220 swift-overkill?

pa257 · 12-09-2007, 02:37 PM

I'm looking into a predator set-up for NE Pa, where realistic shots will be under 300 yards. I have a couple of spots that would offer those distances and slightly beyond but I'm thinking mostly closer shots. I've never hunted coyote before but I'm under the impression they don't come as close as deer for shots?

Anyway, I love older calibers and don't care about availability of ammo but I'm thinking the 220 swift is meant for longer range hunting? Any problems shooting animals at closer range with this round (pelt wise that is)?Thanks.

DANTHEHUNTER · 12-09-2007, 04:20 PM

It just depends on your bullet selection.It is a great cartridge and you will injoy its capabilities.

Hairtrigger · 12-09-2007, 04:35 PM

I use a 220 Swift for woodchucks. Most shots are from 25 to 300 yards.
At times I use a 221 Fireball for the same with success so you could call the extra powder burnt and noise overkill

c j · 12-11-2007, 05:24 PM

IMO, the 220 swift does everything the other super-fast 'varmint' rounds (204, 22-250) do, only better. I wouldn't call it overkill at all.

Pawildman · 12-11-2007, 08:41 PM

I had a lot of trouble getting my Swift to repeat handloads consistently. Just drove me nuts. I think that someone else on here finally solved that problem with theirs.... DANTHEHUNTER, was that you? What did you end up with, I can't remember............???

DANTHEHUNTER · 12-12-2007, 07:02 AM

Yea I just kept working on my loads and finally ---- 40gr v-max ,43 gr H-414.I could get it to 4500fps but it shot like terrible.Mine is a ruger M77MKII target,had the trigger set at 2lbs,bolt trued,beded the action.Here is 12 shots at 100 yards from my bench

The Rifleman · 12-12-2007, 07:45 AM

I have a neighbor that shoots groundhogs all the time with his .220 Swift and one of my Uncle's owned a Model 70 - pre 64 Featherweight that he even tried to use for whitetail deer.

Most of the time, if you can see it, you can get it. But the first little twig in the path of the bullet and it is all over.

Barrel life is next to nothing and the shells were always hard to come by.

NORMA made them for years and they were more than $20 a box - 30 years ago where I live. Reloading is a very good option. I'm suprised that nobody figured out a load where they slowed it down and got the same performance and longer barrel life.

10 shot groups that you could cover with a dime at 100 yards was not uncommon for the rifle that my Uncle owned.

DANTHEHUNTER · 12-13-2007, 12:21 AM

Any bullet will deflect if hitting a twig.And I havent seen the barrel/throut erosin that everyone talks about on my swift,well its no worse then any 22-250,.223wssm ect.It is a old tell of rifles in the past that used mild steel for there barrels and is still talked about today.I really like mine and find it intresting that most .22 calibur rounds are compared to it when describing there round.

Hairtrigger · 12-13-2007, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Barrel life is next to nothing and the shells were always hard to come by.
.

I haven't heard that old wives tale in years!
I don't know what you consider nect to nothing but I have a Ruger M77 with tang safety that has over 2000 rounds through it and I have not seen the accuracy fall off yet.
You need to consider that the quality of metal in the barrels of today's guns is much better than what was used back when the Swift was new

ipscshooter · 12-13-2007, 08:01 AM

Hey Dan... What the heck kind of shooting is that? 12 shots, and only three in the x-ring? Adjust that scope buddy! Two clicks right.