[2] A shortened version of the .222 Remington, it is popular as a varmint and small predator round while also finding use among target shooters.

In the early 1960s Remington was working on an experimental bolt-action pistol based on their Model 600 action.

While production of XP-100 pistols chambered in .221 Fireball was eventually canceled after 1985,[3] Thompson Center Arms produced various single-shot pistols chambered for the .221 Fireball as part of their Contender and Encore models.

Rifles chambered for the .221 Fireball include the Remington 700 and the Ceska zbrojovka CZ 527.

Despite its smaller size, the .221 Fireball is capable of velocities nearly equal to that of the .222 Remington largely due to its higher SAAMI pressure.