Caliber Description
The .221 Remington Fireball has an intriguing origin rooted in the search for improved performance in compact cartridges during the early 1960s. Developed by Remington Arms Company, the .221 Fireball was introduced in 1963 alongside the innovative Remington XP-100 bolt-action pistol. Derived from the larger .222 Remington cartridge, the .221 Fireball was shortened to optimize it for shorter barrels while retaining impressive velocity and accuracy. Its compact case allowed for efficient powder combustion while generating less noise and recoil compared to its parent case. Over the years, the .221 Fireball has gained a loyal following among enthusiasts and reloaders who appreciate its historical significance and unique performance attributes.
Ammunition reloaders find the .221 Remington Fireball to be a versatile cartridge suitable for a variety of applications, particularly for small game hunting and target shooting. Due to its mild recoil and inherent accuracy, the .221 Fireball is especially popular with varmint hunters seeking a lightweight, fast, and efficient round for dispatching pests at moderate ranges. Its relatively low muzzle blast compared to other high-velocity cartridges makes it approachable for beginners and seasoned shooters alike. For reloaders, the .221 Fireball is an appealing option due to its moderate powder requirements, extendable brass life, and consistent case performance. The cartridge’s ability to perform well out of short carbine rifles as well as specialty pistols adds to its flexible appeal.
In terms of target species, the .221 Remington Fireball excels when used for varmints and small game, including species such as groundhogs, foxes, prairie dogs, and rabbits. Its excellent velocity and flat trajectory make it ideal for targeting small, fast-moving animals at ranges up to around 200 yards. Although not generally considered a deer hunting round due to its lighter bullet weights and lower energy, the Fireball’s minimal pelt damage is appreciated by hunters who wish to preserve hides. Additionally, the Fireball’s mild report and low recoil make it suitable for use in areas where noise is a consideration, such as semi-rural or suburban environments.
Regarding bullet weights, the .221 Remington Fireball frequently utilizes bullets ranging from 40 to 55 grains, with 40-grain and 50-grain projectiles being the most commonly reloaded choices. These lighter bullets allow reloaders to maximize the cartridge’s impressive velocity, often achieving muzzle velocities in the range of 2,700 to 3,100 feet per second, depending on the specific load and barrel length. The cartridge case itself is notable for its compact design, generally measuring 1.40 inches in length, promoting efficient and consistent ignition. Reloaders appreciate the round’s efficiency, as it produces impressive ballistic performance without excessive powder charges or accelerated barrel wear commonly associated with overbore cartridges. For those who enjoy tuning loads and experimenting with powders and primers, the .221 Remington Fireball offers a satisfying balance of accuracy potential and user-friendly reloading characteristics, making it a perennial favorite for those who reload ammunition for precision and performance.
Popular Load Recipes
- 40 gr V-Max, 18.5 gr H4198, Remington case, Rem 7 1/2 primer, COAL 1.830"
- 45 gr Sierra SP, 18.0 gr IMR 4198, Remington case, Rem 7 1/2 primer, COAL 1.825"
- 50 gr Nosler BT, 18.0 gr Alliant RL-7, Remington case, Rem 7 1/2 primer, COAL 1.850"
- 52 gr Hornady HP, 18.5 gr IMR 4227, Remington case, Rem 7 1/2 primer, COAL 1.845"
- 50 gr Hornady V-Max, 18.0 gr Hodgdon Lil’Gun, Remington case, Rem 7 1/2 primer, COAL 1.850"
- 40 gr Nosler BT, 19.5 gr H4198, Remington case, Rem 7 1/2 primer, COAL 1.830"
- 55 gr Sierra HP, 17.0 gr IMR 4198, Remington case, Rem 7 1/2 primer, COAL 1.860"
- 45 gr Hornady SP, 17.0 gr IMR 4227, Remington case, Rem 7 1/2 primer, COAL 1.825"
Reduce all loads by 10% and work up. Always confirm with a reputable reloading manual.
Cost per Reloaded Round
Factory-loaded .221 Remington Fireball ammunition typically costs about $40 per box of 20 rounds, or $2.00 per round.
Reloading costs (approximate, based on 2024 prices, not including brass reuse or equipment investment):
- Bullet: $0.25 each
- Powder: 18 grains per round (1 pound = 7,000 grains; 1 lb of powder costs $40; 7,000/18 ≈ 389 rounds per pound; $40/389 ≈ $0.10 per round)
- Primer: $0.08 each
- Brass: usually reused; initial cost can be high ($1 each or more), but most reloaders reuse brass several times, so per-load cost usually drops below $0.10. We'll estimate $0.10 for brass wear.
Total per reloaded round:
Bullet $0.25 + Powder $0.10 + Primer $0.08 + Brass $0.10 = $0.53
Savings per round:
Factory = $2.00
Reloaded = $0.53
Savings = $2.00 - $0.53 = $1.47 per round
You save approximately $1.47 per round by reloading .221 Rem. Fireball compared to buying factory ammunition.
Technical Specifications
Safety Standard / Application
C.I.P. / Rifle Caliber
Most Suitable Bullet Weights
46 - 85 Grains
Case Capacity / Average Charge
22 Grains of Water / 13.6 Grains
Average Muzzle Velocity / Energy
2631 fps / 788 ft-lbf
Case Length / Max. C.O.L
1.397'' / 1.83''