fisherprice1

I have narrowed my choises for a new varmint gun down to the 221 Fireball or 22-250. What are the pros and cons of both? Thanks, Greg

frizzellr

Well with the 22-250 you have arguably the best .22 caliber varmint cartridge ever developed. With the 221 Rem Fireball you have a good cartridge that is quickly on its way to obselesence.

propmahn

the .221 is losing popularity and you hardly ever hear anything about it. if you reload it will do you fine, especially if you buy a few thousand peices of brass now, then you will never run out. of course the 22-250 is a good cartridge that many people seem to like, and it is the choice if you dont reload

propmahn
save the world, reload your brass

Rem. 222

fisherprice1,
The Fireball definitely is not a good round if you don't reload. As far as losing popularity it has quite a cult following. Another one to think about is the .223 excellent ammo availibility and quite accurate. The 22-250 is a decent round, but it's not the best choice for volume shooting unless you reload.

Rem. 222

hornetguy

... I don't even put these two rounds in the same class... it would be like saying what's best for deer, the 30-30 or the 30-06... just two different classes of cartridge. Both have their place, but are radically different in their application... in my opinion.
The 22-250 is a great varmint cartridge...but it's LOUD.... you MUST wear ear protection when shooting it.. the 221 out of a rifle is basically a 222 Remington... milder, and not as good at extended ranges... but MUCH easier on your ears, and your barrel.

"Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness..those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Santayana