220 swift newbie

[bullseyeshtr]

All,

This is my first 220 swift. I have always wanted one just never really found one in good shape. I was at a local gun action and came across this one. Its a 1976 Savage 112 J-series single shot that had never been fired and pretty much nib. The thing just shoots. Did a little bit of load work up with RL-17 and got 50gr Blitzkings going 4068fps under 1/2". Now to test it out on some coyotes. Also picked up the scope that is on it as well for a steal. Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40mm. Just thought I would share this old beauty.

 

[OKyote73]

You'll love that Swift, excellent coyote cartridge. May have to test a few different bullets if trying to save fur..... seems lighter bullets equals less exits but will encounter splash on marginal hits

 

[garandman]

That looked like a long action for a little bullet, so I googled 220 Swift (middle) .... almost as long as a 308 (right) vs. 223 (left) ...

 

[Beruisis]

I found an unfired 220 Swift NIB HB Ruger M77 recently. scoped it & starting to develop some loads also.
have fun.

 

[gman47564]

nice old rifle...

 

[1911nut]

Sweet rifle. You don’t have to load them smokin hot to shoot bug holes.

 

[Chuckhunter]

Have owned this one since 1973, it is on it's 3rd Barrel. All have shot crazy good, including the original factory barrel. I prefer 40 & 50 Grain pills. Barrels will last as long as any other if taken care of properly and allowed to cool. PD hunts are the kiss of death for them if you don't limit your shots and allow for cooling. One of the most enjoyable cartridges I have ever shot and trust me I have shot several. I also agree with 1911, you can shoot a moderate load and in most cases still be going faster than most top end loads in the 22-250, with bughole accuracy. Enjoy your purchase, take good care of it, I think you're going to really enjoy it.

 

[Barlow]

You will love your Swift, enjoy! Barlow

 

[jackson1]

For 40 plus years, I have enjoyed my 220 Swift. My second varmint rifle, bought with money from coyote pelts. Purchased used with a Weaver T10 scope. After the second or third loading the rounds became difficult to chamber, being cautious and new I did not fire it. Don't remember how I figured it out but I got myself a Marquart neck turning tool solving the problem. My Ruger 77 Varmint may have or had a tighter than normal neck or maybe the tapered Swift case caused the problem. Possibly some other Swift owners can shed some light on the issue. Just be careful and don't force any thing. Seeing Chuckhunter's rifle, maybe you had the same issue with the original barrel?

 

[1911nut]

....After the second or third loading the rounds became difficult to chamber, being cautious and new I did not fire it. Don't remember how I figured it out but I got myself a Marquart neck turning tool solving the problem. My Ruger 77 Varmint may have or had a tighter than normal neck or maybe the tapered Swift case caused the problem. Possibly some other Swift owners can shed some light on the issue. Just be careful and don't force any thing. Seeing Chuckhunter's rifle, maybe you had the same issue with the original barrel?

The SAAMI specs for the Swift chamber shows a neck of .261”. My experience with a 40X Swift confirms this. I have Hornady, Norma and Winchester brass, the Winchester has the thickest necks ~ .016”

So Winchester brass with a .224” bullet gives a loaded neck of .256”
My fired necks are ~.260-261”

I gave up on Hornady and Norma brass because the necks were so thin, I do a clean-up turn on Winchester brass and the gun shoots bug holes with a 55g Berger. The throat is super long, to get to touch length with the Berger the bullet is in the case less than .020”.

Yup, your Ruger must have a tighter than SAAMI neck. That’s a good thing, just fit the brass .

 

[bullseyeshtr]

Thanks guys. I just got it threaded for my gemtech. May open it up to a 220 Swift ackley this winter/spring.

 

[1911nut]

I’ll throw this out there-

Back in the 1940-50’s the 220 Wilson Arrow was called the benchrest version of the 220 Swift.

It was also called the 220 Wotkyns-Wilson Arrow.

30* shoulder, less body taper.

 

[Hammer]

The year the single-shot Savage 112V was introduced I ordered one immediately in 220 Swift. Still have it.

Soon afterwards got a Ruger 77V also in 220 Swift to go along with it.

Other Swifts have been added since.

Have three Dillon presses set up dedicated to the Swift.

 

[WyleWD]

You'll love that Swift for coyotes. I've shot a bunch with the Swift. And congrats as you're the first one I've seen post success with using R-17 with the Swift. I tried it but never finished load development on it. Can I ask how many grains you loaded with? And if you're uncomfortable posting it, could you PM me the load please?? Thanks! WD

 

[bullseyeshtr]

WD I sent you a PM on what I am doing with RL-17.

I got this rifle threaded for my Gemtech ONE a couple weeks ago and still hammers with the same load. Haven't found a yote with this rifle yet.

Garth

 

[WyleWD]

WD I sent you a PM on what I am doing with RL-17.

I got this rifle threaded for my Gemtech ONE a couple weeks ago and still hammers with the same load. Haven't found a yote with this rifle yet.

Garth

Thanks for that info. I'll be anxious to hear your experience with this thing on a coyote. JMHO, but the 220 Swift is THE ticket for a calling rifle on coyotes. The bullet you're using traveling at over 4000fps is going to create a WHOP like you've never heard before if you get a chest shot on it. WD