.221 Fireball Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
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:
.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.
.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:
.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:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .221 Fireball with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .221 Fireball with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .221 Fireball with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .221 Fireball with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
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.