.220 Swift rebarrel question

[40X Guy]

Time to rebarrel one of my Swifts, and am thinking of setting it up for 55-65 grain bullets only. I don't want to shoot heavy bullets in a 1 in 8 twist rifle. I still want that laser effect out to 400-450 yards. Should I go with a 1 in 12 twist instead of 1 in 14? :-\
I am thinking that would be optimum for my beloved Nosler 55 BT's and Hornady 60 grainers. The chamber is going to be set up for Norma brass right around a .254 Neck, and I will have to just clean up the necks slightly.

Thanks in advance
Frank

 

[1000yardstare]

My .220 Swift Rem VSSF has a 14 twist. Very accurate with lead-tipped 55 gr Seirra btsp but the groups open up with 55 VMax. The plastic-tipped 55s are about 1/10 inch longer and this seems to be the tipping point with the slower twist. When I rebarrel it will be with a 12 twist.

40X, there are exactly 1200 rounds down my Swift`s barrel. How many rounds in your Swift when you decided to rebarrel?

 

[40X Guy]

1000 yardstare, thanks for the response, Actually my one Swift that I want to rebarrel is a .220 Weatherby Rocket. I want to go back standard Swift with about a 28 inch tube. I have a minimum of 1500 rounds down factory tube, all full throttle loads too ;D but throat eroded almost .035 thousandths. Gun still shot well but I dont want to set the factory 26 inch barrel back.

Frank

 

[Preacher]

My money's on the 12 twist..........

 

[357Mag]

40X -

Howdy -

Some thoughts.....

Don't be afraid to try a 1-8 w/ 75 "A"-Max ( or the like ) for use on varmint all the way out to 1,000. I used this combo in a .224" calibre wildcat w/ a little less case capacity than the Swift, and I had great accuracy & power from a 1-8 28" barrel.

Another route.... go 1-12, and shoot Sierra .224"cal 65gr SPBTs.
I don't have a ballistics program myself, but common sense says the 65 would pull ahead of the 55s after 450yd; or so.

Newer heavy .224s are showing up, made w/ powdered cores. These would be devastating @ all ranges, provided one keeps an eye on available KE.
Nobody wants to see " crawlers ".

Best of luck in your endeavors !

Regards,
357Mag

 

[40X Guy]

357 Mag, thanks for your thoughtful post, I want to keep the laser effect and already ordered a 1 in 12 twist Krieger from Bruno last nite. I like your suggestion about the Sierra 65 SPBT's, which will probably extend the range over most of the 55 grain bullet class. I'll be studying the 60-65 grain class of bullets now.

Frank

 

[357Mag]

Frank -

Please check you PMs.

Regards,
357Mag

 

[BradY]

I have shot 69gr noslers from a a 22BRX at 3364fps, a 10 twist 27" tube. They shot like a laser and were pretty devastating on things with a bit thicker skin than the usual rabbits and foxes that I chase normally. I got it shortened to 23" to make it better handling in a vehicle and now its up for a rechamber. Doesnt leave much length but Im thinking going back to plain 22-250 and shooting 60gr bullets. The 60gr vmax didnt shoot very well for me in this barrel and its a shame the noslers have the seating ring on the bullet as they showed promise but just didnt quite get as good as I wanted.

 

[bozo699]

Time to rebarrel one of my Swifts, and am thinking of setting it up for 55-65 grain bullets only. I don't want to shoot heavy bullets in a 1 in 8 twist rifle. I still want that laser effect out to 400-450 yards. Should I go with a 1 in 12 twist instead of 1 in 14? :-\
I am thinking that would be optimum for my beloved Nosler 55 BT's and Hornady 60 grainers. The chamber is going to be set up for Norma brass right around a .254 Neck, and I will have to just clean up the necks slightly.


Thanks in advance
Frank

Frank,
I think if you are going to stick with 55gr bullets the 1:14 is fine if you intend to go 60gr or especially 65gr bullets you will have to go 1:12 or even 1:10 depending on bullet design. Best of luck to you.
Wayne.

 

[40X Guy]

I ordered a 1 in 12 Krieger HV profile, I should be able to shoot 55-65 grain pills well and I am going to have finished at 28 inches long and set it up with a .257 no turn neck for use with Norma brass which is miking at .254 with bullet seated. Still need to get reamer ordered and set up for 55-65 grain class. Any ideas on freebore on these bullets anyone? Or should I just have Kiff at PT&G build me a reamer with the info I furnish him?

Frank

 

[bozo699]

Still need to get reamer ordered and set up for 55-65 grain class. Any ideas on freebore on these bullets anyone? Or should I just have Kiff at PT&G build me a reamer with the info I furnish him?

Frank

Frank,
Good question I am getting ready a couple of 6brx or dasher's for my son and I and that is info I need as well .I guess I will have to wait and see what kind of reply's you get.

Wayne.

 

[1000yardstare]

I asked Kiff to cut me a 6mm Super LR reamer with a 107 SMK seated so the rear of the bearing surface is just above the donut. Also told him no-turn neck. Four weeks later received a perfect reamer.

The print may have already been on file but Kiff matched my request to the final product.