I think perhaps one of the biggest thing with the 220 was the bad
reputation it got for burning out the barrels..But the barrels are
made with a better grade of steel now..How old is the one you
purchased? Even powders are of a different chemical compound
now days..As far as a varmit rifle goes,use it..I wish I had a kept
mine .Good luck with it..One other thing I think makes a big
difference it the bullet material used now..