220 jaybird

[maddysdad]

has any one or is any one shooting this .i understand its a great groundhog cartrige out to longer ranges.

 

[DaveTooley]

You probably have researched the origins of that round and the work involved to bring it online. There are easier ways to get the same performance. 22-243 AI, 22 Creedmoor. You get the idea. First figure out reloading dies then get a reamer. A 22-243 Middlested is another option. I have a reamer for that. Barrel life will be counted in a few hundreds rather thousands.
Personally I prefer a good 6MM with midweight bullets out to 700 yds. At altitude even further.
Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go?

 

[Knotwild]

I had one in a sporting heavy varmint format and used it in the upper limits with 55’s. Chronographs weren’t commonly used then, but it had to be in the 3900 to 4100k range because the proper conditions would only give a puff of smoke with Sierra Matchkings. A long portion of the throat was gone in the Hart barrel at about 300 rounds. That’s no typo - 300, but it was very accurate. I had it set back and gave it to a plantation manager to grease the wheels for some hunting, which I never got so it was a lose lose gun for me. Making brass was a pain turning necks but about 40 pieces did a number on that barrel with no trimming. I would never own another. If I went with it and was rich I would have it built with 3 barrels with shanks big enough for setback.

I like Dave’s opinion.

 

[maddysdad]

ok...thanks...i will go with th another round...thoughts on a 6mm one to reach out there .was looking for one maybe to 500 yards.

 

[AlNyhus]

At some point, more isn't more...it's less. Things have evolved since the days of the Jaybird/Catbird cartridges. Great brass, easily available brass, etc. All the stuff that makes a project worth doing.

The 22 Creedmoor is basically the 22-250 Ackley but with a 30 degree shoulder. A well built one will give 1/4" groups at 3,800 with the 52-55 gr bullets. A good combo for chucks would be a 10-12 twist and the 53 VMax.

The 243 Ackley would be the 6MM choice, for me. The Nosler 70 gr BTip is pretty impressive at 3,800!

 

[Knotwild]

I observed some ground hog hits at around 400yds with one (range finders also weren’t common). It looked like you shot a can of red spray paint through the spotting scope.

 

[DaveTooley]

Like Al suggested 243 AI for me. Good brass. I think I have 3 different reamers

 

[Carl S]

The standard 220 swift pushes on significantly with projectiles on the light side.and you don't have to do anything spectacular with the brass.it will reach right out on those long shots and is hard hitting.other options,if you want to improve the brass.but nothing in life is free.more speed less barrel life,brass,etc.lots of options already mentioned that will do the job.

 

[Stormbringer]

I have a 6x47. I can push 87-105 at velocities that eclipse the 243 and are on the heels of the AI. A better case IMHO with the small primer pocket and excellent Lapua brass.