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Quick Look
Introduced in 1963 by Remington Arms, the .221 Remington Fireball was designed for the XP-100 pistol. It offers high velocity in a compact centerfire cartridge, known for low recoil and excellent accuracy. Though niche today, it remains popular among varmint hunters and reloaders.
Why It's a Top Choice
- Extremely low recoil with flat trajectory
- Excellent accuracy for short to mid-range shots
- Ideal performance in short-barreled pistols and rifles
- Efficient powder burn with minimal muzzle flash
- Popular for handloaders due to flexible case
Key Variants
Remington XP-100
Original handgun built around the cartridge, ideal for precision pistol shooting and hunting.
Cooper Model 21 Fireball
Popular custom bolt-action rifle choice for varmint applications and reloaders.
TC Encore .221 Fireball
Single-shot versatility well-suited for handload testing and compact field carry.
Competitor Comparison Table
| Feature | .221 Remington Fireball | .222 Remington | .17 Hornet |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | Varies by firearm | $1,200+ (Benchrest rifles) | $500+ (Entry bolt guns) |
| Typical Capacity | Single or 5-shot mag | Single or 5-shot mag | 4-5 round bolt mags |
| Weight (Firearm) | 4 to 7 lbs | 7+ lbs (target rifles) | 5 to 6 lbs |
| Optics-Ready | Yes, most models | Yes | Yes |
| Notable Pro | Efficient in short barrels | Superb target accuracy | Minimal recoil, fast |
| Notable Con | Limited factory rifle options | Aging case design | Lighter bullet limits range |
Best Use Cases
- Varmint hunting and small-game control
- Target shooting at short to medium ranges
- Handloading and experimental ballistic testing
- Compact rifle builds with minimal recoil
FAQs
What is the .221 Remington Fireball best used for?
It excels in varmint hunting and precision pistol or short-barrel rifle tasks where low recoil is key.
Can I reload .221 Remington Fireball easily?
Yes, its case design allows easy reloading and wildcatting, making it popular with handloaders.
How does .221 Fireball compare to .222 Remington?
The .221 delivers similar velocity in a shorter case, ideal for compact firearms and reduced muzzle flash.
