Better than either version of the great old .22-.250 or even the factory or "improved" Swift is the .220 Howell with an 8-inch twist (in an ordinary barrel) or a 9-inch twist (in a superior barrel) -- from which you can send 75-grain Hornady A-Maxes and 80-grain Sierras on their way at 3,500 to 3,600 ft/sec at moderate pressures, faster at higher pressures -- and lighter bullets faster still.
<br>
<br>But ignore the lighter bullets -- the 75- and 80-gr bullets with their higher ballistic coefficients retain their velocities better and shoot flatter. They're also going faster than the lighter bullets at ranges approaching and exceeding 200 yards.
<br>
<br>Form your cases from .25-06s or .270s necked-down and shortened to 2.400 inches and load 'em with Ramshot Magnum or IMR 7828 powder (loads in the neighborhood of fifty grains). You'll never again look back on the classic, proven, superb .22-.250s and .220 Swift with the same awe and longing. I have two .220 Howells and wouldn't mind having a third cluttering-up the place.
<br>
<br>For dimensions and factory-load ballistics, go to
http://www.hunting-rifles.com and play around with the buttons.
