22-250 vs 220 swift vs 22-250 Ackley for large varmits, deer

[40X Guy]

As per the OP's 3 calibers listed and as already mentioned, any of these calibers will do the job on large varmints or deer. I hunted deer with a .220 Swift 700 BDL Classic for 2 years using my chuck loads out of my other Heavy barrel Swift which used Nosler 55 BT's, shot 3 deer with that rifle and they all did not run at all, (neck or head shots). So you can't go wrong with any of these very cool calibers. As also mentioned, having total confidence in your shooting abilities, equipment, shot placement and hand loads goes a long way towards getting it done.

Frank

 

[eww1350]

Boggs...in our part of the country we have a long distance fun shoot out to 800 yds...the shooters are using F-Class rifles fitted with fast twist 22 caliber barrels...and the 22-250 AI is popular, but the accuracy node for the 82-90 Berger bullets are right on 3,150 fps...any faster and they loose the guilt edge (1/4 minute accuracy). I have found that the standard 22-250 is just about perfect with a healthy dose of Reloader-15 to be great for hitting the 3,150 node...and you don't have to mess with the fireforming...Lapua makes the best brass... the next most popular is the 22BR but it can only push the 90 grain Bergers about 2,900fps...forget the Swift..it is a nightmare to get it to shoot worth a crap...

Eddie in Texas

 

[40X Guy]

Eddie, I don't know why you are saying the Swift is hard to get to shoot well, I have been a Swift fan for going on 30 years and it is still my go to caliber when it has to be done with a .22 cal. Not trying to start anything, but i have a hard time believing your statement after my experience with them. Factory or custom the Swift is a heck of a cartridge and still has a loyal following, and i will continue to ensure it does not die an untimely death. I am still contemplating building another .220 Weatherby Rocket with a 8 twist and launch some 75-80 grainers just for a play toy. I have hunted with, owned or shot all 3 of the cartridges mentioned in this thread and the Swift just plain flat out kills quicker and is just as accurate as the 22-250 and AI version. i subscribe to the ole adage "speed kills" and i have worn out a few Swift barrels, but it sure is fun.
Frank

 

[6.5 shooter]

I agree with 40x guy, the swift is an amazingly accurate cartridge and it is very easy to load for to make accurate.
It is a seriously underrated cartridge and one that has been forgotten about due to bad press it got about wearing barrels.
Ifyou want performance from a .22 in a factory chambering look no further.


Garry

 

[coonass1]

Hi Bill,
I've been shooting a Ruger 77 target model in 220 swift for 15 years. I've always found the hotter the loads, the better accuracy it gave(1/2 in. groups consistantly). To date, at least 4-5 thousand rounds through it. I just clean it very ,very well. Prairie dogs at 500yds., deer and hogs at shorter range are no problem. It is my favorite or 11 rifles. There is one for sale now on Gunbroker.com.
Good shooting, Lou.

 

[cb1229]

All good rounds but I'm re barreling my 220 12twist to a 7twist and see how it does with 80gr should shoot along ways hoping to try it at 1k might even try 90gr vld

 

[Juma]

All three mentioned are great cartridges. I would like to add that the fastest factory 22 caliber is the 223 WSSM.

Use the WSSM 223 here in NZ with 62 gr Barnes but shifting to 63 gr Sierra. Has that little reach out ability and packs a punch. We shoot most of our deer with the 223 using 53 gr Sierra and 64 gr PMC [heresy some will say but head and neck shot deer do not run away.] They criticise the WSSM as a barrel burner but what about the huge magnums. Hell you change tyres on cars don't you.Jon Williams a meat shooter in the NZ hunting boom of the 70s used a 22-250 exclusively.