My uncle was telling me about a cartridge that he loves for shooting prarie dogs and deer for head shots only (he has a farm and can take game all year long). The cartridge that he was telling me about is the .220 swift. He was telling me that it has very little drop out to extremely long distances.
Does anyone on the board have any experience with this cartridge?
How loud is it compared to a .223, .22 or .308? Can it be shot without hearing protection?
Are there other cartridges in the same class that should be considered (with comparable flat tragectory, energy and noise)?
How available is the ammo?
Are there a lot of rifle manufacturers out there that make rifles for the 220 swift?
Thanks
Tom
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I had a Remington 220 Swift - sold it. I never could find an accurate load for it - the most fun I had with it was getting big numbers out of the chronograph. Barrel wear is something to be considered with a round that is pushing bullets as fast as the swift will.
I have one in a ruger mkll and love it . It is very accurate and fun to shoot . It has been the most compared to round in varmit hunting . I dont think it is a very good deer round. It could kill deer but its not ment for that reason . It is how ever my chose of varmit rounds . One of the oldest around . Please dont let any of the old stories about it being a barrel burner bother you . If it is a burner then so is the .22-250 ,.223 wssm, .204 ruger, and so on . Hornady v- max 40 gr. factory loads are stated at 4200 fps thats moving on. Great rifle and great cartridge .
The 220 Swift is a relatively old cartridge, so ammo can be a little harder to find. It shoots a .224 caliber bullet (same as a .223), just has more powder behind it. I would group the 220 Swift in about the same category as the .222, .223, .223WSSM, and 22-250. They are all excellent varmint rifles, but some states don't allow them for deer. I hunt with my .223 (legal here in Texas), and it is deadly on neck shots at close ranges. However, for a dual purpose rifle, a .243 or 25-06 would probably be a better choice. Factory .22 cal ammo is usually limited to varmint bullets. The larger .243 and 25-06 ammo is readily available in deer and varmint loadings. Winchester has come out with .243WSSM and 25WSSM rifles that are shortened versions of these cartridges.
Hearing protection is a must on nearly any centerfire, and a 220 Swift is no exception. I don't know how many make 220 Swift rifles, but nearly all manufacturers make rifles in comperable calibers. The rifles did have a reputation as barrel burners, but I think most newer rifles shouldn't have that problem.
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interesting comments on the 220 Swift. I own one and love it. It is similar to the 30'06 in that everyone seems to compare their caliber (big or little)to these 2 calibers. The 220 shoots flatter and faster than any of the other 22 cal rifles but had a reputation for burning barrels. This is a total fabrication. If you want the truth.....just look at the manuals and make up your own mind. I consider the 220 swift as the primere varmiteer. Not a deer rifle...don't know who makes 'um right now. If you want a combination varmit and deer rifle....buy a .243.
A buddy of mine got a Savage .220 Swift, (this Savage http://www.savagearms.com/12bvsss.htm ) about a year ago. Man what a shooter, right out of the box. It shot so good out of the box, that he has yet let me "accurize" it.
Anyway, I worked up a load for him, with the Nosler 50gr Ballistic Tips. I got velocities over 4,200 FPS and 3/8" groups, but it was hard on the brass, swelling the primer pockets and splitting necks. This was during the initial barrel break in period. I suggested to him that we back off the load some to save the wear and tear on the brass. Found a load that is still good for 4,127 FPS, still getting 1/4" groups, and the brass is lasting longer.
As far as muzzle report, it is louder than a .223 but not quite as loud as a .308, IMO. The .220 will do anything the .223, 22-250, or the .204 will do, then some. Very flat shooting out to 300 plus yards. Ammo may be some what hard to find for the Swift, but not difficult. The Swift like almost all the 22 cals are not the best choice for deer hunting. Not saying that they won't kill a deer, but bullet selection and design are better suited for varmints rather than medium to big game.
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220 Swift
) one in a Rem 40-X, and sold it. Made a decision not to sell any more guns after that one...LOL
