When I was deciding on either the 22 Hornet or 221 Fireball Encore barrel, I went with the Fireball. You can load it down to 22 Magnum or 22 LR levels with a <40 grain bullet and Unique, and those loads were surprisingly consistent and accurate. Don't remember how loud they were, but it would likely be quieter out of a 24" rifle barrel than my 12" handgun barrel.