swiftone

I have just boght a Ruger M77 MarkII target in the .220 swift. It has floated heavy barrel and a Timley trigger. I have always had a special interest in older calibers. I was wondering if anyone has a suggestion on which factory loads to try and a recipe for a reload. I do not relosad, but I have someone that may. I was going to use this for coyotes and ground hogs. Scope will be here soon. Thanks.

Roskoe

I have been using the .200 Swift for over 30 years and consider it to be one of the premier classic varmint rounds. It does have its little quirks, though. You don't want to try to load it to its maximum pressure, unless you are willing to trim a bunch of brass off the neck every shot. The case has a lot of body taper and a gently sloping shoulder - bad combination for case growth at higher pressures.

Load it to the .22-250 level of performance - around 3700 with a 55 grain bullet - case life should be good and accuracy as well. I have used IMR 4064 in conjunction with the Sierra 55 grain Blitzking bullet in the past - great varmint load in my Remington.

Jeep4x4

The .220 Swift is the king of varmint cartridges. Speed, Power, Accuracy...it has it all.

Roskoe

I used to think so too . . . . but the real king of the .22 centerfires, IMO, is the .22-250 Ackley Improved. You can reach 4K with a 55 grain bullet. Accuracy is excellent - one that I own with a Hart 1:14 barrel will consistently shoot 1/4". And best of all - brass life is great. No need to trim cases. They shrink when you fire form the brass and then pretty much just stay there. Particularly if you load a grain or so below maximum. Loading them to 3900 with a 55 grain bullet, I have gotten 21 reloads out of a lot of brass - and never had to trim them!

Swift is a great cartridge - and was definitely ahead of its time - but P.O. Ackley built a better mousetrap.

DANTHEHUNTER

Swiftone I have that same rifle. It has had a trigger job but thats it . I love to shoot long range so I gave it a try and it has been the most accurate rifle I have ever owned. Before I reloaded I used Hornady 40gr v-max at 4200 fps it gets there plenty fast on coyotes and groundhogs. It has been around for along time and is fun to shoot. Good luck

BigJim37

I have a Remington VSSF in 220 swift and it loves Hornady moly coated 40 gr. V-Max loads at 4200 fps. with sub 1/2" groups.

James B

The 22-250 AI does all the parent case can do, all the 220 swift can do with no case problems and better barrel life. Of all the AI's I think the 22-250 was the best move. This is an easy convert for the 22-250 and well worth the small cost. It will pay for itself in longer case life. I am having a second one done soon.

48thguns

Excellent choice. I've got a 220 swift, HVA Mauser action, Shilen barrel, Traister trigger and safety, Boyds midnight ria stock. I shoot the 50 gr Hornady vmax with 38.2gr IMR4064, 4060'/SEC. If you have a 1 in 14 twist, the 50 grainers will behave out to 450 yards. Great fun...regards , Rick.