.221 Fireball
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: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Excellent accuracy at short to medium ranges
- ✔ Very low recoil for comfortable shooting
- ✔ High velocity for its size
- ✔ Efficient powder burn in short barrels
- ✔ Good performance for varmint hunting
Cons
- ✘ Limited availability of ammunition
- ✘ Not suitable for medium or large game hunting
- ✘ Limited selection of factory loads
- ✘ Performance drops significantly at longer ranges
- ✘ Not as versatile as some other calibers
.221 Fireball: A Compact Powerhouse
The .221 Fireball is a centerfire rifle cartridge known for its compact size and impressive performance. Developed by Remington Arms in 1963, it was designed as a high-velocity varmint round for use in bolt-action rifles. The cartridge is essentially a shortened version of the .222 Remington, offering similar ballistics in a more compact package. Its name 'Fireball' comes from the bright muzzle flash produced when fired, due to its high powder-to-bullet weight ratio.
History and Development
The .221 Fireball was introduced by Remington Arms in 1963 as a specialized varmint cartridge. It was developed alongside the Remington XP-100 pistol, a single-shot bolt-action handgun designed for long-range accuracy. The cartridge was created by shortening the .222 Remington case to fit within the compact XP-100 action while maintaining high velocity and flat trajectory.
Initially, the .221 Fireball was exclusively chambered in the XP-100 pistol. However, its impressive ballistics and accuracy soon led to its adoption in custom bolt-action rifles. The cartridge gained popularity among varmint hunters and target shooters who appreciated its combination of high velocity, flat trajectory, and minimal recoil.
Despite its niche status, the .221 Fireball has maintained a dedicated following over the years. Its efficient design allows it to achieve velocities close to those of the larger .222 Remington while using less powder, resulting in less barrel wear and reduced recoil. This efficiency has made it a favorite among handloaders and precision shooters.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the .221 Fireball, particularly in the realm of custom rifles and long-range pistols. Its compact size and impressive ballistics make it well-suited for modern, lightweight rifle designs and specialized long-range handguns.
Performance Characteristics
The .221 Fireball is known for its high velocity and flat trajectory, especially considering its compact size. It typically propels a 40-grain bullet at velocities around 3,000 feet per second from a rifle barrel, and 2,650 feet per second from the shorter XP-100 pistol barrel. This results in a very flat trajectory out to 200 yards, making it an excellent choice for varmint hunting and target shooting at moderate ranges.
The cartridge's efficiency is one of its standout features. It achieves velocities similar to the larger .222 Remington while using less powder, resulting in less barrel wear and reduced recoil. This makes it an excellent option for high-volume varmint hunting or extended target practice sessions.
In terms of accuracy, the .221 Fireball is capable of exceptional precision. In skilled hands and with quality ammunition, it can produce sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. Its minimal recoil also contributes to its accuracy potential, allowing for quick, precise follow-up shots.
Timeline of .221 Fireball Development:
.221 Fireball Performance Characteristics
The .221 Fireball offers impressive performance in a compact package. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 3,000 fps (40-grain bullets from rifle)
2,650 fps (40-grain bullets from XP-100 pistol) Velocities vary based on barrel length and load type |
| Trajectory | Flat trajectory out to 200 yards Minimal drop at typical varmint hunting ranges |
| Energy | 800 ft-lbs at the muzzle (40-grain bullet from rifle) Sufficient for varmints and small game |
| Recoil | Very low, allowing for quick follow-up shots Manageable in lightweight rifles and handguns |
| Accuracy | Capable of sub-MOA accuracy at 100 yards 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, high accuracy at moderate ranges |
| Target Shooting | 0-300 | Capable of high precision, popular for benchrest shooting |
| Benchrest Competition | 0-200 | Favored for its accuracy and low recoil in competitive shooting |
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 high accuracy and low recoil, making it popular for varmint hunting and precision 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 Caliber 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 of .221 Fireball
The .221 Fireball is a centerfire rifle cartridge known for its accuracy and low recoil. It was developed by Remington Arms in 1963 as a benchrest cartridge.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .221 Fireball | 40 | 0.114 |
| .221 Fireball | 50 | 0.142 |
| .221 Fireball | 55 | 0.157 |
Note: The .221 Fireball uses a .224 inch diameter bullet. Its relatively low sectional density compared to larger calibers reflects its design for varmint hunting and target shooting rather than long-range or big game applications.