I have a custom CZ 527 .221 Fireball that currently wears a heavy 24" barrel. The original owner built it for prairie dogs.
I love the rifle and the Fireball cartridge. My main use for the rifle will be coyotes and vermin here in MO, with most shots well under 300yds. I am considering shortening the barrel to 16"-18". It will be handier for my calling setups and since the Fireball was originally developed as a pistol cartridge, I don't feel like I'll be giving up much in performance. It might actually work out better for less pelt damage.
I do have other rifles for longer range work...not that I use the Fireball for long range...so that won't be an issue. What do you think about performance from a shorter barrel?
I love the rifle and the Fireball cartridge. My main use for the rifle will be coyotes and vermin here in MO, with most shots well under 300yds. I am considering shortening the barrel to 16"-18". It will be handier for my calling setups and since the Fireball was originally developed as a pistol cartridge, I don't feel like I'll be giving up much in performance. It might actually work out better for less pelt damage.
I do have other rifles for longer range work...not that I use the Fireball for long range...so that won't be an issue. What do you think about performance from a shorter barrel?
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