I'm trying to decide between these two calibers. I don't handload and the Federal ammuntion catalog shows me only 2 offerings for the .220 Swift. However, those 2 offerings outperform pretty much any 22-250 load....though not by much. The best 220 Swift drops 27 inches at 500 yards, the best 22-250 drops 28.8. Nota big difference in velocity either. Also, 22-250 retains more energy at longer range due to heavier bullets.
One mark against the 220 is that it isn't offered in many production rifles and most of them are rather spendy save for the Ruger etc.
What do you guys think?
Do you have a rifle in 220 or 22-250? Which one and how does it perform?
Thanks in advance.
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Remington 700p LTR .308, Leupold Mark 4 Tactical PR, DPMS Tactical AR-15 sling, Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr., Federal High Energy 180 gr.
i dont have much expieriance with either round but i would go with the 22-250 because you can get many different types of ammo and all the gun makers make them it also depends on what you r using it for myself i like the .223 for the fact you can shoot it and it doesnt cost as much and i live in iowa so for coyote hunting here 200 yards is plenty and if you want to go farther it will
Have had 2 different rifles in 220 swift. First had a ruger model 77v bought it in '78 fantastic shooting rifle. Had a handloaded load that group 1/2 in at 100yd, under 3 in at 300yd. Should have never sold that rifle. Second rifle is a Rem 700 with heavy fluted barrel shoots good but not like the ruger did.
For what its worth that ruger loved 52 hpbt match sierras with H380 spheric powder-3800fps.
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I have owned a couple swift's and loved them. But now I own a 250 because I no longer load my own. You have a much better selection of off the shelf ammo in 22-250 than you could ever dream of with the swift. Good luck
Over the years i've owned several of each, and if i was makeing the choise today, i'd take the 22-250. The Swift will cost you a lot more to own in many ways, as Swift ammo cost more. (even if you reload) Also, you have more choises in guns with the 22-250....
In this case the performance difference isn't worth considering...
it depends a bit on your usage, too. the swift has made a bit of a come back recently, but mainly in varmint weight rigs. it might be difficult to find many sporters in .220 . but virtually everyone chambers the 22/250 in a light weight model.
and if you think a 2 inch drop difference at 500 yards is critical, i'd love to know what your shooting at!!
the swift is a bigger case, burns more powder, brass is not as common and factory loadings are limited. both will see a barrel past peak accuracy by about 2000 rounds. ( early on, it had a bad reputation for burning throats, did the swift. but if you clean the rifle like you should, it won't be much worse than the 250).
personally, of the two, i wentfor the 22/250, just because of a broader choice of ammo and rifles. although i'd still like a No1 in .220 at some stage.
If you're not hand loading, the 22-250 is best because of commercial ammunition availability. Even with hand loading, the 220 Swift doesn't have any advantages over the 22-250.
What???? Hey Ranger do you own a 220 Swift? These are varmit rifles and the Swifty is 200'/sec faster that the 22-250 with the 50 to 55 gr bullets. If you are a reloader, the Swift has no peer....none .....nada period. It's like comparing the 30'06 with most other cartridges.......the Swift is just superior. Regards, Rick.
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ORIGINAL: ranger140892
If you're not hand loading, the 22-250 is best because of commercial ammunition availability. Even with hand loading, the 220 Swift doesn't have any advantages over the 22-250.
.22-250 vs. .220 Swift
