Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Predators and Varmints Tell me about the .220 Swift?

I am looking to add a second varmint/coyote rifle to my collection. I have a nice Savage FP10 in .223. Everyone I know has a .22-250 and I am just a little bit of a non-conformist! I was thinking about going with a .220 Swift. What can you tell me good/bad about this cartridge? I am just starting to reload, so any pros/cons from a reloading perspective would be appreciated also!<P>Thanks!

IOwahunter;I had a 220 swift in a 40xb that I lost to a home break-in. what an awsome rifle! It would shoot Speer 50 gr. TNT's at 3600 FPS With the lapped barrel it would shoot them into .5 or under at 100 yds. I once shot a Magpie at 200 yds. with this rifle,Looked like it ate a handgranade! feathers in a 10'circle! You won't find a deadlier cal. good shootin vbshootinrange..

The Swift is an obsolete cartridge. It is inefficient, poorly designed to compete with today's modern cartridges. However, somehow it is very accurate, and still velocity king of the commercial 22s. It is NOT difficult to load, as some have reported. It IS a sizzlin' bomb!!!<P>Go for it!<P>------------------<BR><I><B>Critr</B></I><BR> <A HREF="http://www.SaguaroSafaris.com" TARGET=_blank>www.SaguaroSafaris.com</A><BR> "Let's break out some Winchesters, boys." (Chisum)

My friend bought a Ruger No 1 in 220 swift. He never did get that gun dialed in. It shot descent, but was not as accurate as his other predator rigs. So he took it back to the local shop and exchanged it out for a rem 700 in 22-250. He has been much happier since the swap. <P>.22o swift is a fast rig.. But if you want a "diifferent" rig dont look past the 25-06. I load up some 75 grain Sierras at 3,900 fps. You can get up to 4,100 fps before showing signs of pressure. Whats nice about the 06 is its versatility. You could take it big game hunting as well. Load up some Barnes X Bullets and watch the deer, elk or Caribou drop like rocks. 25-06 is the most popular caliber for Caribou hunting in Canada.<P>Oh yeah the accuracy, in my Rem 700 BDL I can shoot five times at 100 yds and cover all shots with a quarter. If I went with a heavier bullet like a 87 or 100 grain, slowed it down a bit I could do better. Plus I dont do alot of bench shooting anyways. Prarie dogs are fun to shoot with that rig, just vaporizes them and sends them into a million pieces.<P>Chad

Last post,scared the SHEEET out of me!........

Don't want to start the '06 war but I'll quote my br gunsmith on the 25-06. "If its suitin' you, have fun, but there is a lot better stuff out there." The only swifts I were around were accurate but gee whiz did the cases stretch. If you are gonna reload, look at the 22-250 ackley or a Jaybird. If you just want an out of the box gun stay with the 22-250.

3900-4100 fps w/ a 75 gr hp in a .25-06 ? Well, at least you shoot a Remington rifle. Watch out for those warm days. E <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Arial" size="2">Originally posted by NM Kid:<BR><B>My friend bought a Ruger No 1 in 220 swift. He never did get that gun dialed in. It shot descent, but was not as accurate as his other predator rigs. So he took it back to the local shop and exchanged it out for a rem 700 in 22-250. He has been much happier since the swap. <P>.22o swift is a fast rig.. But if you want a "diifferent" rig dont look past the 25-06. I load up some 75 grain Sierras at 3,900 fps. You can get up to 4,100 fps before showing signs of pressure. Whats nice about the 06 is its versatility. You could take it big game hunting as well. Load up some Barnes X Bullets and watch the deer, elk or Caribou drop like rocks. 25-06 is the most popular caliber for Caribou hunting in Canada.<P>Oh yeah the accuracy, in my Rem 700 BDL I can shoot five times at 100 yds and cover all shots with a quarter. If I went with a heavier bullet like a 87 or 100 grain, slowed it down a bit I could do better. Plus I dont do alot of bench shooting anyways. Prarie dogs are fun to shoot with that rig, just vaporizes them and sends them into a million pieces.<P>Chad</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>

NM I don't want to step on any toes here and I'm not gonna tell you that your not getting 4100. But you reminded me of a Q I've had for a long time that no one would answer. What good is the velocity when you shoot a bullet that has the bc of a parachute? Most of the swift addicts fall into this catagory. Whatever bullet it takes to get to 4000 and that is fine for short ranges but just doesn't appeal to me. I think the swift works just not with a 40 gr bullet.

I have a neat little swift, a rebarreld Model 7. I do not handload for it, as the Hornady 50gr. Vmax and the 55 Trophy Bonded shoot within 1.25" of each other on the vertical plane. I have taken 1 mule deer, two blackbucks and one axis with the Trophy Bonded ( out to 266 yards even) and one coyote/ one magpie with the 50 Vmax so far. The ONLY problem I have with it is it's sensitivity to the wind. That is not a fault of the cartridge, it is what it is. I am playing with a 6mm/284 at present, and having a 6x47 built, but my Swift has proven itself "to me". I always heard that it is "no d---- good for deer, but four game animals did'nt know what hit them, not to mention the coyote or the "ball of feathers" Magpie! ha. I wouldn't want one all day shooting, but I don't do that kind of varminting anyhow. Good luck. Jim

I was looking through dads reload manuals. At 61 grains of powder in the 25-06 with a 75 grain bullet 4,000 fps is not a problem. At one time dad did load them that hot. He showed me the old brass and the pressure was really not that bad. Most people will load the 75 grain bullets to about 3,500-3,600 fps.<P>Bthorp I am surprised you think the 25-06 is a marginal weapon. I cant really think of a better varmint rifle. Lets look at velocity and foot lbs of kenetic energy. I would really like to see what ballistic tables you are looking at that makes this look like a poor performer. Stop by Posse country on the link below and tell those guys not to buy a 25-06 because there is better stuff out there.<P>Iowahunter,<P>The 22-250 holds about 95% of the powder capacity of a 220 swift. So they are very close. Did you happen to buy the rifle yet? If so how does it shoot? Good luck, <P>Chad<P><BR><A HREF="http://www.possecountry.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001880.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.possecountry.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001880.html</A>

iowahunter,<P>A non-conformist huh? Sounds familiar <P>If your looking to beat the 22-250's out there and the 220 Swift for that matter why not go "wildcat" and get yourself a 22 CHeetah MK 1? <P>A buddy of mine has 2 rifles chambered for the 22 CHeetah MK 1 and after I watched him kill woodchucks out beyond 600 yards with it, I was hooked. I had one built. You can push a 52gr berger bullet at 4200 plus FPS. Good on woodchucks or coyotes out past 600 yards, thats for sure. Load data is simple but working up the cases does take some time. To me the work is well worth it as the performance is nothing short of amazing. If your so inclined you can kill deer as well out to 400 yards. Obviously you want to take care placing your shots on deer but it drops em. Just something to think about. <P>Don

Thanks everyone for the great information!! Sorry I haven't posted a reply for a while but I have been on a job search since accepting a severance package from my previous employer in early Feb. Getting a new rifle is kind of my reward for finding another job, which I am deciding between several offers at this moment. DonKnows - I have always toyed with the idea of building a rifle in a wildcat caliber, and since I just bought an RCBS Master Reloader kit, this may be a more realistic proposition now. Where would I learn more about the 22 Cheetah? My main concern would be availability of brass, as time is precious and fireforming or otherwise creating my own brass would probably not be a workable proposition.<P>Thanks,<P>IowaHunter

Iowahunter, if your time is indeed limited, the Swift is the way to go. If you have just a "little" more time, and wildcat that only takes minimum work would do better, i.e., the 22/6mm remington for instance. Something that doesn't ake alot of work, and you can come up with an initial loading that works while you are 'forming" your brass. ( example, I shoot the 6mm 75 v-max in a necked down 284 case. It does take two pases one through a 6.5/284 die, then the 6mm/284 die ( or a trim die) and I get under .5" and about 3600 fps first firng. I then fully prep my "once fied" cases, and use the 95 Balistic tip over 54 grains R22 for close to 3500, still under .5". You could do something similar with several wildcats. OR, you can just use that money for Swift ammo or even 22-250 ammo, and still have a great time ( but go for the wildcat!) Good luck, Jim.

iowahunter,<P>As to where you can find "data" on the 22 CHeetah MK 1, I really don't know what to tell you there as I learned from "dave7mm". He already had the load data worked out and as to working up brass and availability of brass, thats not so bad. I use standard 243 brass and as far as I know that is available almost anywhere. It does take 2 neck sizings to get down to 22. I turn the necks as well because my barrel is reamed as a "tight neck" but you don't necessarily have to go with a "tight neck". As another poster already said: you can use the rifle as you fire form the cases. Of course the first thing you should do with any new rifle is break in the barrel. That alone will give you 20 fire formed cases. <P>Load data I now use - 43gr of 4064 behind a 52gr berger bullet. <P>Don

I've shot different Swifts for many years. It is hard to beat for all around varmint gun. It is fast, flat, and accurate. I shoot 39.5 gr. of 4320 with a 52 grain Berger bullet. It averages 3992 fps. My gun is Remington 40X with 2oz. trigger, 27 1/4 inch barrel, single shot with 24x Leupold target scope. Shoots .234 groups at 100 yards. Set up isn't real practical varmint gun with 2 oz. trigger, single shot, and no safety on gun, but for a pure shooter, it's hard to top. I love the swift. Have shot many other .224's and the swift is best. Have probably shot more groundhogs with 22.250 than any other gun, and it is great varmint caliber too, but "It's no Swift."

Good hunting,
Tim

Swift History:

Since its introduction in the Winchester Model 54 in 1935, the .220 Swift has been a favorite punching bag of those who seek to find fault with everything in life. First the Swift was put down by wildcatters who were envious of its performance and even today it is a favorite target of those who find it impossible to praise one cartridge without condemning another. Despite its unfair treatment, those who actually have experience with Winchester's big .220 consider it to be the finest factory loaded cartridge available for shooting varmints at extremely long ranges.

Inherently, the .220 Swift is extremely accurate. Recent testing of the cartridge loaded with custom benchrest quality bullets in a Remington 40X rifle produced 25-shot aggregates of less than .270-inch. Another 40X rifle in the same caliber with slightly over 3000 full power loads fired in its barrel averaged .344-inch for five, 5-shot groups with various powders. The key to enjoying long accuracy life with the Swift, or any other high velocity cartridge, is to choose a top quality barrel of modern steel; never subject it to a high rate of sustained fire, and the maintenance of its bore by proper cleaning.

Remington 40X, Ruger 77 and No. 1, and Ultra Light Arms Model 20 rifles are available in .220 Swift. The Swift is seen at its best when loaded with a good 55 grain spitzer at 3800 to 3900 fps. If you want less velocity, buy a .22-250 or .223.


My Swift Story:

The name says it all! SWIFT!!

4,400 fps with a 40 grain bullet!

4,300 fps with a 45 grain bullet!

4,200 fps with a 50 grain bullet!

4,100 fps with a 55 grain bullet!

4,000 fps with a 60 grain bullet!

And a new barrel every 250 rounds with any of the above!!

I played with all the above loads for quite a few years, thinking that faster was better. It was when I reached my "moderation days" that I finally decided that pushing a 50 grain bullet at around 3,900 fps inproved accuracy around 400%, and barrel life forever.

I tired several powders in hundreds of different loadings, and finally decided that in my Winchester, IMR-4064, at a weight of 38.7 grains did exactly what I wanted.

On paper it printed 5-shot groups at 200 yards of less than 1/2 inch, and on varmints, it was totally devistating out to 400 yards!

The .220 Swift Winchester has been inactive for a few years, since I do most of my small critter shooting with the .22-250 Remington. But on occasion, I still break it out, lay on the livingroom floor, and play "make-believe" ... I haven't missed a critter yet in my game. Even the one little prairie dog I "hit" at well over 1,000 yards ... grin ...

If you really want the ultimate .22 caliber, then get yourself a good heavy-barreled Swift, and put a good 36x Leupold scope on top of it.

My favorite Swift load:

Bullet: Sierra 50 Grain Spitzer
Powder: 38.7 grains of IMR-4064
Primer: Remington 9-1/2
Case: Winchester
Firearm: Winchester 70
Velocity: 3906 FPS @ 15' from muzzle

Someone went back a ways to dig this up.

If I were forced to have just one rifle, the 220 Swift is the one I would keep. It does every thing from ground squirrels to deer.

I've heard and read all manner of negitave press on the Swift. It's been pronounced dead several times. The Factories have tried to kill it off; They stop chambering rifles for it, they have tried to quit making ammo for it, but it just refuses to die. Who (or what) do you think keeps the Swift alive and with us in spite of all the bad press it gets? Savy hunters and shooters, that's who.

In my 30 year association with the 220 Swift I have never experienced any of the "problems" that the Swift is reported to have. It's a great cartridge.

...What good is the velocity when you shoot a bullet that has the bc of a parachute? Most of the swift addicts fall into this catagory. Whatever bullet it takes to get to 4000 and that is fine for short ranges but just doesn't appeal to me. I think the swift works just not with a 40 gr bullet."

Words of wisdom! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

And Steve Ricciardelli, your ode to the Swift was a pleasure to read as well. I agree with your choice of bullet, as this load will make the Swift very versatile indeed.

I don't own a 220 Swift, but I do recognize the cartridge's effectiveness, and have also marveled at its staying power.

Dan

If you really want to be different build you a 6mm-284 a hunting buddy of mine has one and it's lightning in a rifle stock. He shoots 70 grain ballistic tips at around 4000+. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I really have always liked the .220 Swift for varmints. While I have used the 243, 222 and even a 219 a little more I am back using the Swift again with my third one.

Back in the 50's there was a real vendetta against the Swift. Back then the 22-250 was not a factory round and the Swift had been one since the 30's and custom gunsmiths wanted to promote the 22-250 or Varminter as one promoter/smith named it. A gunwriter of the day named Bob Wallack was a supreme Swift enemy. He would dream up all sorts of stuff. I am not really sure Wallack ever had an orginal idea but he had a lexicon of Swift lies to repeat over and over.

Some of his lies were that necks thicken on Swifts and that the barrel life is shorter than other similar cartridges. These myths are repeated to this day right here in this thread.

Back in the 50's I was just in grade school and learning. I wanted a new M 70 Varmint rifle in .220 Swift. But Wallack intimdated me and I bought a 243 instead. Not a bad choice really and in a way it worked fine. But the barrel wore out and an old buddy of mine had a new M 70 Swift barrel and now it's on my same M 70 that I bought in 1957! Both cartridges are excellent ones but I favor the Swift as I could never see the bullet hit due to the 243's extra recoil. Also the Swift is safer on ricochets. I know now that there are 55 gr bullets for the 6mm's but they don't shoot in all 243's including mine.

Right now I have an excellent load for the Swift with the 50 gr Sierra Blitz King and RL 15. The velocity is an easy 4070 fps.