .221 Fireball ammunition is 50 grains, although loads ranging from 40 to 55 grains are available.

Q: What is the muzzle velocity of .221 Fireball ammunition?

A: With a 50-grain bullet, the .221 Fireball typically achieves a muzzle velocity of around 3,000 feet per second from a rifle barrel.

Q: Is the .221 Fireball suitable for hunting?

A: The .221 Fireball is excellent for varmint hunting and small game. It's particularly effective on animals like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and coyotes. However, it's not recommended for medium or large game due to its limited power.

Q: Can .221 Fireball ammunition be used in other firearms?

A: The .221 Fireball is a unique cartridge and cannot be safely used in firearms chambered for other calibers. It's important to only use ammunition specifically designed for your firearm's chamber.

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