22-250 ackley vs 220 swift

[kochie]

which is the best way to go i am thinking about building a swift or 22-250 ackley am thinking about shooting 75 to 80 grainer need a 8 or 9 twist barrel i know you dont have to fireform the swift but which is the best way to go?

 

[scope eye]

I have both and they swift has they edge over they AI, respectfully.

Dean

 

[dkhunt14]

I think I would build a 22 or 6 BR. The six has way better downrange performance. Matt

 

[vlcakc]

Which one do you like? Ballistically they are twins, so there isn't that much difference in performance. Ackley in his Handbook suggests using Swift load data for the .22/250 AI, which is what I do. It is true that the Swift doesn't require fire forming, but my fire form loads for the AI are accurate enough for most purposes. Brass and die availability probably is better for the AI since the .22/250 is more popular than the Swift. Lapua brass is available for the AI, buy not the Swift. Either way you really can't lose. Flip a coin? Vic

 

[kochie]

Thanks guys i will have to say i think i am going with the swift how many gun mfg build them now?

 

[SBS]

I have both and the .22-250 AI rarely needs FL sizing (which also usually entails trimming), whereas the Swift with its sloping body and shoulder needs FL sizing and trimming often. If you enjoy FL sizing and trimming, the Swift wins hands down!

 

[22DASHER]

The 22-250 AI hands down. You hardly have to trim and you have way better brass options. Fireforming loads are as accurate as formed loads (for me anyways).

 

[jghoghunter]

Go with the swift improved or 220 weatherby rocket and you got the best of both worlds. No trimming and faster than the 22-250 imp. Norma makes swift brass. So that takes care of the quality brass problem. RCBS and I believe Redding both make dies for the swift imp. and RCBS makes for the weatherby rocket. The 4 or 5 swift imp. that I have worked with all of the the fire forming rounds were accurate enough to hunt with.

 

[22BRGUY]

I think I would build a 22 or 6 BR. The six has way better downrange performance. Matt

What he said +1

 

[xswanted]

I have both,

The Ackley is easier on brass.

Both are lots of fun!

 

[40X Guy]

Thanks guys i will have to say i think i am going with the swift how many gun mfg build them now?

You will have to have a custom rifle built in .220 Swift if wanting a fast twist rifle capable of shooting 75 grain bullets or heavier. Most factory offerings in Swift are 14 twist, and it may be tough to find any factory offerings used or new as the Swift is enjoying a revival lately in my opinion. I own a custom 13 twist Swift shooting 55 BT's at a mild 3,877 fps and my new Swift is an 8 twist Rock Creek barrel finished at 28 inches with muzzle brake on a maxed out 700 action. Its set up/throated for 75 A-Max and using N550 I am getting 3,605 fps. I can substitute RL-17 and speed goes up to 3,660 fps but accuracy goes down. If you need any help PM me and I can tell you more specifics. I've been a fan of the Swift for 25 years and love them!

Frank

 

[kochie]

Thanks 40 x guy i will get a holded of you if i need some info

 

[mikado463]

The Ackley is easier on brass.

i agree, having a .243 ackley , I feel it betters the standard .243 in that area as well.

 

[Witchhunter]

I had my Swift reamed to Ackley Improved and it solved the brass stretch of the original Swift. The fire forming loads are very accurate and it is very easy on brass too. If you are going AI why not go .220 Swift AI.

 

[Gary in MD]

Long live the Swift!
I just took delivery of what will be my second 220. It's a custom Cooper. I could have picked about any cartridge that I wanted. I picked the Swift.
Maybe not the fastest ever or most accurate, but plenty of both!
Gary

 

[kochie]

good info Gary

 

[Coolhand]

Couple of months ago I called my gunsmith and asked which to build 22/250 or .220 Swift ? Result, he is putting together a .220 Swift AI 40 Degree for me.
Pierce SA Repeater Action, Krieger 26"1:14 Barrel. So when I asked him why the .220 AI 40 his reply was " suppose I offered you the choice between an Shelby AC Cobra BIG BLOCK and a Shelby small block , which would you choose ?"
Probably not the basis for a sound debate but the rationale is if you are going to go for a 22/250 or 22/250 AI or a .220 Swift, why not go all out.Plus he has a new .220 AI reamer.
I have heard all the arguments for and against and thought what the hell why not take a walk on the wild side, I am a long time dead and this is not a rehearsal.

regards
Mike.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Couple of months ago I called my gunsmith and asked which to build 22/250 or .220 Swift ? Result, he is putting together a .220 Swift AI 40 Degree for me.
Pierce SA Repeater Action, Krieger 26"1:14 Barrel. So when I asked him why the .220 AI 40 his reply was " suppose I offered you the choice between an Shelby AC Cobra BIG BLOCK and a Shelby small block , which would you choose ?"
Probably not the basis for a sound debate but the rationale is if you are going to go for a 22/250 or 22/250 AI or a .220 Swift, why not go all out.Plus he has a new .220 AI reamer.
I have heard all the arguments for and against and thought what the hell why not take a walk on the wild side, I am a long time dead and this is not a rehearsal.

regards
Mike.

You should have built a .22x284 if you truly wanted a "big block"!

 

[SBS]

You should have built a .22x284 if you truly wanted a "big block"!
[/quote]

Naa, a bit overbore; maybe the .22-6mmAI -- now there's a nice well rounded cartridge and easier to neck down! (Buy your own reamer because you'll need it often!)

 

[snowpro440]

Cheetah works very well for me, surpasses all....a little time to form brass but what fun !