.223 or .221 Fireball?

[Selmer]

I'm planning on getting a carbine barrel for my Encore (16.5") and I'm wondering which cartridge would be better in this length of barrel?  I've also tossed around the idea of a .22 PPC, but brass is so darn expensive, and I think the .22 BR would get into the area of outrageous muzzle blast.  Let me know what you all think, any info or personal experience is appreciated.
Selmer

[Questor]

I shoot the 221 and like it in my 10" contender barrel, but for a rifle, I would use the 223. It's more versatile and it's easier to get accurate loads for it. I had to try a lot of loads and bullets before my 221 shot well enough for prairie dog accuracy.  Light 223 loads overlap standard 221 loads, so you're not losing anything by using the 223.

[skb2706]

........definitely both. I have a carbine barrel for my Contender 16 1/2" in .221 that is wicked accurate out to 300yds. Easy to load for and will get around 3250 fps with a 40 gr. v max.
I had a .223 14" pistol barrel that shot well and you can't beat the price of ammo. If I recall the bullet speeds were nearly identical for my carbine .221 as my pistol length .223.

[BillP]

Sounds like cost is a factor so go with the 223.  Brass is cheep and it's an easy cartridge to reload.  If you are stuck buying factory ammo, it's easy to cum by and inexpensive.