221 FIREBALL vs. 222 REMINGTON

The 221 Fireball came into existence because the 222 Remington was not an excellent performer in pistol length barrels. That is why the XP100 was chambered in the 221. I owned a TC Contender barrel in 222 Remington waay back when. I won't say it was completely useless as a 10 inch pistol. But out of all the calibers I ever owned in my Contender collection. It was my least favorite. When Thompson brought the 222 as a carbine barrel. The difference was night and day. In the pistol variation, decent accuracy could be achieved but I never came up with a GREAT load. In the carbine form 21 inch barrel the opposite was true. It was difficult to come up with a bad load.

My take is the 221 is an excellent choice for rifle or pistol. The 222 Remington excellent choice for a rifle while adequate barely as a pistol.
 
Originally Posted By: crapshootDon't forget fireball brass can be made from 223 brass as well.

High Plains Brass sells .221 brass that they make from 5.56. I have tried a couple hundred rounds of it and it seems fine. $40 a hundred is a decent price these days too.
 
Originally Posted By: RePeteOriginally Posted By: PrusonOriginally Posted By: Texas Swifty Does the 221 have anything over on the 222 Remington besides using less powder?

No, no it doesn't. Nothing at all.

Agreed^^^^^^

The 221's cooler but the 222 has a history for accuracy that few cartridges can match.

Clearly the sensible answer is to own both.

A year after he passed, Charlie still provides very good advice.
 
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