.220 Swift project

[TRECustom]

I have a chance to pick up a Lilja .22 cal turn in 12 stainless fluted barrel in a Sendero contour. Thinking about chambering it in .22 Swift.

Questions: Is the Swift capable of 1/2 moa or better? What are some good loads for a 12 twist barrel? Is 25" or 26" length better? What's the best brass?

I have no experience with this cartridge, and appreciate any help.

Thanks, Tom

 

[BoydAllen]

I have a Swift, that I like. It is a single shot Savage and easily beats 1/2 MOA. As much as I like it, if I was planning a new project, I think that I would look into a more squared off case. For the same capacity, I might think about a 22-250 AI. I shot a friend's once that was really impressive. As far as hints go, I would suggest close attention to reamer design, and closely matching chamber to FL die.

 

[357Mag]

Tre -

Please check your Private messages.

Regards,
357Mag

 

[Preacher]

The Swift will shoot but if it were me I would use a 22BR reamer on the Lilja barrel and have more fun than's allowed.. I don't care for a case with a rim on it in a bolt gun.

 

[CT10ring]

Tom, I have a Cooper Phoenix in 220 swift, single shot. It is highly accurate. 3/8" -5 shot group @ 100 yds. 1/14 twist, 26" med heavy barrel. I have used Varget & 50g V-max moly bullets with good results to 350-400 yds. It is one of my favorite PD rifles-
hope this helps.

 

[Boatanchor]

the 220 swift is the most unique cartridge that I have ever dealt with, every one that I have owned has liked a different combination of bullet,powder and primer but the only consistant component that has shined in every one is Norma brass.
My current 220 swift loves 55gr. NBT's with 41.5gr Win760 and a fed210m primer, and Norma brass at 3880fps.
B

 

[TRECustom]

This is good stuff. Thanks to all.

Tom

 

[6BR]

I too, would recommend the 22BR. Same velocity with better way better accuracy.

 

[udiablo]

I shot my first Swift over 40 years ago, and it is inherently accurate. A well built Swift can shoot right among the best of 'em. It just uses more powder, and develops more velocity than most of the other .22 cartridges.

Incidentally, I don't have a 22BR or a 22PPC anymore, but I still have more than one Swift,and .22-250AIs).

The .22-250AI is a ballistic twin to the Swift, but its' improved case shoulder angle reduces the tendency for case stretching/thinning after several reloadings.

The smaller .22s are good cartridges, but why drive a volkswagen when you can drive a viper?

For powders, consider RL15, IMR4064, IMR3031, and VVN140.

 

[TRECustom]

A couple of reasons for picking the Swift are that I have access to a reamer, and the action is a std length commercial Mauser. I tried the Swift case and it feeds perfectly out of the magazine. I don't have a PPC or BR case to try, but I expect they would not feed well. I have access to a .223 WSSM reamer and brass also, but that case did not feed for spit.

Ct and Boat, thanks for the specifics.

Udiablo, I have always liked 4064 and will probably start out with it. Thanks for the tip.

Thanks again to all. It's making it easier to find a starting place. Since I started this thread, a friend who saw it emailed me a 3 shot target out of his .220 that is probably under 1/10 " with factory Hornady 40gr ammo. He has a 3 groove 1 in 15 twist Lilja barrel. So much for the question of accuracy potential.

Good shooting, Tom

 

[BradY]

Two words

22 Dasher

 

[TRECustom]

The stock came in today for this project. I ordered a Boyd's thumbhole vented beavertail varminter in Applejack,a gaudy red and gray) from StockysStocks.com. He had it in inventory and got it to me UPS ground in 4 working days. That's service.

I now have all the pieces, just need the time.

Thanks to all for the info and advice. Tom